The Friends Of Raphael & Lodge Farm Parks

2012-01-30T11:52:00.006Z

Spring Quiz Night 2012
Saturday 21st April at 7pm

The Friends of Raphael and Lodge Farm Parks would like to invite you to our next quiz night:

Time/Date: 7pm, 21st April

Location: St Michael's Church Hall, Main Road, Gidea Park RM2 5EL

Entrance Fee: £10 per person - includes Fish 'n' Chip supper

Bring your own drinks (there is NO licensed bar at this venue)

Maximum 10 people per table

Tickets from Len (01708) 742888

Next meeting - Monday 27st February 2012 - 7.30-9pm

2012-01-25T20:50:00.000Z

Community Group Support - ACP Ltd Mission Statement

2012-01-25T20:49:00.002Z

UPDATED: 19/01/12

Community Group Support
ACP Ltd Mission Statement

With the company based and having ties in Havering for a lifetime, it is without doubt this family business has always understood the need and importance of local community, our commitment is deep rooted.

With the consequences of global warming and climate change becoming ever clearer, we believe it's imperative for us to help understand, preserve and understand our impact on the environment.

Our staff are passionate about understanding the natural world and combating the exploitation of our green spaces. We believe local business has a key role to play here, and it was decided that it was up to us to help make a difference. "A.C. Preou Limited were to be an integral part of this".

We were delighted when Julia took our ideals a step further. Since the birth of her children it became clear as to how we could help. We understand the benefits of a safe and clean environment and of its importance to our children's development. To ensure they have a safe, fun, clean green space, which they can explore, learn to appreciate nature and the natural world and, understand the role they can play in preserving our planet.

In November 2004 Julia created a Wish List for her children's favourite park, and invited all local residents to attend the first meeting of what was to become a strong and committed Friends Group. Achieving the high expectations of the Wish List proved to be an humongous task, but the volunteer's efforts have paid off. The formation of the Friends Group proved to be the catalyst in leading the way to the Refurbishment and Regeneration of Raphael Park.

The support and sponsorship that A.C.Preou Limted provide, enables the Friends of Raphael & Lodge Farm Parks to;

- promote the importance of the parks and their natural environment and eco-systems, thereby ensuring the maintenance of the park and its facilities
- ensure the parks facilities remain in tact for the whole community
- promote the park by organising the Raphael Park annual Summer Event. Our office staff happily volunteer their time to help out during the run up to, and on the day
- be part of the project management team preparing the application to Heritage Lottery and overseeing the community interests in the £2,663,365.00, Park Regeneration Works, which the London Borough of Havering were awarded funding in July 2011
- project manage the Lake Regeneration works. Funding was awarded to the Friends Group by the Environment Agency in May 2011
- liaison between the community and local authority (meetings during working hours)
- we also provide a meeting room, office machinery facilities, stationery and company vehicles

A.C.Preou Limited are making a real difference to the community in the support they provide. "We have a long term commitment to helping, supporting and being part of The Friends of Raphael & Lodge Farm Parks." Arthur Preou, Director.

We thank you for taking the time to read our mission and would urge you to support the Friends of Raphael & Lodge Farm Park by visiting their website www.forlfp.org and becoming a Friend.

"Preou, helping Havering be a better place"

Meeting Minutes - Monday 12th September 2011

2011-11-01T12:24:00.004Z

Minutes of meeting - Monday 12th September 2011

New Sunday Litter Pick

2011-09-01T18:45:00.001+01:00

New Sunday Litter Pick: Third Sunday of each month. Meeting at the playground in Raphaels Park at 10am. Starting from Sunday 21st August until further notice.

2011-07-27T20:20:00.005+01:00

To our Wonderful Team of Volunteers

With our many thanks for your time, dedication and support.
from Len & Julia
The Friends of Raphael & Lodge Farm Parks

On behalf of The Friends of Raphael and Lodge Farm Park we would like to thank you for ensuring that our Music In The Park concert was such a great success, without you we couldn't have done it. We raised a whopping £ 2400.00. Which will enable us to continue to support our aims and objectives; to ensure that Raphael & Lodge Farm parks are a fun and safe place for all.

