Walk of Stars!

Ashmore Park is a great community, and Ashmore Parker’s are great folk! The estate has always fostered good sportsmen and women. But not everyone is aware that the estate has nurtured other great talents also.

I lived on Ashmore Park in the early part of my life and my sister Eileen still does. I went to school on the estate and I have had the great fortune to be involved in every day estate life, for decades.
One of my constituents Ian Eastaugh tapped out a message on my Face Book Page suggesting we had a roll of honour for ‘famous Ashmore Parker’s! I thought it was a great idea, I knew about the decent amateur footballers that the estate produced like Brian Blower and Arthur (Archie) Richards, Steve Williams and his brother professional footballer Gary Williams, and Sean O’Driscoll. But what other Ashmore Parker had become ‘famous in their field’!
I decided to turn to the World Wide Web. It is a wonderful tool, I asked through my Face Book page for Ashmore Parkers, to tell me who they thought should be recognised in some public way! Here is a list of names and professions that people feel are worthy of consideration! Its breadth will blow you away. Here are the names of people who have been offered, but not in any particular order -
• Professor David Rayson – Artist - London Royal College of Art. David was appointed Professor and Head of Painting at the Royal College of Art in 2006. He is a practising artist, tutor and curator and his work has been exhibited widely in the UK and internationally. His work is included in major collections held by the Tate, Whitechapel Art Gallery, the British Council, Deutsche Bank, Rubell Family Collection, The Open University and The Contemporary Art Society.
• Tony Milovsorov –Athlete run for Tipton Harriers lived and went to school on Ashmore Park, he took part in World Cross Country Championships..
• Sean O'Driscoll- Footballer, and one of the best known Football Manager’s in the UK
• Karl Henry who played football for the Stoke, Wolves and QPR. He lived in Ashmore Park and went to St Alban's School.
• Gary Williams Aston Villa footballer & brother of Steve Williams who played for Walsall
• Barrie Gower- Went to coppice, Barrie has been involved with many productions for both TV and Film including the Harry Potter series and most recently HBO's Game of Thrones. He also contributed to Academy award winning makeups for The Wolfman and The Iron Lady.
• Roger Ellis World Cycle Speedway Champion - Wednesfield Aces home Ashmore Park!
• Willard Wigan MBE a sculptor- Known for his miniature sculptures, fabulous eye!
• Adrian Anslow - fell during an attack on the Atlantic Conveyor. His family received an Elizabeth Cross medal in his honour,
• Beatrice Cattermole legendary Head Teacher – Influenced hundreds of Ashmore Parkers and was held in great esteem
• Terry Green teacher- Fund raiser and Local Choir Master
• Nigel Garton West End Actor,stage and character actor
• Ian Mason- died serving his Country
• Annie Wildey – International Artist now living in New York
I have had an informal talk with Wolverhampton Homes. I have asked them if they would consider placing a ‘Walk of Stars’ along the shopping parades. Not only would the Star’s gain some local recognition. I believe it would help the trading situations of the shops, as it would raise awareness and lead to visits from others onto the shopping parade. Clearly it would need to be administered properly, but that could be done through a ‘special recognition body’, that had representation from Wolverhampton Homes, the Shops, and of course our own community.
I am keen to get formal negotiations going, but in the meantime would be pleased to continue to receive nominations from the public.

Latest information is Ken Rock an Ashmore Parker who is a script writer the stars- which includes Ken Dodd, Dave Allen, Dick Emery, News Huddlines, The Grumbleweeds, Kenny Everett, Russ Abbot, Joan Rivers, Brian Conley and The Two Ronnies! Wonderful just wonderful!