New Native Hedge Planting

Dear Friends of Cottenham Park

In the early Spring this year we planted a wildlife friendly hedge to the east of the pavilion garden railings. 

It was not a great success, it was trampled on, used by dogs, and then the drought came.  

Anyway, we have now planted another selection of hedging plants (a bargain offer in Gardener's World Magazine from Wiggly Wigglers - see info on plants below).

They are strong plants and we have planted them closer together and marked off the area.   

The plants include beech, blackthorn, dogrose, field maple and spindle.  

We have also just had a new bench to be put in the same area after an exceedingly long delay from Merton.  Now the bench is in place, the idea is to plant two or three small, colourful, wildlife friendly trees in the area. (These also have to be done by Merton and not by us).

Do please look at the plants if you are in the park, and shout very loudly at any dogs getting too near!

If it is a success we can extend the planting next Autumn.

Jill and Peter Smith

Friends of Cottenham Park

The Friends of Cottenham Park

Invite you to join us for 

 Christmas Carols

in the Pavilion

  

Friday 20^th December 2013

at 7.00pm

 Mulled Wine, Soft Drinks

& Mince Pies

Emergency General Meeting and Appeal for Volunteers

                

Dear Friends

This year we are celebrating 10 very successful years since ‘The Friends of Cottenham Park’ was formed. 

We can all be proud that so very much has been accomplished during this time in improving, sustaining and cherishing our very special park.

On this special anniversary the committee's enthusiasm for the park is in no way diminished, but we feel that it is an appropriate time to take stock and make fresh plans for the future to build upon all that has so far been achieved.

Currently three key members of the committee, the chair and two secretaries are standing down which will make it very difficult for us to continue as a viable committee.

We will therefore call an Emergency General Meeting in the pavilion
on Sunday 9 February 2014 at 11am

Refreshments from 10.30am

We are making a heartfelt appeal for new volunteers.  Please give some serious thought to joining the committee. We meet in an informal and friendly way in the evening, just four times a year. Support and encouragement will be given to everyone who wants to help and by sharing the workload the individual commitment need not be very high.

There are many challenges ahead for the park in the face of more major budgetary cuts, but with new members bringing fresh ideas, we will be able to continue sustaining our close association with Merton Greenspaces, enhancing and protecting our wonderful amenity for the enjoyment of every member of the community, from toddler to elder!  

With kindest regards

Mike Hammond and Friends of Cottenham Park

FCP Chairman and Founder Retires

Michael Woods, one of the founders of The Friends of Cottenham Park, formally resigned from his post as Chairman at our last committee meeting on October 9th.

Michael was instrumental in forming the group of local residents that became FCP over ten years ago, with the aim to protect and promote this valuable amenity for the benefit of everyone in the surrounding community.  He, along with his wife Judith - another founding member and who was also one of our Secretaries until earlier this year - has worked tremendously hard with relentless professionalism, graciousness and attention to detail to ensure Cottenham Park is the beautiful, safe and well maintained place we all enjoy today.

Michael should be very proud of all he has accomplished during his Chairmanship and on behalf of all our members, the FCP would like to thank him for all the years of dedication and good work.  We wish Michael and Judy a long, happy and healthy retirement in their new home in Claygate and look forward to welcoming them as guests of honour at our future events!

(Jo) Josephine Taylor 20th March 1931 to 30 April 2013

We are very sad to tell you that Jo Taylor has died.
She was a very valued member of the committee, always smiling, ever willing to help with events and opening the park during the summer!  We will all miss her very much.  The Friends are planning to dedicate a bench in the park to her memory, which will be very fitting as she loved watching birds and enjoying the open air.

Jo enjoying a 'herbal' beer in Berlin!

Another Great Tea in The Park! - 28th April 2013

The Friends of Cottenham Park's annual spring tea party was another great success with a record turnout of around 150 people this year - despite it being a little chilly!
The rain held off for us though, and we had a very enjoyable afternoon with a variety of interesting stalls, fun and games for the children and some fine music.  Most importantly, it provided the perfect opportunity for everyone to meet others in the community over a good cup of tea and a slice of cake!  
The Friend's also gained nine new members - so a warm welcome to all of you!
Thank you to everyone who turned up and gave their time and generous donations of cakes, plants, bottles and prizes for the stalls. Huge thanks also goes to local businesses; Nicholas and Steele, Absolute Organics, Garden Sage and Forest Bailiff , who all donated generous prizes for our raffle. The day has raised valuable funds for the ongoing upkeep and improvement of our park.

FCP AGM - Sunday 3rd March 2012

The Annual General Meeting for The Friends of Cottenham Park

 will be held at 

Cottenham Park Pavilion 

on

Sunday 3rd March 2013 

10.30am - coffee and croissants

 11am - AGM commences

Date for the Diary - Tea in the Park 28/04/2013

The Friends of Cottenham Park's annual 

Tea in the Park 

event is scheduled for the afternoon of 

Sunday 28th April

Please keep that date free!

Please also contact us if you would like to help out on the day.  Volunteers to help run stalls and activities, serve tea and set up gazebos and tables etc, prior to the event are most welcome. 

Email us at friendsofcottenhampark@gmail.com