In April 1931, MR.J Mayglothling, a well-known Non-conformist local preacher, then 82, making a speech which was reported in Berrow's Worcester Journal, said.....
'I remember Sansome Walk before the Arboretum was made, when the stumps of the elms, which told of the fine avenue formerly existing, were left for seats, round which children played. Iron gates stood at the entrance to the Walk, and wooden gates stood at the top of Chestnut Walk. Fields ran to the Canal from the Walk giving quite a country aspect. I think of the folly of the City refusing Earl Dudley's generous offer to present the Arboretum to the City, if they would accept the responsibility of keeping it going. These foolish people deprived us of one of the most beautiful pleasure grounds in the country'