Category Archives: Events

Environment, Events, Organised walks

Shrewsbury Park Pollen Foraging Walk and Apiary Visit – Sunday 13 May

Sunday 13 May, meeting at Shrewsbury Park Car Park
(entrance on Plum Lane)
11am – 2pm
Ever wondered where honeybees gather their pollen to make nectar and then delicious honey? Or what the link is to local honey relieving the symptoms of hayfever?
Join us for a walk through Shrewsbury Park identifying which plants are in bloom and taking samples of pollen using tweezers and poly bags – also watching the honey bees foraging on the plants.
Afterwards, we have tickets for 10 lucky members to visit the Oxleas Apiary to see the bees in action – we might examine some microscopic slides of pollen samples too!
We can accommodate much more than 10 on the walk but only 10 at the Apiary session 
Children are welcome on the Park walk, but not at the Apiary session which is held at the Council’s depot, meaning it could be dangerous for them – also, no pet dogs please!
Here are some links that might be useful if you are thinking of joining us for the event – http://www.largeassociates.com/cz1000/QuestionsandAnswers/BeeCatcher.html
Access to the Apiary is from Kenilworth Gardens, into Crown Woods Lane, 1st right by Jack Wood Cottage, then 1st right again through the black gates (that may appear locked), into the depot yard and congregate near the parked YELLOW council lorries.
Finally, please read the Oxleas Wood Apiary Risk Assessment and for the visit wear a stout or preferably toe protected footwear and try to avoid using heavily scented soaps or perfume, as it can trigger hostility in the bees – more information on Health and Safety issues, bee stings, and Do’s and Don’ts when in the Apiary are available HERE: http://www.largeassociates.com/cz1000/YourPastQuestions.htm
Want to know how to book the Apiary session? just click through and register for free: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pollen-foraging-walk-tickets-45129025129 
p.s. if you would like to make up some pollen microscope slides in advance then we could view these through a microscope during the visit.
Environment, Events, Organised walks

Spotted on Bird Walk – Greater Blue Tree Climber!

Our Bird Walk was a success (despite grey skies) with an enthusiastic group of members plus some visiting RSPB spotters invited by Stuart.  Between them all 23 different species were identified. The visitors were impressed by the habitats and birds Shrewsbury Park has to offer.

Nicky Wilson of RSPB Bexley wrote a wonderfully detailed and interesting report and graciously agreed to share it, so I’ll leave you to reading it yourself on this link.  Thank you so much , Nicky!

https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/bexley/reports/

Events

February’s Quiz Night a resounding success

On Friday 16 February, Staff and Trustees of Shrewsbury House, The Friends of Shrewsbury House and FSP joined forces to put on a (very competitive) Quiz.

A huge crowd descended on Shrewsbury House for an evening of fun and laughter, and it really delivered. The Old Library looked beautiful, set out with soft lights and decorated tables along with information from all of the organisers, and some charities who were looking for sponsorship.

Gallant losers

The bar was busy all night providing the teams with plenty of drinks and snacks to the point where the tills were getting short on change! Able quizmasters Geoff and Dee showed true grit when taking on challenges from the floor for the rhyming pairs questions.

The raffle proved to be extremely popular with a great range of prizes from Prosecco and Chocolates to doggy treats and toys. The event raised around £300 which was split between the three organizers.

Thank you to all who supported the event.

Events

SOLD OUT! QUIZ ON THE HILL – Friday 16 February 7 for 7.30 start

Shrewsbury House Library, Bushmoor Crescent

This is a truly locally-sourced quiz, a joint effort between Shrewsbury House, Friends of Shrewsbury Park and Friends of Shrewsbury House.  The goals are to have FUN, raise the profile of local activities and possibly raise some money!

  • Open Bar
  • BYO nibbles, to add to those provided
  • Raffle
  • and home-grown Quiz Masters!

£3 per person, tables of 6 maximum. Book in person at Shrewsbury House, phone 020 8854 3895, or contact bookings@shrewsburyhouse.org

Events, Organised walks

Events in your Park for 2018 – UPDATED

A belated Happy New Year to all!

After furious, squirrel-style planting a small group of members managed to get all 2000 crocus and daffodil bulbs into the ground in November. These were free from our Parks and Open Spaces Dept. Keep an eye out for green shoots in the coming weeks…

SEE LINKS BELOW FOR EVENTS LIST (in Word and pdf formats) with details so far. Some favourites, some new ideas, all to be confirmed as the year progresses. See you soon!

Events in your Park (DOCX)

Events in your Park (PDF)

Environment, Events

Bulb Planting – Sunday 12 November 2pm

The Parks and Open Spaces department have once again given us 1000 crocus bulbs and 1000 native daffodil bulbs to enhance springtime in the Park.  Kids are particularly good bulb planters…

We’ll meet at the bottom of the main path where it crosses the Green Chain Walk.  Come along and help create some pockets of sunshine for the new year, adding to the ones we planted last year.

Bring a trowel or small shovel, and gloves.  If the weather is anything but steady rain, we will have a go!

Events

Sun Salutations Successful!

On the last Sunday in September, under bright blue sky and glorious sunshine, about 50 people completed 108 yoga sun salutations and have so far raised over £1200 for Greenpeace.  The Yogathon lasted for about 3 hours and the participants were energised by the sequencing of movement, the sun and the fabulous surroundings.  At the end, sitting in the sunshine, with a backdrop of healthy green oak trees, we listened to the local Greenpeace representative as she spoke briefly and passionately about their concerns and activities.

Continue reading Sun Salutations Successful! →

Events, Organised walks

Autumn Bat Walk – Friday 1 September at 8.00pm

Meet in the car park at twilight for an introduction from bat-wise FSP members who will lead this adventure through the Park using our eyes, ears and bat detectors!

  • Walk is free to members, £2 others (but free to join on the day)
  • Wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Walk lasts about 1 1/2 hours and torches are helpful
  • 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 rains neither the bats nor us will be coming out!

Events

Smiles all ’round at Summer Festival Frolics 2017!

The perfect way to spend a sunny Sunday in the Park

The Festival kicked off with a toast of cool water as Councillor Danny Thorpe and our own Pearly Queen, Gwen Jones, officially opened the new drinking fountain dubbed ‘The Watering Hole’. The plumbing firm, 1st About Plumbing, sent a rep and our Park Ranger, John Tomlinson, represented Parks and Open Spaces who will maintain the fountain.

Continue reading Smiles all ’round at Summer Festival Frolics 2017! →