Category Archives: Events

Events

QUIZ NIGHT BACK at Shrewsbury House

Friday 31 May 6.45pm for 7pm

All proceeds to benefit Shrewsbury Park.

Our amazing Quizmasters, Geoff and Dee will ask some suitably tricky questions, and we even see the return of the charades round by the Improvshrews!

Come and join us – bring your family, friends or anyone with a quizzer brain and have a barrel of laughs – you won’t regret it

Open Bar with snacks available in the House

At just £8 per person, it’s a very cheap and fun night out, so come and join us!

Bring your own nibbles
Tempting Raffle Prizes
Renowned Quizmasters Dee and Geoff
Prize for the winners (and for the biggest losers!)

Tables of 6 maximum:  Just to make it fair and spread the brains around equally!

Tickets via eventbrite: 

Get your tickets here:

Environment, Events, Uncategorised

Want to run a Stall at the 2024 Festival?

Have you got a passion for your hobby or interest? Maybe you volunteer for a fantastic charity that you’d like to represent?

Then why not be a stall-holder at our next festival? It will be held on Sunday 30 June 2024, 1 – 5pm, setup from 11am.

We pride ourselves on having a great display of stalls and we love having old friends back, as well as new local community groups, charities, hobbyists or other sellers.

We welcome hundreds of visitors on the day – mostly local people living close to the park, but increasingly people from Greenwich and Bexley, and sometimes even further afield.

Please read the terms and conditions (see link below) and fill in the form below:

Shrewsbury Park Stallholders Terms and Conditions

Fee for non-food/beverage stalls is £20 – pay using this link

Please submit the form below by 7 June 2024, but the earlier you submit, the better your chance of securing a pitch. We reserve the right to close early if we get sufficient numbers:

Can’t see the form? Use this link: https://forms.gle/VqUprLKuCed9x1Qz7 

https://forms.gle/VqUprLKuCed9x1Qz7

Events

Summary of November AGM

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Friends of Shrewsbury Park 16 November 2023 at Shrewsbury House, Bushmoor Crescent

WELCOME & MATTERS ARISING FROM 2022 AGM – not covered in the agenda

This year’s calendar was the result of our merchandising survey in January.

Park signage – permanent, informative identification of wildlife, landscape, habitat, views. (Project will be pursued through the Greenwich Neighourhood Fund available through RBG. The plan is to apply in the spring award period

Improve paths in Nature reserve area and removal of camp – will continue next maintenance day.

CHAIR’S REPORT – by Kris Inglis It’s been a year of regrouping for the Friends and the Management committee – being flexible with the Parks and Open Spaces department and encouraging new volunteers to membership and activities.  I’d like to give a quick rundown on what DID happen;

FEBRUARY – Daffodil bulb planting across Rowton Road open space with the help of 10th Royal Eltham Scouts; late but successful results. Also some hard work by members clearing the steps to Wrekin Road. I would like to thank Zena and Dave for supervising this activity.

MARCH – Dedication of a bench to our dear friend Sonja O’Sullivan, overlooking the view.     

APRIL – Bird Walk led by Tim Rymer

MAY – Dawn Chorus walk, with Tim, which led to discovery of a sparrow hawk nest. Quiz at Shrewsbury House run brilliantly by Geoff and Dee Goodwin.

JUNE – Foraging Walk led by Kevin Godby, expanded the knowledge of this popular pastime.

JULY – Summer Festival, in a new format due to many hiccups and circumstances, turned out to be a happy and inclusive giant picnic atmosphere. Thanks to everyone who helped or simply joined in on the day.

Meadow maintenance day with volunteer teams from Barclays Bank and Scouts, all rallied together by Ruby Shand who is involved with both groups.

AUGUST – Bat Walk led by Les Clark on International Bat Weekend

SEPTEMBER – History Time Walk led by Andy Brockman ending up at Shrewsbury House bar

OCTOBER – Production of 2024 calendar from members contributions. Launched sales in the Park one Saturday

NOVEMBER – Call out for volunteers to spread wood chippings delivered by Council to improve Dothill pathway. Ten people showed up to help!

**Thank you so much to all the walk leaders who volunteer their time and specialised enthusiasm as members of FSP. We’re developing a reputation as a natural park and haven for wildlife thanks to these walks.

TREASURER’S REPORT – by Sandra Bauer, read by Zena Marshall

Since last year, the management committee have made a number of decisions around      how to handle the Friends Of Shrewsbury Park finances. 

The first decision was to change from NatWest bank where we did not have access to electronic banking, nor a debit card merely a cheque-book. After researching, we decided to go to Metrobank who welcomed community accounts. The new account was opened in July this year.

Secondly we decided to purchase a debit card reader, so that we could take electronic payments at events. We were able to test this when selling our calendars. The SumUp machine also enables us to have an online store. People can order calendars from this website and pay online.  

The treasurer has full access to electronic banking and can make transfers. Two other members of the management committee hold debit cards so that they can make payments where necessary. 

