Doreen Badger

'Fond Memories'

Beale Park Wildlife Park and Gardens has developed substantially since its formation in 1956. Over the years the Park has been home to a unique collection of animals and a beautiful array of plants and flowers.

Prior to its formation in 1956, the Park, owned by Gilbert Beale, was used mostly as private farmland.

Doreen Badger, who was daughter of one of the arable farmers, lived with her family within the grounds of the Park at Church Farm and remembers her time with great affection. She says "Every morning Mr.Beale would blow a whistle for us to go out and put up a flag representing 'Grow More Food' and then again to take it down in the evening". At the time, World War II was in full swing and it was a time when rationing was in place. Doreen adds, "Gilbert Beale was very keen to encourage people to grow their own food at a time when it was in very short supply."

Doreen continues, "Myself and my brother and sisters were very happy while we were at Church Farm and had many adventures, despite the War being on. Many of them were with evacuees who stayed with us. We would often go for long walks on the Chilterns. We loved it."

Doreen has many fond memories of her time at Church Farm, having spent five years of her life at the Park with her brothers and sisters, before leaving in 1945 when the farmland moved from arable to dairy farming.

Having recently returned to Beale Park with members of her family for the first time since 1945, she enjoyed reminiscing and visiting the unique collection of animals that are now homed at the Park. Doreen adds, "The meerkats were my favourite!"

We would welcome hearing of any other fond memories of the Park, both past and present. Please email us your stories to jane.chapman@bealepark.co.uk.