Courtesy of John Donnelly
Courtesy of Joyce Smith
MORE Lockdown Gallery
Using the park safely during the pandemic
You’ll be aware of the importance of social distancing in the park, tempting as it is to wander. We’d all like to be as carefree as the animals right now! But please obey the rules, and remind others who may forget.
We have received regulations, apologies and encouragement to pass on from the Royal Borough of Greenwich. This is a recap for your information.
- All 2020 Parksfest events are cancelled – we had just begun to plan and book gigs.
- The car park gates will be permanently open from 1 April due to budget cuts. I attended two meetings recently which included the Director and other council officers in Parks and Open Spaces and they will continue to monitor the effects of this action – one that many opposed. Thank you to everyone who answered the last minute call to challenge the consultation, that’s what got us the meeting. There are suggestions to appeal which we will follow up but everyone is currently dealing with priority issues.
- Please have a look at the information below from Rob Goring of Park Dept.
And most of all, continue to appreciate the park. Although we can’t guarantee any walks or events in Shrewsbury Park for the near future, the ideas remain fresh and ready to go.
If you are doing your solitary exercise, listening to the birds and the buds popping open, and you see a photo opportunity or have some creative thoughts please send your pictures to us at werfsp@gmail.com and we’ll add them to a gallery here.
Best wishes for your safety and calm in the coming weeks. Nature is doing it’s best to keep us cheerful.
Kris and the Management Committee
From Rob Goring, Strategy and Development Manager of Parks and Open Spaces:
As of 25 March we will be temporarily closing all:
- Park Playgrounds
- Outdoor gyms
- Park sports facilities
All park cafes should also be closing but some may remain open to provide takeaway services only.
Our parks will remain open to allow people to exercise once a day but people using our parks should social distance and keep at least 2 metres away from people outside their households.
No more than 2 people may gather in our parks and open spaces except where the gathering is of a group of people who live together – this means that a parent can, for example, take their children to the shops if there is no option to leave them at home.
Most parks office staff are remote working i.e. working from home and Grounds Maintenance staff and Park Rangers are not classified as key workers and therefore will not be attending work, in-line with government instructions. However, if possible we may have a couple of Rangers/Ranger Managers working each day to carry out checks in parks.
Our Cemeteries and Crematorium are open and operating as normal but again in line with government instructions people should social distance where possible and keep at least 2 metres away from people outside their households. In terms of people attending funeral services it is advised that only members of the immediate family should attend.
Spring 2020 has sprung!
You may have been faithfully walking the dog in the Park in the rain or just hit the occasional sunny day so far, but hopefully you’ve seen the crocuses and daffodils appearing here and there. These are the results of planting over the last 3 years.
In November 2019 nine determined volunteers planted many new bulbs – courtesy again of Royal Borough of Greenwichl- mostly along the walkway from the top field to the Rowton Road slopes. Paul and Les tackled the perennial brambles to open up the old allotment loop path off Dothill.
Here are a few photos to say thanks for everyone’s efforts.
Bird Walk – Saturday 21 March – 9am start
We will meet at the Garland Road gate at 9 for the annual bird walk led by Stuart Banks, friendly RSPB expert. Set aside an hour or two and join us for a gentle ramble to rediscover the birds who live in the Park and see how they are preparing nests, whistling their hearts out and claiming territories.
Ideal for kids, but not for dogs please. We will be on and off paths depending on access and the walk will go ahead even if it’s a light drizzle. So wear boots and appropriate clothing. Binoculars are helpful.
Book your FREE tickets here
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bird-walk-saturday-21-march-tickets-91511502367
Or drop a note into 189 Plum Lane and we’ll put you on the list.
YOUR VOTE COUNTS!
We’d love to find out which project you’d like us to concentrate our efforts on this year?
Last year you chose a picnic bench, which we have now installed!
Please click through below to make your views known. It takes just seconds!
Fun at QUIZ #3 ON THE HILL
‘Five Old Queens’ Triumphant at the 2019 quiz!
A fantastic time was had by all at the latest quiz in collaboration with Friends of Shrewsbury House!
Our Quizmasters, Dee and Geoff were as amazing as ever, the concluding round even included musical participation from the teams!
‘Five Old Queens’ romped home and took a yummy bottle of wine each for their efforts.
We hope we can persuade Dee and Geoff to host another quiz soon – we can’t wait!
AGM – Thursday 14 Nov at 7pm
“Why should I care about biodiversity?”
Hmmm. Think about it. Then come to the AGM to discuss how we consider the habitats in our own Park.
- Business meeting including election of Committee (you can put yourself forward on the night or contact werfsp@gmail ahead of time)
- Any issues members wish to raise regarding the Park
- A panel presentation will briefly present facts and ideas on the above topic and open up the meeting for your input and concerns on the wondrous variety of habitats and species that deserve to survive here.
Salutations to Greenpeace!
Sunday 1 September brought a refreshing sunny day and a crowd of dedicated yoga people together for the benefit of Greenpeace.
Priscila Diniz masterminded the day. She was supported by other yoga teachers leading the salutations including Cressida Senkus, also our FSP rep on the day. Good veggie wraps, Brazilian rhythms and Thai massage option added to the atmosphere. Thanks to Ron and Paul for getting the gazebos up and then down again, they are pros.
Camilla Berens and her crew shared their vital climate message and was very pleased to find the event raised just over £1000! Thank you everyone. If you would like to contribute click on http://justgiving.com/fundraising/yogathon3
“THERE IS NO PLANET B”
Check out the gallery …
Yogathon for Greenpeace 2019 – Sunday 1 September
The Yogathon returns to Shrewsbury Park for a third year, in aid of Greenpeace. You are invited to participate in the practice of 108 Sun Salutations beginning at 11am (10.15 am for registration). Participants should bring cash for your donation of £20. Greenpeace volunteers will explain the use of this money in their aims and work crucial to our environment.
There will be delicious vegan food and Thai massage available to keep you going as well! And a kids’ Eco Hero fancy dress competition!
For more information please visit http://www.yogabypri.com
Can dog walkers please keep dogs on a lead in the top field between 10.30am and 3pm during this event – for everyone’s safety and peace of mind.
Many thanks for your cooperation
Summertime Bat Walk – 23 August
Hopefully the weather will turn out for this one.
After a short intro, next to the notice board by the Plum Lane car park, Les Clark will lead us through the woods and glades where the bats hang out. Bat detectors supplied.
Booking essential – max 50 people
eventbrite.co.uk/e/bat-walk-shrewsbury-park-se18-tickets-55871554323
If you don’t have internet access you can put a note through the door at 189 Plum Lane to book places.
*Wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
*Children must be accompanied by an adult
*Walk lasts about 1 ½ hours and small torches are useful
*Dogs must be kept on a lead
If you have mobility issues or enquiries please contact us on werfsp@gmail.com and we will help you participate. The trail is a mix of paved path, gravel and grass.
If it’s raining neither bats nor us come out!