The new account does mean that we need to limit the amount of cash we take as there are charges for processing cash into the bank account.  Wherever possible we would like to move to contactless payments. 

To summarise the year’s financial position, we are in a slight deficit when compared to the previous year. However, we have recovered most of the cost of the memorial bench that we had installed earlier this year. There is a clear plan for maximising income, which will enable us to make improvements to the park and continue to hold events. 

Accounts for 2022-2023 are available on the website or on request werfsp@gmail.com

MEADOW MOWING

Mowing schedules and concerns have been clarified more than ever this year with the Parks Dept who share the same objectives of preserving the variety of species habitats on Shooters Hill (including the adjacent golf course and farm). You may have seen the big blue tractor, finally mowing the meadow in November. The plan is to start rotation mowing this summer, 1/3 of the area per year. This is the proven and sound approach for plants and insects, the base of a healthy environment for all.

Amenity mowing (keeping grass short for sport and playing) in the field by the carpark, main walk to and including big field, will be continued 3 times a year. Desire line paths that you see around other areas will also be maintained.

*We are always talking with Parks Dept re paths with disability and buggy access.

*We try to keep a balance of the range of park users’ expectations.

*We aim to make the best use of the council’s resources coordinated with FSP volunteers’ time and energy.

ELECTION OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Present committee was introduced and agreed to continue for another year: Sandra Bauer, Alan Deacon, Kristine Inglis, Zena Marshall, Ron Senkus, Iris White – with two brand new members John Rastall and Roy Williams.

The committee was proposed, seconded and voted in unanimously. Any FSP member can volunteer to join the committee, please contact a current member for a chat or email werfsp@gmail.com any time.

If you feel you could train up for the Treasurer’s position don’t hold back.

OUTDOOR VOLUNTEER GROUP

We are very heartened by a growing number of volunteers for planting and maintenance days this past year. I’d like to build up that bank to call on when needed, for example the November woodchip-spreading marathon!

And your yearly generosity of time for the day of the Summer Festival is what makes that event happen, thank you.

AOB: comments and concerns from attendees – many points and queries shared and answered.

Environment, Events, Organised walks

Late Summer Time Walk

On Friday 8 September, 25 local residents enjoyed stepping back in time with Dr Andy Brockman.

Our subject matter was: Front Line Park: Shrewsbury Park in the 20th Century Including the LCC Open Air School and defence of London.

Dr Andy Brockman, Archaeologist and Historian

After meeting by the car park, we visited the area where the open air school had it’s buildings, and saw photographs of the school in action. We were able to view documents that described how the children were selected, educated and monitored, turning out healthier and well nourished pupils back to their homes.

Strolling back through to the car park with Andy, we saw clearly where the barrage balloons were tethered. We learnt how these were used in the foiling of enemy aircraft, driving them away from bombing targets.

We were told a few interesting (and funny) stories about how this all worked, which Andy had taken from some testimonies of local people at the time.

Andy expertly brought to life these amazing past events and fielded questions as we went along. Ending up at Shrewsbury House, there were more artifacts to look at, as well as a very welcome Friday evening beverage or two.

We look forward to our next foray into local history!

Environment, Events

They made a difference!

Image

Many sincere thanks to Barclays Bank, Canary Wharf branch, and to 10th Royal Eltham Scouts for there brilliant and cheerful efforts clearing habitat areas in the Park on Friday 28 July.

Ruby Shand, master organiser of both groups, brought her crews to help FSP volunteers cut saplings and brambles in the meadow ready for late summer mowing, spread woodchips on the Dothill path and then pile the cuttings for the Rangers to pick up. The Scouts uncovered the thriving hedgerow their members planted 4 years ago, an annual effort

Super teamwork, everyone! And we look forward to their next visit, we’re taking you up on that generous offer!

And an extra thank you to the passing spontaneous volunteer named Peter, who lent his time and barrow skills for a couple hours!

Barclays volunteers off road
Scout territory

Events

Picnic in the Park

Our 2023 Festival didn’t disappoint! Great music, great stalls and most important of all our fantastic local community came out in their droves – we estimate we had around 500 people attending over the course of the afternoon. We are so grateful for your support – this is the reason the committee put in the work – thank you for making it amazing!

And an extra thank you to the current Committee members: Sandra, Iris, Zena, Ron and Alan who spent many an hour planning and troubleshooting to put the event together. Can’t leave out the trusty core volunteers who turn up for set-up and take-down and always with a smile. – Kris, Chair

And thumbs up to Greenwich Parks Forum for their support and the Greenwich Borough Park Rangers who made sure the site was clean and clear, before and after.

Comperes John and Erik
Navida’s amazing cakes
Friends of Shrewsbury Park Stall
Roos Academy perform
Cllr Okereke, Leader of the Council chats to stallholders

If you have any of your own photos of the 2 July to add, please send them to werfsp@gmail.com

Events

Oh what a night!

We had a fantastic time at the Friends of Shrewsbury Park Quiz last night, at Shrewsbury House!

