GRANGE PARK TO BECOME SOUTH LONDON’S FIRST CENTENARY FIELD / BE A ROLE MODEL FOR A LAMBETH CHILD
Grange Park in Coulsdon will become the first ‘Centenary Field’ in South London on Saturday (15th).
Centenary Fields is an organisation that works across the UK in partnership with The Royal British Legion to secure recreational spaces in perpetuity to honour the memory of the millions of people who lost their lives in World War I.
As a Centenary Field, Grange Park will receive additional protection to ensure it remains as a public open space for future generations to enjoy.
The application to get this recognition was made jointly by the local friends group and the council, and was supported through the use of the local councillors’ ward budget.
Grange Park has a history of community fundraising and involvement, as the land was first acquired partly by public subscription in 1929.
Cllr Timothy Godfrey, Croydon’s cabinet member for culture, leisure, and sport, says: “It’s hugely important we protect and enhance all of our parks.
“Parks are at the heart of local communities and provide space for people to relax, exercise, meet friends and enjoy themselves.
“Grange Park is a great example of how local people can come together to make a real difference, and I’m delighted this has resulted in South London getting its first Centenary Park.”
At a ceremony this Saturday (15 April), The Deputy Mayor of Croydon and others will mark the park’s new designation by unveiling the centenary field plaque
The Coulsdon Village War Memorial stands on the edge of the park and takes the form of a simple wayside cross with the inscription: ‘These men of Coulsdon, gave their lives in the War, 1914-1918.’ Panels at the base contain the names of the fallen.
The Centenary Fields programme was launched in 2014 by Fields in Trust President HRH The Duke of Cambridge. Delivered in partnership with The Royal British Legion, it is proving to be a unique way to commemorate the World War I centenary and remember those who lost their lives during the conflict by protecting outdoor recreational space in perpetuity for the benefit of future generations.
Landowners across the UK are encouraged to dedicate a recreational space as a Centenary Field. Suitable spaces include war memorial playing fields and recreation grounds, memorial gardens, parks or recreation grounds that contain a war memorial and other valued green spaces that have some significance to WWI, either existing or planned.
Grange Park was obtained partly by public subscription but mostly by the Urban District Council in 1929 from the owners of the Coulsdon Court Golf Course. The land was sold for use as an open space or pleasure and recreation ground.
Grange Park was formerly part of Squire Byron’s Coulsdon Court Estate. The park lies within the Bradmore Green Conservation Area which was designated in 1968. (Source: Croydon council press release)
BE A ROLE MODEL FOR A LAMBETH CHILD
Written by: Jessica Easton, Chance UK
Become a mentor with Chance UK and you can make a genuine difference to a child’s life. We are looking for adults from all backgrounds who can spare some time each week helping a child to develop their skills and confidence.
Chance UK is an award-winning charity which runs a one-year mentoring programme that supports 5-11 year olds with behavioural or emotional difficulties.
“I’m Jessica, the new Programme Manager for Chance UK in Lambeth and I would love to hear from over 18s who are interested in becoming a mentor. No prior experience with children is required, just dedication and enthusiasm! Mentors are interviewed, DBS checked and fully trained. The commitment we require is a 2-4 hour session each week, with monthly supportive meetings with your Programme Manager.”
Over the course of one year, you’ll motivate the child you’re matched with to make positive choices, grow in confidence and overcome behavioural challenges (whilst having lots of fun along the way). Chance UK gives a monthly budget for activities so mentors can be as creative as they like.
A year of sessions like football, crafts and farm visits come to an end with an important graduation ceremony, celebrating everything the child and mentor have achieved together. A former mentor told us: “it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done”.
Interested? GPlease go to www.chanceuk.com, call 0207 281 5858 or email [email protected] to find out more. (Source: Love Lambeth website)
