school in the early 1920s. The nuns used the pools for nature sketching, and built a large grotto (still standing) to hold a statue of Our Lady. The convent is now the site of an old people's home. The pools at the far southern end of the contemporary park are called the "Convent Pools", and are being repaired and restocked with the aid of various grants. Friends of Hartshill Park group In 1999 the Friends of Hartshill Park group was formed. The friends have accessed small grants to repair paths, create new habitats, and plant trees. References Areas of Stoke-on-Trent Local nature reserves in Staffordshire