Ladywell Fields User Group meeting, Wednesday 6 June 2018, 7pm

Venue:  Environmental Studies room in the North Field (adjacent to Ladywell railway station)

On the Agenda:

• Notes of last meeting and any issues raised 
• Works carried out under Catford Green development S106 Agreement (Jordan Ogbeide-Ihama from LBL Greenscene)
• New tennis courts (Written update by Andy Thomas LB Lewisham) 
• Proposed park leaflet (Tim Gluckman, LFUG Secretary)
• Upcoming volunteering sessions, tbc
• Food and Fun event on Sat 28th July (Catford Community Association, antjealterna@hotmail.com)   

The meeting was followed by a walk about in the park with opportunities for informal discussion of park issues and proposals for investing planning gain funding (such as improving the basketball court, sponsored group exercise sessions, outdoor gym equipment, or improving the skate park).

The minutes of the meeting can be viewed here.

The date of the next meeting will be Wednesday 19 Sept 2018, 7pm.

New shared path for Ladywell Fields

Construction on the new cycle/pedestrian path in the Middle Fields is now completed.  It links the Catford Green Development to the Ravensbourne bridge, connecting to the existing main path in the Middle Fields.  Now that the path has been laid, the next stages of work include the installation of lamp posts, tree planting along the route, and the placement of benches and other park furniture. 

Works in early May 2018

The path had been a condition of the planning consent granted to Barratts for the development on the old greyhound stadium site. The tarmacked surface replaces what had become a well worn, informal foot path along the 'desire line' chosen by park users.  It retains a large section of the middle field, facing the north field and adventure playground, to be used for football playing, dog walking etc.

Works in April 2018

The design of the path and the route had been discussed at User Group meetings in 2017 and 2019.  Anyone interested in getting involved with future changes to the park is welcome to join the User Group mailing list and come to the meetings which are always well publicised in the notice boards in the park.

Mysterious Circles in Ladywell Fields

These strange markings of unknown origin appeared on the ground at the curly bridge.  Get in touch if you can decipher their significance or shed light on their provenance 😉

Ladywell Fields Orchard Volunteer Session, Sunday 6th May 10.30am-12.00noon

We spent a glorious, easy going Sunday morning pruning the row of plum trees in the Ladywell Fields community orchard.  We snipped, cut and sawed to keep the trees growing healthily and into good shape.  The buds are already promising a rich harvest for this year.  We were a small group, giving everyone even better opportunity to benefit from Caroline's expert instruction. Thanks to all who took part in the volunteering.  

Next time you walk through the south field, take a look at our beautiful trees--and don't miss out on trying the fruit when the plums have ripened.  

Ladywell Fields River Clean-Up, Sunday 14 October 2018

Our regular Spring River Clean-Up, facilitated by Thames21, was held on Sunday, 22 April.  About twenty of us, adults and children, freed the Ravensbourne from litter an debris.

Blessed with dappled sunshine under the canopy of some outstandingly beautiful park trees, we could at times imagine ourselves in pristine countryside rather than an urban river.  Admittedly, the removal of dozens of items of plastic litter, discarded clothes and sodden picnic blankets, bits of scaffolding, two safe deposit boxes, a scooter and a shopping trolley all helped keep up the idyllic appearance. 

The surprise find of the day was a Doulton Lambeth glaze earthenware 'Batey' brown bottle in pristine condition, presumably used for selling ginger beer in the second half of the 19th century. 

Thanks to everyone who joined in, many for the first time--young people in particular.  We had some great conversations and made useful new contacts.  Watch this blog for forthcoming volunteering dates in Ladywell Fields.