As you know, at CHVRA we publish our printed newsletter twice a year. But things happen behind the scenes in between issues, so this website is a way of keeping you updated.
If you have news or information you’d like to share with us please do get in touch. Today, Alison Regester is updating us on behalf of Friends of Coney Hall Park. You can also read our notes on the AGM, which include a discussion about the park and the tennis courts. Over to Alison…
Back in 2022 many of you took part in an online consultation concerning our plans for Coney Hall Recreation Ground, I thought it was time to give you an update.
Since then we have been working quietly behind the scenes, on our project called ‘Play for All.’ We have now raised nearly £60,000 towards new play equipment, including £32,000 from Bromley Council. This is in addition to over £5,500 received in grants from RHS and the National Lottery for environmental / biodiversity work in the park and local community.
After all our hard work, I am pleased to tell you that Phase One of our ‘Play for All’ project is due to start next week.
This will include building a cycle route with mini ramps in the end two tennis courts, installing three tables tennis tables, one at a lower height for wheelchair users, laying a new path and removing two fences to give easy access to everyone, whether using our new facilities, or the four tennis courts beyond. The four remaining tennis courts are being refurbished by the Lawn Tennis Association and Bromley Council, a project that the Friends of Coney Hall Park have not been responsible for (Editor’s note: see the Bromley Council website for the tender documents). We will still have approximately £27,000 left towards Phase Two, to build a ball court for friends to play football and basketball.
To complete Phase Two we need to raise more money, so on Saturday 25 May we are holding an Inflatables Fun Day, supported by Jumping Jacks. We will receive 20% of the ticket money. Because so many people attended our event last year, we have had to apply for a Premises Licence. Sadly this means that people will not be able to bring their own alcohol to the event, but of course you can still bring a picnic, though there will be lots of delicious food and drink on sale.
The event runs from 11am till 5pm, with most parents buying tickets beforehand for the morning or afternoon sessions. (Adults don’t pay, unless they want to go on the bouncy castles!) We are running an ‘Early bird’ session from 10am to 11am for young children with additional needs who may find the main event too overwhelming.
We desperately need more volunteers to help on the plant stall, BBQ, refreshments or beer tent. (Unfortunately you will not be able to drink whilst serving alcohol!)
We also need help setting up or clearing away and some people to act as stewards. Their role is to be my eyes and ears, wandering around the site and reporting back to me if anyone needs help, or anything is happening that might affect people’s safety and enjoyment of the event.
Alternatively, we would really welcome any donations of raffle prizes, plants, cakes, or bottles of Pimms / Prosecco. Keeping our costs down will help to maximise our profits!
Please do support us in whatever way you can and feel free to contact me if you want to volunteer or need more information.
Alison Regester
Chair – Friends of Coney Hall Park
Coney Hall Village Residents' Association (CHVRA) 