We have been inundated with so many compliments to you, our team of volunteers, who arranged and have been part of "The Music in the Park 2011", from beginnning to end, all in your spare time. We are very proud of you and our combined teams fantastic achievements and thank you for your time and dedication. The atmosphere which you created was wonderful, a true English summers afternoon in the park.

On our website you'll see some of the photos taken by Julia, and members of the public who have very kindly sent them into us.

Very Well Done !

Your Truly,
for & on behalf of
The Friends of Raphael & Lodge Farm Park

List of Volunteers

Arthur Preou
Brabra Green
Chris Oatham
Chris Sullivan
David Drury
David Long
Don Hodgekiss
Geoff Pepper
Peter Jacovou
Jo Allan
Kim McNulty
Len Oatham
Lin Stanely
Mike McKenzie
Marion Preou
Mandy Collett
Maggie Partridge
Nick Herold
Paula Broadmoor
Rich Hollis
Sally Smith
Steve Davies
Sue McKenzie
Susan Trayler
Terry Smith
Theresa Miller
Theresa Drury
Tracey Hayes
Trevor Preedy
The Boys - Charles, David and Zack; who got very wet putting up our posters !

Music In The Park - Sunday 24th July 2011

2011-07-11T19:20:00.002+01:00

For more information please click here

BBC: Lottery investment in London's parks reaches £100m

2011-07-11T19:16:00.000+01:00

Lottery investment in London's parks has passed the £100m mark after two parks became the latest to receive support for restoration work.

Walpole Park in Ealing and Raphael Park in Romford will share £4.1m from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Read full story on BBC website:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14087830

Gidea Park Exhibition Estate - Centenary Exhibition

2011-06-21T12:40:00.004+01:00

Peddling Through The Past

2011-06-21T12:40:00.001+01:00

Certificates 2011

2011-05-12T12:35:00.000+01:00

ANNUAL REPORT - Year Ending 31st December 2010

2011-03-24T13:59:00.005Z

Year Ending 31st December 2010

ANNUAL REPORT

We firstly would like to thank our volunteers, supporters and sponsors who enabled us to achieve the following.

December 2010

• As an ongoing project to enhance the wooded area, Len and Don planted bluebell and daffodil bulbs.
• To maintain the rose bed which we sponsor, Len and Don weeded and removed any debris and planted new roses.
• Lens continual wish to bring colour to the park doesn't stop on land. So, with the help of volunteer Don and Kevin from Parks Services Maintenance Team, they launched the Park Services boat, retrieved lifebuoys and rubbish from the lake, and went on to plant 10 baskets of water lilies in the non-fishing area of the lake. These lilies will not only provide colour but will also afford valuable cover for small fish and, hopefully, encourage amphibians to colonize the lake.
• Project Board Meeting for HLF (Heritage Lottery Fund) Application. Conservation Management Plan was discussed and Friends raised their issues. In addition the Friends are now considering implementing some activities included within the Activity Plan.
• First Tuesday in December. Litter pick run by Len; a separate report of findings is available upon request

November 2010

• We held our Autumn/Winter quiz this month at St. Michael's Church Hal. It was a great evening starting at 7pm with a short break at 9pm for a fish and chip supper. The winners this year were, "Could do Better". Len and Chris organised the evening which raised a whopping £807.
• A Public Consultation was held in Raphael Park to provide feedback for the HLF Stage 2 Application.
• Alexis joined the team this month which gives a great boost to our strength. Our many thanks go to her for giving up her valuable time.
• First Tuesday in November. Litter pick run by Len; a separate report of findings is available upon request

October 2010

• Autumn News Letter 2010 issued, providing general information of Friends activities throughout the Spring/Summer.
• Parks services donated some end of season geraniums which were being pulled out of Raphael park flower beds. Geoff Pepper kindly organised with Grounds Maintenance to put the old plants in sacks and dropped them off to Julia so we could prepare them for winter potting ready for planting next Spring. Gary of Parks Services dropped off ten bags of plants of which we managed to salvage about three- quarters. They are now in pots now waiting to be planted late next Spring. Must say not sure how many will survive; this is Julia's first attempt at gardening!
• First Tuesday in October. Litter pick run by Len; a separate report of findings is available upon request

September 2010

• Len purchased 1000 bluebell bulbs and 25kg (misprint on newsletter) of daffodils and he and Don planted these in the woods. A further batch will be ordered later this year.
• Green flag was raised in Lodge Farm Park. This is a great accolade for the Grounds Maintenance team and our monthly litter pickers.
• First Tuesday in September. Litter pick run by Len; a separate report of findings is available upon request.

