Happy centenary Wormholt Park
Thursday September 1, 2011
One of the borough’s best-loved parks will be celebrating its 100th birthday next weekend!
Wormholt Park in Shepherds Bush, was opened in June 1911 by the then Mayor of Hammersmith, Cllr Norman William Shairp, just five days after the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary.
To celebrate its centenary the ‘Friends of Wormholt Park has organised a weekend jam-packed full of fun, food, games, music, sport and history.
On Friday, September 9, 180 children from seven local schools will come together to learn about the history of the park and surrounding area. They will also go on a nature watch looking at birds with BBC presenter, David Lindo, attend a QPR Football Club sports clinic and make birthday cards and bunting to hang on a birthday wishing tree in the park.
‘Party in the Park’ will take place from 11am to 5pm on Saturday, September 10 and include food and market stalls, music, sharing memories in the history tent and children’s activities. In addition, there will also be games and sports, including a QPR sports clinic raffles, competitions and great prizes to win.
The event will finish with a Tea Party at 4pm and the cutting of a giant cake with special guests, including the Mayor of the borough, Cllr Frances Stainton, and local centenarian, Peggy Aslett and her niece Joan.
Chair of the Friends of Wormholt Park, Bob Still said: "Wormholt Park is a great part of the history of the area and has played a role in the lives of many past and current residents. Friends of Wormholt Park are delighted to host the park's 100th birthday party and we look forward to bringing the community together to celebrate.
"We are working to improve the park and to highlight the great opportunities it offers for people of all ages - to meet, to play, to exercise, to plant, to enjoy. We are working with the Council and others to secure a bright future for the park for its next 100 years. “
Hammersmith & Fulham Council is planning a number of improvements to the park and consulted residents and park users recently over what they would like to see done. This information will form part of a Masterplan for the park which will inform a proposed future redevelopment.
Cllr Greg Smith, cabinet member for residents’ services, said: “This borough has numerous beautiful parks and open spaces, each with their unique history and identity. The council is looking forward to carrying out a number of improvements to Wormholt Park so that it can continue to flourish for the next century.”
The Friends group is made up of local residents and currently has 170 members. For more details, or to join visit www.friendsofwormholtpark.org.uk (opens new window).
