Tag Archives: Featured

Environment, Events

Bramble Battle!

It was time to fight back the brambles, a continuous job to keep variety in Shrewsbury Park – and still reap the tremendous blackberry crop this year.

Our local Scout leader, Ruby Shand rallied some Scouts to work on their hedgerow area and the Plum Lane path. She also happens to run the Volunteer Days for Barclays employees and once again organised a gang of 25 to donate their time and energy to park tasks.

They followed the expert guidance of John Denton, whose butterfly transect and paths really needed opening up. Plus the crossroads corner and other adjacent paths were cleared for all park users. At least until the next spurt of growth!

They enjoyed the gorgeous day, time outside and a picnic for lunch. And we would like to thank them all for a sterling job which hopefully you are all benefiting from as you walk the park.

Thank you Barclays and 10th Royal Eltham, John for leading and Ruby for organising.

Events

Summer Festival Success

And a good time was had by all!

Our annual celebration of the park event co-sponsored by Parksfest, Greenwich, was a rousing success thanks to the Management Committee and loyal helpers-on-the day from the membership. There was a diverse mix of craft and community interest groups stalls, tasty local food on offer AND the return of the Dog Show to kick off the day.

The weather cooperated for attendees bringing their picnics, families and friends to enjoy music, entertainment and simply sharing the delights of Shrewsbury Park.

I wish to sincerely thank Sandra, Iris, Zena, John, Ron and Roy of the Committee who took charge and did the lion’s share of the work in the lead up and on the day. ( I was unable to be involved this time – Kris, Chair)

We are always open to new Committee members so please consider joining and adding your skills. FSP do a lot of nature-based activities as well as the Festival and Quizzes. Look out for the AGM in November or contact werfsp@gmail.com anytime. The Park needs its Friends Group more than ever.

Here is a gallery of the Festival highlights:

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!