August 2010

• First Tuesday in August. Litter pick run by Len; a separate report of findings is available upon request.

July 2010

• Special litter pick and toilet clean up was carried out prior to the Fun Day.
• Funday - We had a great day the weather was once again extremely kind to us. The whole day was hosted entirely by the Friends group and many volunteers. We provided free to the public, live music, circus entertainment, kids fitness routes and an interactive farm animal experience. Byron Redstar Football Club organised a kids football tournament and Havering 90' Joggers organised a number of races throughout the park and surrounding streets. We had 42 individual activities taking place throughout the event which ran from 9am to 6pm on Sunday 11th July. The event was hosted by us to promote the Friends of Raphael & Lodge Farm Parks. The final net profit for the day amounted to £1521.
First Tuesday in July. Litter pick run by Len; a separate report of findings is available upon request.

April - June 2010
• These months the Friends Team were very busy organising the Family Fun Day. We had a marvellous line up for this year including almost all stands from last year and quite a few new ones too. The event is huge and becoming very popular. We managed over 40 different activities/stands on the day and this required a huge amount of organisation. Thankfully, we have a wonderful team of organisers and volunteers.
• Arrangements were made with the Maintenance Team to ensure that the park will be as smart as possible; the plans included cleaning, painting of public amenities.
• Litter picks were carried out the first Tuesday of each month; separate reports of findings are available upon request.

March 2010

• We held our Spring/Summer quiz this month at St. Michael's Church Hall. It was a great evening starting at 7pm with a short break at 9pm for a fish and chip supper. The fish and chips were a great success and will be a feature of future quizzes. The winners this year were, "Naughty Nines". Our thanks to Len and Chris who organised the evening which raised a whopping £885, for our lovely parks.
• We achieved Official Friends Status for 2010/2011 which is a great accolade for the Friends Team.
• First Tuesday in March. Litter pick run by Len; a separate report of findings is available upon request

January - February 2010

• Plans are afoot organising the Spring/Summer Quiz Night. Raffle prizes to obtain and halls to book, advertising, etc.
• First Tuesday of January & Feburay. Litter pick run by Len; a separate report of findings is available upon request

Annual General Meeting - Minutes of meeting

2011-02-16T21:20:00.004Z

Click here to view the Annual General Meeting minutes

Winter Quiz Night 2010 - Saturday 13th November at 7pm

2010-09-21T19:08:00.001+01:00

Winter Quiz Night 2010
Saturday 13th November at 7pm

The Friends of Raphael and Lodge Farm Parks would like to invite you to our next quiz night:

Time/Date: 7pm, 13th November
Location: St Michael's Church Hall, Main Road, Gidea Park RM2 5EL

Entrance Fee: £8.50 per person - includes Fish 'n' Chip supper

Bring your own drinks (there is NO licensed bar at this venue)

Maximum 10 people per table

Tickets from Len (01708) 742888

Artist At Large

2010-07-27T17:47:00.001+01:00

Large-scale oil paintings, many inspired from the lake at local Raphael Park will be on display in a solo exhibition. One of four finalists for the "Big Arts Submission Havering," Joanne Mumford has done many studies of water over the past seven years and attributes our beautiful local environment in helping to generate such a diverse catalogue of work.

She says, "It is incredible how images of water can differ so dramatically merely by simple factors such as how the light and air pressure affects it. There are certain qualities in an image that attracts me to paint it and it's these distinguishable factors that stir my own feelings and help me think about perception and my environment. My paintings aim to convey these seemingly timeless and suspended moments. I enjoy painting large works mostly 5ft x 4ft, the largest so far being 8 ft by 5 ft, which enables me to become quite immersed by the whole experience."

