Christmas Gathering at Harrow Lodge Park

Friends of Harrow Lodge began very recently in August as a dream of a local full-time carer – who is also a member of both the newly formed Carers’ Voice Forum, and Havering Climate Coalition – Satya Stanford. Satya has always had a passion for building supportive local communities. Inspired initially by the work of Harold Hill Wombles, she wondered if she could build on the wonderful work of Harrow Lodge Conservation Group, bringing local residents together to help make her local park cleaner and greener.

In particular, she saw how sorry a state certain areas of this large and prominent park were in: litter strewn near the lake, presenting numerous hazards to the rich variety of wildfowl and other local wildlife that graces the otherwise picturesque lake that can be viewed by Lakeview Palace Café.

In a gently organic fashion, she quickly identified the support of other local residents, who have dedicated themselves to Satya’s vision for Harrow Lodge Park ever since. Now, just three months on, Friends of Harrow Lodge has officially formed: at present a small and committed community of individuals who organise regular litter-picking to take care of the lake; to take care of each other, building lasting friendships; and foster an energising sense of community spirit in the process.

So, not only are they keeping the park clean, they are getting to know each other, creating a sense of belonging, and therefore a safer and more inclusive environment where everyone is welcome.

In the words of Kirill, an active founding member of Friends of Harrow Lodge Park, events like this ‘are part of a larger vision of making the park more appealing for users, and becoming a focal point for the community’.

Everyone is warmly invited to our Christmas Gathering, which will be held at Lakeview Palace Café from 4.30-6.30pm on December 6th, with allocated parking at the Warren Drive carpark. It will be full of Christmas cheer and messages of good hope. The Mayor of Havering will switch on the Christmas lights and there will be seasonal refreshments – including mulled wine and mince pies – that can be purchased at the café. There will also be quizzes for both children and adults, an ‘Ugly’ Christmas Jumper Competition, and messages of good hope.

Article Credit: Ruth Kettle-Frisby – Chair of Friends of Harrow Lodge Park

We look forward to welcoming you, so wrap up warm, bring a torch (your phone is fine), and come and join the fun!