April 2018 - Friends of Brockwell Park

Exercise machines in the park

Posted on April 27, 2018 by Madeleine

At our last committee meeting in April, we discussed the possibility of introducing exercise machines suitable for the over-50s into the park. The idea is that they would be placed on the hard surface exercise platform next to the Lido (where the old changing rooms used to be). We would love to hear your thoughts on this proposal (still at its earliest phase). Do you think this is a good idea? Would you use them? Do you have any advice on the subject? Please leave your comments in the section below this post. Thank you.

Update on Field Day event opposition

Posted on April 27, 2018 by Madeleine

Quick update on our recent activities around the Field Day/Mighty Hoopla event in June. At the Brockwell Park Community Partners open meeting on 25 March, we stated our total opposition to the event. We were also represented at the Mediation Meeting and the Licensing Committee Meeting for the event. Our views were put clearly, according to the categories in the criteria.

Early thanks for the bird song

Posted on April 27, 2018 by Madeleine

Thank you to the 35 enthusiastic bird watchers and early risers who joined us for our Dawn Bird Walk on Sunday March 15th. We identified 31 species of birds and had a fantastic ramble around the park in the process. Thanks go out also to the leaders of the walk, Czech Conroy and Graeme Hutchinson, two members of this RSPB group’s Executive Committee. Also to FoBP organiser, Antonia Gross. Take a look at our events list either on Facebook or here on our website for other happenings (not all of those at 6am).

FoBP press release about Field Day licensing go-ahead

Posted on April 12, 2018 by Madeleine

PRESS RELEASE 4 APRIL 2018

Friends of Brockwell Park deplores licensing go-ahead for Field Day event

Independent parks charity, the Friends of Brockwell Park (FOBP), deplores the decision by the London Borough of Lambeth’s Licensing Committee to grant a licence to Field Day/Mighty Hoopla to hold a massive, gated event in Brockwell Park this 1-3 June 2018. Lambeth’s decision comes despite a prolonged local campaign, in which FOBP played a prominent role.

FOBP chair Peter Bradley said: ‘This is absolutely the wrong decision. The intimate spaces of Brockwell Park are wholly unsuitable for events on this scale. Thousands of local people have made clear their objection and it is extremely depressing that the Council has not listened to us.

‘Because of government financial pressures, times are tight for local councils and we are afraid it appears that money has talked: this is an event that will bring £500,000 to Lambeth’s funds, although not a penny of that £500,000 will go to the Park that is generating the revenue.

‘This is a dreadful day for Lambeth parks. Use of them for events on this scale is a perversion of their purpose to be a haven of peace and relaxation for local people of all ages. They should not be an opportunity for private companies to make millions of pounds for their directors and shareholders, at the expense of local people and our beloved park. FOBP strongly hopes the London Borough of Lambeth will do a thorough review of its present events strategy, which is clearly not fit for purpose.’

Thank you to perimeter fence volunteers

Posted on April 7, 2018April 7, 2018 by Madeleine

You could spy toiling hedge-layers working on the perimeter fence in Brockwell Park recently. Thank you to everyone who helped dig, plant and trim our environmentally friendly fence, which will be a haven for local wildlife. Do admire their handiwork if you are walking up from the playground, just before the Cressingham Gardens Estate.