You can view some of Joanne's fine art oil paintings at the Visual Arts Centre, Frances Bardsley School, Brentwood Road, Romford from Tuesday 10th until Friday 13th August 2010. On these days the gallery is open to the public from 9.30 am until 3.00 pm, please feel free to join us at the launch night on Monday 9th August from 7.00 until 9.00 pm. For more information contact the Visual Arts Centre on 01708 447368 ext 238 or email djh_fbs@yahoo.co.uk. http://www.joannemumford.co.uk

Buggy Walk

2010-07-12T18:19:00.007+01:00

Buggy Walks

Do you have a child in a buggy and want to get fit?

Then why not Walk your Way to Health with Havering's Buggy Walks.

It's a great way to burn some calories while meeting new people and it's FREE!

Join us for a taster 45-60 minute brisk walk on:

Every Monday 10.15am, Lodge Farm Park to Raphael Park
Meet at Lodge Farm Car Park off Main Road, Romford.

For further information about this walk and other buggy walks in Havering contact the Walks Co-ordinator on 01708 433 818 or elvan.dixon@havering.gov.uk

Family Fun Day - Sunday 11th July 2010

2010-07-04T19:57:00.002+01:00

Raphael Park Family Fun Day
Sunday 11th July
12-5pm - Free Entry

Arts & crafts stalls
Live music from the bandstand
Food & drink
Childrens fun fair
Wellgate Community Farm
The Circus Company
Childrens playground
Local community groups
Byron Redstar football tournament
Tombola & raffle
Book signing by Nick & Annette Butterworth (authors of Percy’s Park & The Adventures of Jake)
Havering ‘90 Joggers 5 mile & childrens fun run (entries in advance only from www.h90j.org.uk)
Plus lots more entertainment!

Spring Quiz Night - Saturday 27th March 2010

2010-04-14T08:22:00.009+01:00

Our Spring Quiz Night was a roaring success. We had a fantastic night and managed to raise a staggering eight hundred and eighty-five pounds! Our congratulations go out to the winning team: “The Naughty Nines” (pictured) We’d like to thank Len and Chris for all their hard work organising the evening and also a very big thank-you to everyone who attended and made the night the success it was. We’d also like to thank some of our kind donors for their prizes: Andrew Curtin for the chocolates (yes they made it there!) and Andrew Rosindell for the fabulous guided tour of Big Ben’s Bell Tower. We are delighted that so many of you have given feedback on how much you enjoyed the evening. One question that people were asking on the night was how we plan to spend the money that was raised - we are proposing to allocate a proportion of the funds to maintaining the two flower beds that we recently started sponsoring in Raphael Park, with the remainder going towards sponsoring entertainment for our Family Fun Day this summer, as well as other events that we plan to hold in the forthcoming year. Once again, we’d like to say a really big thank-you for your continued support and encouragement.

Spring Quiz Night 2010 - Saturday 27th March at 7pm

2010-01-23T11:26:00.003Z

Spring Quiz Night 2010
Saturday 27th March at 7pm

The Friends of Raphael and Lodge Farm Parks would like to invite you to our next quiz night:

Time/Date: 7pm, Saturday 27th March
Location: St Michael's Church Hall, Main Road, Gidea Park RM2 5EL

Entrance Fee: £8.50 per person - includes Fish 'n' Chip supper

Bring your own drinks (there is NO licensed bar at this venue)

Maximum 10 people per table

Tickets from Len (01708) 742888

Friends of Raphael & Lodge Farm Parks at Planet Havering - Monday 31st August 2009

2009-09-02T19:26:00.009+01:00

This Sunday we were all at Planet Havering with our stall, which was beautifully constructed by Julia (left). We were in the corner between Friends of Cottons Park and Friends of Havering Country Park. The Essex Wildlife trust and Friends of Upminster Windmill were also in the marquee too.

The organisers couldn't have asked for a better day with the weather on Sunday - it was gloriously sunny.

