Hello and welcome to another FoCG newsletter, keeping you in touch with the work we do in Coronation Gardens, collaborating with the council’s green spaces managers Enable Leisure and Culture plc.
We hope you like it, and thanks for being a Friend of the Gardens. We couldn’t do it without you!
Fountain restoration
The competition we have been running this spring in association with the Friends of Putney School of Art and Design (PSAD) to design a replacement figurine to adorn our century-old fountain replacing the original one believed stolen, reached its final judging stage. From the five finalists the winner is Gillian Brett, a long-standing student at the PSAD. Her proposal is a memorial to Fanny Wilkinson, who designed Coronation Gardens in 1903 and was the first professional female landscape designer in Britain.Gillian explained her proposal in more detail: “My figure is holding out a small plant, not only commemorating Fanny Wilkinson’s devotion to planning gardens but also to symbolise the growing shoots of creativity. I would be able to add the olive branch detail, which forms part of the Friends of Coronation Gardens logo, to the skirt of the statuette as a repeating design.” During her career Fanny oversaw the design and layout of more than 75 public gardens across London.
The announcement was made on Friday 21st June at the opening of the PSAD Summer Exhibition. Gillian also receives a small cash prize, as do all the finalists, and work is expected to take until spring 2025 to complete.
Gardening Club
Our twice monthly get together to help plant, weed and generally improve the Gardens continues to grow in popularity. We’re not up to around 18 members, led by committee member and gardening lead Tara Simon aided by Geoff Davis. There’s been a fair amount of watering, and we’re investing in a watering hose to avoid back strain! It’s not only proving a popular pastime, but it’s also helping young people achieve their aims. Oscar, the 17 year old son of GC member Jane, has been working with us as part of his Duke of Edinburgh award scheme hours. He says: “It’s really enjoyable; Tara is good at organising, and the group of people are fun. I learnt a lot about gardening”. Bravo, Oscar!
Gate locking
A reminder that with summer almost upon us the gates are locked at 10pm on Friday to Sunday night, and then re-opened at 6am the following morning. This arrangement continues until Monday 30th September. Anti-social behaviour"The Parks and Events Police will increase patrols of Coronation Gardens. If you do meet any problems and you feel the need to contact us, please feel free to do so by calling us on our patrolling mobile: 07500 959442."
Summer dates
We’re hoping to tie down a date to formally open both the children’s play area and our flagpole, hopefully a Friday in mid-July before the summer holidays begin on July 24th. We’ve not yet heard back from Enable, so will ping it out on social media plus the website when it’s decided. Meanwhile we shall be having a stand at the Riversdale School Summer Festival at 12 noon on Saturday 29th June, so do come along, say hello, take some of our literature - and even renew your membership.
The Riversdale School Summer Festival has Music, Face Painting, a Bouncy Castle, Food and Drink, Stall and Games, a Raffle and entry is via the Coronation Gardens gate.
Annual subs
A reminder to check you are up to date with payment details.
Please visit our website www.focoronationgardens.co.uk to find out more about how to subscribe, as well as finding out more about what we do.
Next committee meeting
We next meet on Monday 15th July at the Earl Spencer stating at 7.30pm
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