Our fantastic Quizmasters, Dee and Geoff tested our general knowledge to the max. From Shrewsbury House Community Centre‘s resident Improshrews, we enjoyed Erik and John playing out scenes from comedy shows through the ages!

Find out more about the Improshrews here: improshrews.weebly.com

Thanks to everyone who came – the big winners with the craziest team name ever, was: Peanut Butter Giggle Sticks

The biggest losers: The Wooden Spoons

Our thanks also to the staff at Shrewsbury House, who were so welcoming – especially the reception and bar staff who were kept nice and busy.

Want to come and join us at the next quiz? Keep watch – we’ll post the date asap!

Environment, Events, Organised walks

Fabulous Foraging

On Saturday 13 May, we gathered to discover what edible delights the park has to offer! Experienced, self-taught, and local forager, Kevin Godby from GCDA led us around the park, introducing us to lots of plants, bushes and trees that have edible parts.

Kevin had a great list of tips to share, including not foraging at a low level, to avoid contamination, never consuming too much of one kind of forage, being mindful of the time of year and ripeness of plants. As a general rule of thumb, younger seeds, buds and leaves are juicier and tastier!

We look forward to welcoming Kevin back to the park in another season to learn more!

Environment, Events, Organised walks

Dawn delights

The Dawn Chorus walk was a magic experience, once we all rolled into the park to meet Tim, our leader, for the 5am start.

We heard several species vying for attention, and the parakeets didn’t interfere too much. We could hear the tiny firecrests in the open area of the woods on the bird ID app but while everyone searched to see them, a sparrowhawk was spotted! The pair are nesting in a tall tree maybe 25 m into the woods from the small field. And then the female caught something for breakfast bringing reality of the natural world into focus.

Many thanks to Tim. And to Karen who captured the sparrowhawk on her camera.

In case you haven’t been in the park in the last week, go up the path for between the old and the new allotments and soak up the hawthorne blossom tunnel.

And the bird app mentioned is called MERLIN, free and easy to use on your phone.

Events

Happy New 2023

Catch up with 2022 FSP AGM 17 Nov

Held in Shrewsbury House – Present: 15 members, with 3 apologies

Chairperson, Kris Inglis began the meeting with thanks to those attending.
Our local speaker and Dothill allotment holder, Dr Philippa Mason, gave a fascinating talk about the geology under our feet on Shooters Hill and beyond. She is a senior lecturer in Planetary Remote Sensing at Imperial College London but presented very ’down to earth’ explanations of local features and their evolution over billions of years. FACT: The Thames was a glacial river and its glacial tributaries running down the hill became the sites of our oldest woodlands.
A lively Q&A followed and we hope to hear more from Dr Mason in future

Arising matters from last meeting:

  • Local Councillor involvement is increasing slowly with the help of Parks Forum
  • Signage, permanent and temporary, is being pursued by Committee
  • Idea about having an outdoor cinema isn’t feasible without a power source
  • Improving links with Shrewsbury House, event by event
  • Retaining wall along Plum Lane fixed

Management Committee was introduced and thanked for their efforts as we became more active again post-Covid. This has always been a volunteer position determined by individuals’ interest and time available. Officers are decided by the MC once elected at the AGM. You can volunteer to join the Committee at any time by contacting werfsp@gmail.com
Our dear friend and longstanding Treasurer Sonja O’Sullivan passed on in October. We now need a competent bookkeeper/treasurer to take up the position. They will have help from an aspiring assistant to share the load. This is an URGENT need coming into 2023 so please consider serving in this capacity.
All current members agreed to stand and were elected by members present.

Planned events so far:

  • Dec 3 – Daffodil bulb planting (had to be postponed until Jan/Feb)
  • 1 April – Bird Walk with Tim Rymer
  • 30 April – Dog Show and related activities (postponed from Summer Festival)
  • Agreement to fund a commemorative bench or plaque for Sonja -tbc
  • 17 February – Barclays Bank volunteer maintenance day along with 10th Royal Eltham Scouts participation

Plans in progress are Foraging Walk, Bat Walk, Military History Walk, Quiz in May, Summer Festival, habitat and wildlife surveys (we need more interested volunteers to join a core group).
All the events and activities in the park need time and effort from as many members as possible to embrace the whole community, including youngsters, to learn and be involved in this vital space. We have over 400 members on the mailing list… and would like to know that everyone feels part of Shrewsbury Park, using it happily, safely and wisely.
Please consider any contribution of hands-on help or ideas you could offer in the new year.

AOB:

  • The calendar was rested this year because of slow sales and lack of new entries
  • Request that nature camera footage to be posted more often on website
  • Tawny Owl box still waiting for installation
  • Agreed regular chippings of Dothill paths twice a year -in the works
  • Yogathon organiser to be approached for 2023
  • Suggestion of Easter Egg Hunt – any volunteers?

We wish everyone a very joyful holiday season and healthy new year.
We’re past the winter solstice so it’s getting lighter towards spring already!
Thank you for caring for and supporting your Park
The FSP Management Committee