We all took it in turns to greet members of the public throughout the day and answer any questions that they had. There were a few people who had heard of our parks but weren't sure where they were, so we helped with that; others enjoyed looking at the various leaflets on the stand as well as the selection of photographs.

We were glad that we could be there to help raise awareness of our parks and to meet with some of the other friends' groups.

Our next meeting - Monday 12th October 7.30 - 9pm, Romford Town Hall

2009-09-02T10:43:00.000+01:00

Our next meeting will take place on:

Monday 12th October

7.30pm - 9pm

Romford Town Hall

Please come along to our meeting and support YOUR parks. We, together with Havering Park Services, wish to improve, protect and provide a safe and fun place for all to enjoy! We welcome anybody who is interested in helping us with our aims. The more support we have, the greater impact we can have as a group. We look forward to seeing you there, and if you are a regular, many, many thanks for your continued support.

2009 Quiz Night - Saturday, 26th September, 7.30pm

2009-08-21T12:11:00.004+01:00

2009 Quiz Night - Saturday, 26th September, 7.30pm

The Friends of Raphael and Lodge Farm Parks are once again holding their annual quiz night:

Date: Saturday, 26th September, 7.30pm

Location: Lodge Farm Bowls Club, Lodge Farm Park, Carlton Road

Entrance Fee: Just £5 per person

Prizes - Licensed Bar - Bring your own food

Maximum of 10 people per table

Tickets from Len (01708) 742888

Raphael Park Family Fun Day 2009 - A Great Day For All!

2009-08-11T11:45:00.012+01:00

Dear Friends,

What a fantastic afternoon it was and even the weather was kind to us too!

As well as having a great time in the sun we managed to raise £730.00 for our lovely park!

But we didn't do this alone. We have so many people to thank:

The Mayor of Havering and Andrew Curtin who very kindly opened the Fun Day.
The Three Fabulous Bands who entertained us for the afternoon.
Nick & Annette Butterworth, who gave up their afternoon to thrill the children with their fabulous books.
Romford Summer Theatre for their impromptu performance.
The barbeque and cafe teams.
Everyone who helped to supervise the raffle and tombola stalls.
The volunteers who gave up their precious time to create leaflets and those who delivered them too.
The management team who made this wonderful day possible. Your commitment is to be commended. There were so many late nights and last minute calls to ensure the smooth running of the day.
A big thank you to everyone who very kindly donated money they raised on the day and to those who donated those fabulous prizes for our raffle and tombola, which were a great success.
A huge thank to A. C. Preou Limited for their continued, unwavering support.
Everyone else involved in the organising of the day.

And last, but certainly not least, a big, big thank-you to YOU! We were absolutely overwhelmed by your support and generosity. Please be assured that money raised will be put towards enhancing our parks facilities as well as ensuring future days can be held.

We are always open to suggestions from anyone to help make next year's event even more successful. Please send us your comments (good or bad) via our website at:
http://forlfp.org.uk/contact_us

We will now focus our attention on our remaining events for this year, including our quiz night on Saturday, 26th September and possibly a Black Tie Christmas Ball held in Raphael Park in 2010.

Please let us know what you think and don't forget to watch our website for more details.

Once again, thank you all so much for making the whole day such a huge success.

Yours sincerely,

The Friends of Raphael & Lodge Farm Parks

Raphael Park - New Play/Activitiy Area

2009-07-13T16:10:00.004+01:00

We're really excited to tell you all that work on a new play area for Raphael Park is due to start sometime around October, with works hopefully being completed just before the end of the year (this is just a rough estimate and not an official timeline).

The new play area will be in the same location where the current play area is today.

You can see the video below that shows the new play site design. There is an overview of the design and then individual examples of the activities. Check it out:

Havering Playfest

2009-07-08T14:26:00.003+01:00

Havering Playfest 09

4th August at Raphael Park
11am-4pm

Arts, sport, theatre, music, dance, pet farm and a whole range of other activities for children aged 5 upwards and families at Havering's second annual great festival of play.

Supported by the Big Lottery Fund.

Free entry.

Raphael Park Family Fun Day - Just Two Weeks To Go!

