featured, Newsletter

Remembering Ron

We hope you have had the pleasure to run across Ron Senkus sometime over the last five decades, working somewhere in the Dothill Allotments or roaming the rest of Shrewsbury Park being an active member and steward of Shrewsbury Park – and walking his dogs.

We’ll miss you, Ron.

But we know you’ll continue growing along with the trees and bulbs and veg and signposts and your immense knowledge with which you blessed the whole of the park. Ron served on the management committee since our founding meeting in 2006, sharing his extensive environmental advice, practical crafting skills and humour.

There is a plan in place to develop the Rowton Road open area which started as a hedgerow – planted by Ron and members about 8 years ago – and enrich it with native bluebells and tree with a circular seat round it in his memory.

If you would like to donate please click here.,….

We’ll let everyone know when planting begins if you want to help.

With heartfelt thanks,

The currrent Management Committee

Uncategorised

UPDATE – NEW TELECOMS MAST TO BE INSTALLED IN SHREWSBURY PARK

Good News! 

Royal Borough of Greenwich has rejected the EE Planning Application of installing a 20 metre mast and units inside Shrewsbury Park. 

Reason for refusal given was:

The proposed development, by reason of its siting, excessive height, scale, bulk, and design would appear as highly visible, unsympathetic, and incongruous additions within the wider area (which includes Shrewsbury Park) to the detriment of the character and appearance of the public realm. As such, the proposed development does not comply with the requirements of the NPPF (2024), Policies D3 and D8 of the London Plan (2021) and Policies DH1, DH(c) and DH(l) of the Royal Greenwich Local Plan: Core Strategy with Detailed Policies (2014) and therefore does not comply with Schedule 2, Part 16, Class A of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended).

And as our Chair, Kris Inglis, states 

“SHREWSBURY PARK REMAINS INTACT FOR THE CRITTERS AND THE HUMANS!”

Uncategorised

ALERT – NEW TELECOMS MAST TO BE INSTALLED IN SHREWSBURY PARK

EE have submitted a Planning Application to install a 20metre monopole and base units along Dothill Road, in Shrewsbury Park. The application states that it is a replacement of the existing monopole in Hatton Close meaning there is no requirement for alternative sites to be considered. 

The existing 8 metre monopole and units is outside of the Park’s boundary at the intersection of Garland Road and High Grove (not Hatton Close).

The planning application, however, is NOT replacing the new mast and units on the existing site but proposing a new location inside Shrewsbury Park.

FSP considers the planning application misleading and does not comply with the Royal Borough of Greenwich Council’s Local Planning Policies and Park and Open Spaces Strategy. The Council’s Parks Team were also not informed of the application but have submitted an objection to the Council’s Planning Team.

[AI Generated image of the proposed mast & units inside Shrewsbury Park Boundary.]

While we do not oppose the installation of a new mast to improve mobile reception, if EE are unable to upgrade their equipment on the existing site they should have offered alternate sites for consideration that are compliant with the Council’s Policies and Strategies.

FSP is submitting a letter of objection which the RGB Planning Team has agreed to consider.  

Further information to follow.

Environment, Events, Organised walks

Nananananananana, Bat Walk!

The Bat Walk on Friday 29 August did not disappoint!

Les took us on a winding route through the park with bat detectors at the ready, picking up the bats’ “shouting” as they used echolocation to gather their dinner.

The weather was on our side, mild, calm and dry. We heard many pipistrelles and a serotine and/or noctule. Interpreting signals is rather subjective, those of you who have experienced it. But the thrill of being out in the dark in the Park is always a bonus, as was the calling of Tawny Owls following us around.

Many thanks to Les Clark and Liz for making this happen. Look out for another walk in 2026!

Enoy this clip from the big field, the slappy noise is from the detectors picking up signals, and you’ll see a few bats overhead. Thank you to Marcin for making this available to share.

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ui=2&ik=904ade7018&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-a:r5658426937638779623&th=1990fc1bba613994&view=att&disp=safe&realattid=1990fc1995fa3429b181&zw

Events, featured

Gazebos going up, what happened next on 20 July??

The Picnic in the Park ENCORE came alive, despite the cloud and occasional drizzle, thanks to a wonderful surge of volunteers from FSP membership and friends and relations. The Pearly King and Queens stepped up to the challenge with their portable power and bags of enthusiasm to kick off despite our loss of power source.

The Pearlys were joined by our Mayor Linda Bird, Good Sport of the Year. And there was a special written piece by Blossom and Nola. Mark and the Imposters along with Pytchwood provided the music with gusto. (a member who wishes to remain nameless gained us another hour and a half with portable battery.)

Many thanks to our Safer Neighbourhood team, our FSP wildlife supporters, Greenpeace, Green Goddess pub, Shrewsbury House, Back-a-Yard Grill, Ice Cream world, Lalu Catering, Wei’s Coffee, Mamas Little Rum Cakes and the Mobile Pizza Kitchen.

The crafts and community stalls always bring a splash of variety to the Festival, thank you for your support.

The presence of Greenwich Council members Sandra Bauer, Tamasin Rhymes and Raja Zeeshan was greatly appreciated as they mingled with constituents.

What ultimately made the day was the relaxed and neighbourly spirit of all who came by, enjoying the best of Shrewsbury Park.

Below is the start of a Photo Gallery – and it’s open to anyone with some choice photos they would like to share. Just email them to werfsp@gmail.com

Gazebo christening by the Pearlys
Blossom and Nola’s spoken word presentation
Who can fly these gliders
Chillin’ and munchin’
Coaching session

Now it’s your turn to add some!

The show must go on!

The Festival Team gave it their all again – this year’s cohort was Julie Hayward, Rob Hurst, Ron Senkus, Sue Walker and Roy Williams.

My deepest thanks to them – Kris Inglis, Chair.

Events

20 July Picnic-in-the-Park is GO, but sadly Dog Show is Cancelled

Please see below for the reasons why:

Due to the ongoing hot weather and in the interest of everyone’s safety and well-being, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel the dog show scheduled for Sunday, July 20th, 2025 in Shrewsbury Park.

We’re truly grateful for your understanding and continued support. Thank you for being part of our community.

Warmest regards,
Roy and the Learn Doglish team

Roy Williams

Dog Behaviour Trainer / Instructor

Award Winning Dog Trainer 2021

Events

Stallholders: Bring your creativity and charities to the 2025 Summer 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 stallholder at our next festival? It will be held on 

Sunday 20 July 2025, from 12 – 5pm

We pride ourselves on having a great display of stalls and entertainers. 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).

Picnic in the Park Stallholder Terms and Conditions

Please complete the form below by 20 June 2025, but as early as possible before the event to guarantee a spot (we reserve the right to close applications if we are unable to accommodate stallholder applications on the day):

Picnic in the Park Stallholder Application Form

  • The fee for Food & Beverage Vendors is 10% of the day’s takings payable on the day
  • The fee for merchandise stalls is £20 which must be paid prior to the event. Booking and payment at the following link:

Click here to Pay

  • There is no fee for local groups/societies who wish to provide information or attract new members to their group, but you must still complete the form so we can allocate a space for you.

**If you require any further information or have trouble with the links please email: werfsp@gmail.com as we are happy to help.**

Formed in 2006, the Friends of Shrewsbury Park encourage the use of Shrewsbury Park and support the development of facilities for recreation, education and amenities for local people and to encourage a sense of community around the park.