Tag Archives: friends of shrewsbury park
Shrewsbury Park Festival and Dog Show 2024
Sunday 30 June 1-5pm
Come along and enjoy our amazing festival! There are some fantastic local stallholders including a food and drink offer, plus delicious cakes and Icecream! Mmmmmm!
Our local Brewery, The Green Goddess will be there, as well as plenty more to keep you amused
We’ll be welcoming back Ronnie Ripple and the Ripchords who graced the stage last year, as well as Manny Fizzotti and dancers from Roos Dance Academy too!
Shrewsbury Park Dog Show
We’re running a Dog Show in the morning (before it gets too warm) – dogs and owners can register from 10.30 in the park (we’ll be in the section of the park nearest the golf course). The judges will be assessing our furry friends in categories like ‘Waggiest Tail’, so there is no pressure to perform!
Come along and have some fun with your pooch! We’ll share the photos here on our website and also our facebook group.
Stallholder List
Walker & Crossley Arty Farty Signs & Plaques
Janice Jupp – beaded ornaments
Full of Surprises Uk
The Green Goddess (mobile bar)
Fabric Folk Tales Community Stall and Textile Consultation)
Tina’s Magnifi-scents
Toy Mania
Eetra’s Jewelry
Little Wheel Ceramics
Wheel Up | On The Rise
Face painting
The Greenwich Tea Company
Purple Hat Pots
Chealsons Coffee
Shanns handmade gifts
Sweet treasures
South East London Community Energy
Glitzy Body Art
ice cream world Ltd (Ice Cream Van)
Avon
Lalu Catering
Blackheath Pet Supplies
MaisieCharShop
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.
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.
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!
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.
If you have any of your own photos of the 2 July to add, please send them to werfsp@gmail.com
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!
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!
Sonja O’Sullivan
Last weekend, we officially christened our newest bench, installed with many kind donations from local people. It is dedicated to our beloved Sonja O’Sullivan, a treasured friend and member of our management committee. Her husband, Brian, spoke movingly about her love of the park.
Friends and family turned out in their droves on a cold March morning to celebrate her life.
Next time you are there, take a look – there’s a fabulous view from it too!
See if you can spot Sonja’s sister in the group photo – a great family resemblance!
Park Inspirations
Don’t miss these!
It started as a creative competition and grew into a proper Exhibition at the Summer Festival. There was too much variety and mixed media to choose one winner so here’s the gallery where you can enjoy all the entries…
All the creators are FSP members of 18+ yrs
Dog Show at our Festival Announced
- Best Costume
- Cutest Puppy (aged up to 1 year)
- Golden Oldie (aged over 7)
- Child Handler (child aged up to 12 years)
- Best Rescue (rescued within the last 2 years)
- Handsome Prince
- Prettiest Princess
- Best In Show
- Waggiest Tail
- Scruffiest Dog
Go on …. get involved – we can’t wait to see all those delectable dogs enjoying themselves in our park!