2009-07-02T10:56:00.002+01:00

Just two weeks to go! See below for the poster and more information...

From Events

Raphael Park Family Funday - 3 weeks to go!

2009-06-21T20:03:00.005+01:00

From Events

Raphael Park Family Fun Day - 12:00 - 17:00 on Sunday, 12th July

Arts & Craft stalls
Live Music from the bandstand
Food & Drink
Childrens Playground
Local community groups
Romford Summer Theatre
Lawn Tennis nets
Penalty Shootout
Bouncy Castle
Face painting
Tombola & Raffle
Book signing by Nick & Annette Butterworth; authors of Percy's Park & The Adventures of Jake
Plus lots more entertainment for adults and kids alike...

We look forward to seeing you and your family at noon when the Mayor of Havering will open the event!

Romford Summer Theatre - Romeo & Juliet - June 11, 12 and 13 and 18, 19 and 20, Raphael Park

2009-06-06T10:11:00.012+01:00

From Romford Summer Theatre

Romford Summer Theatre will be performing Romeo and Juliet this year at the Rockery, Raphael Park, Romford.

Perfomance dates: June 11, 12 and 13 and 18, 19 and 20.

All performances start at 8pm. Tickets are £8 or £6 Concessions. Seats are allocated on a first come first served basis and there is no advance booking.

Raphael Park Family Fun Day - 12:00 - 17:00 on Sunday, 12th July

2009-05-13T16:45:00.001+01:00

We are again hosting our ‘Raphael Park Family Fun Day’.

We have lots of activities and exhibits planned as well as live music.

Further information to follow.

Volunteers Needed

2009-04-02T15:39:00.003+01:00

We are doing our best to keep up with all issues raised in our parks, but desperately need some volunteers to lighten the load. If we can spread the tasks among a larger number of volunteers our impact would be greater. If you are able to give up a few hours here and there we would really appreciate the help. Please either contact us through the website or email Julia on juliapreou@aol.com. We thank you in anticipation.

Leaflet Delivery
We are looking for delivery to of leaflets to the South side of Gidea Park (LFP) and North of Gidea Park (RP)
Family Fun Day 2009
List of tasks available upon request.

Litter Collection

2009-04-02T15:11:00.002+01:00

Further to points raised at our Annual General Meeting on the 1st April 2009, we would like to confirm that Havering Park Services will be increasing litter collections throughout the summer months.

Hopefully in the not too distant future we will see more lidded bins fitted in the parks to prevent small animals and birds removing litter from them.

We respectfully remind all park users to ensure they use bins provided, that doesn't include the birds and squirrels!

Our many thanks for your cooperation.

Offical Friends Group Status

2009-04-01T16:52:00.003+01:00

Saturday 14th March 2009. We are delighted to announce that Friends of Raphael and Lodge Farm Park have achieved Official Friends Group Status from the London Borough of Havering.

The objective of the official status is to ensure Parks Services work more closely with Official Friends Groups. The status will be reviewed annually by Havering, and set criteria has to be met by us to attain our status. In return Havering will provide parks free of charge for official friends events, attend our meetings, provide assistance packages and annually agree at least one project.

Its official, together we can improve the standards of our parks.

Lake Clearing & Improvements - Flag Iris Planting

2009-03-30T18:24:00.010+01:00

Flag Iris Baskets. You may have been wondering what has been planted in the Lake and by whom, well after many weeks of planning;

On 4th November 2008. Five Friends Volunteers gave up their Tuesday morning to help clear rubbish from the lake, silt trap, surrounding banks, and plant the Flag Iris's kindly donated Tracey & Ron Hayes.

The timing was perfect as the lake was extremely low due the lake edging works taking place, this was an ideal opportunity not to be missed.

We met with Graham Nicholson and Gary Storey of Haverings Grounds Maintenance Team, who had no qualms about jumping into the lake with Friends volunteer Brian Lee, Brian and the boys waded out into the lake and pulled out bikes, railings, cones and other general debris, infact almost filling the truck to the brim. Graham and Gary then went onto help for the rest of the day.

Len, Don and Brian prepared the inlet, ready for the baskets, which over time been naturally created by gradual bank erosion, Brian was the star jumping into the lake when needed. The baskets which were supplied by Nigel Oxley of Havering Culture and delivered by Geoff Pepper of Parks Services. Our many thanks for these.

Meanwhile, Tracey and Julia where at this time knee deep in another lake in Gidea Park collecting the Iris's, the GM Team were kind enough to collect the plants and deliver them to the Park ready for us to place them in the baskets. We loaded the baskets with rubble to prevent them from floating away once the lakes normal water level was achieved, we then carefully arranged the Iris's and covered with silt and other heavy organic matter to help see them through winter.

The day was a great success. We all worked as one great team, our most sincere thanks to the Volunteers, the Grounds Maintenance Team and Parks Services and of course those Kind Donations.

Monday 30th March 2009. Spring is here and we are delighted to see the Iris's have bedded-in well, and shoots are emerging from the lake, we should see beautiful yellow flowers this summer. We sincerely hope you enjoy them.

In the coming years once the Iris bed establishes itself, it will hopefully prevent further bank erosion and will provide a natural fish spawning ground and vital cover for the tiny fish once they hatch. It will also in time, provide a natural nesting place for the lakes Moore Hens and Coots.

Work on lake edging has begun

2008-09-19T22:34:00.005+01:00

Updated: 08/10/08 - We have been advised that the newest part of the lake edge and an extra 50 meters are to be removed and replaced. The works will take the best part of the Autumn and Havering have apologised for any inconvenience caused. We have asked that the rubbish be removed from the Lake whilst the water level is low, Grounds Maintenance have removed most of the large items dumped in the lake, however we are looking for Volunteers to help us clear the area near the silt trap which is chocked with debris, please text Julia on 07799 116110 or log onto our website and email me http://www.forlfp.org.uk/. We look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.

Work has now started on the refurbishment of the lake edging at Raphael Park. We will keep you posted with developments.

Nick Butterworth's - Percy's Park - Raphaels Park 1988

2008-09-16T15:24:00.010+01:00

From The Friends Of Raphael & Lodge Farm Parks

As you may be aware, world famous author Nick Butterworth was inspired to write his wonderful series of books entitled ' Percy's Park' after one morning peeking into the park keepers hut in Raphael Park back in 1988! Later Nick's wife Annette was also inspired to write her wonderful series of stories 'Jake in Trouble' from many dog walks taken in Raphael's Park. All the fabulous illustrations for these books were created by Nick.

How very lucky we are, our many thanks to Nick and Annette for all their help and encouragement with our Fun Day.

We have recently been discussing with Nick & Annette plans to sell personally signed Percy's Park & Jake in Trouble books from our website, this exciting new facility will raise valuable funding for our Friends Group which will enable us to host more exciting family fun days and concerts from our bandstand.

Raphaels Park, lake edging remedial works - October 2008

2008-09-16T14:40:00.007+01:00

We have today received notice that the lake edgings are to be replaced in the not too distant future. Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us via email, and we will pass on to Havering Parks Services on your behalf.

We have been assured that all fish will remain in the lake, there is no plan to remove them as far as we are aware. We would be very grateful if lakeside residents can keep us informed of any such actions and welcome any comments you may have regarding this matter.

In the coming week all residents should receive a copy of the foregoing letter, published by Havering Parks Services, Don Stewart, Interim Parks Project Manager;

The Occupier

Dear Sir/Madam

Raphael Park, Romford – Stabilisation of Lakeside Revetments and Footpath

You may be aware that the ongoing deterioration of the lakeside walk at Raphael Park. In order to restore this popular amenity to a stable condition it is necessary to carry out remedial works as soon as possible. These works are due to start later this week and it is anticipated that they will be completed in approximately 12 weeks.

The works will entail the installation of new sheet piling and a series of edging beams. It is inevitable that some disturbance will be caused particularly during pile driving operations. However our contractor will be required to minimise as far as is practicable the level and duration of any noise and to ensure compliance with statutory requirements at all times. The council has been liaising with the Environment Agency regarding the project.

I also wish to inform you that it will be necessary to lower the level of the lake to enable the works to take place and that parts of the footpath will be closed during the project for health and safety reasons.

In view of the proximity of your premises to these works I am writing to apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused and to thank you in advance for your cooperation in this connection.

Yours sincerely,

Don Stewart

Interim Parks Projects Manager

Quiz Night Saturday 13th September 2008 - Loads of Fun!

2008-09-16T10:52:00.005+01:00

On Saturday 13th September, we hosted our second quiz night at The Romford Bowling Club. A great night was had by all! The winners collected a bottle of wine each and many raffle prizes were won throughout the evening. Our many thanks to you all for joining in the fun, our many thanks to Vicki for arranging our hire of the excellent venue and finally our thanks to all those who donated the wonderful raffle prizes. We look forward to hosting a Spring and Autumn Quiz Night for 2009, and look forward to welcoming you there.

Lodge Farm Park Awarded Green Flag 2008

2008-09-16T09:40:00.004+01:00

We are delighted to confirm that through the support of the Friends of Raphael and Lodge Farm Park, the Safer Neighbourhood Team, the Local Community, the Grounds Maintenance Team and Havering Parks Services, that Lodge Farm Park has been awarded the Green Flag! This is a magnificent accolade and a testament to all of the hard work carried out in the partnership between us.

On Thursday 24th July on behalf of the Friends of Raphael & Lodge Farm Park, Paul McLoughlin attended the Awards Ceremony in Liverpool, then on Wednesday 3rd September, Julia Herold and Len Oatham attended the raising of the Green Flag in Lodge Farm Park.

Well done to all, and our sincere thank you to all the hard work carried out to achieve this very prestigious award. We look forward to maintaining this extremely high level of maintenance to ensure we are awarded the Green Flag for 2009!

"Family Fun Day" Sunday 6th July 2008 - Our Many Thanks

2008-07-27T14:08:00.014+01:00

We would like to say a 'huge thank you' for coming along and supporting the Family Fun Day!

Our Many, Many Thanks, to the following for the Encouragement, Help, Support and Input which made the Family Fun day such a great success!

"We couldn't have done it without you"

A C Preou Limited - 01708 755055

Main Road Tools - Charles Fancourt 01708 763666

Adele Payne

Bolton Displays Limited - RM10 8TX

Nick & Annette Butterworth - whom stayed the whole day to sign those wonderful books, a huge thank you to Nick for passing on some of his magic too, drawing together with the children some of those wonderful illustrations.

Byron Redstar Football Club - Raphael Park September-June

Cranfield Golf Centre - E4 6AN

Golden Ivy Florist - 01708 757447

Majestic Wine - Main Road, RM2

Martin & Lorraine, Raphael Park Cafe - not forgetting the lovely doughnuts

Music for the Blind & Disabled - Brian Luck

Tesco Gallows Corner - Gallows Corner

The Conservatory Hairdressers - 01708 458511

Zaafran Indian Restaurant - 01708 747505

Couldn't Do It Without You

Don Stewart
Geoff Pepper
Martin Stanton
Michelle Morris
Grounds Maintenance Staff

Volunteers

Arthur & Marian Preou
Ardleigh Green Primary School
Band for the Blind & Disabled
Chris Sullivan
Daniel Herold
Gidea Park Primary School
Graham & Mel
Holly Conroy
Jack Smith
Nick & Annette Butterworth
Rise Park Primary School
Sam Hayes
Sally & Terry Smith
Sophia Pittaway
St.Mary's Hare Park School
The Tibetan Tea Company

Lodge Farm Park - Green Flag Award

2008-05-20T15:19:00.004+01:00

Just a small update.

The judges for the Green Flag Award visited Lodge Farm Park today.

Members of the Friends Group were there to greet them as well as members of park services, grounds maintenance and other council staff.

The sun was certainly shining on us and the park looked truly fantastic as we all walked around it.

Fingers still crossed for the award!

Lodge Farm Park - Green Flag Award

2008-02-08T10:48:00.000Z

Flying the Flag!

The Friends of Raphael Park and the council’s Parks Service are working together in an attempt to gain the prestigious Green Flag award for Lodge Farm Park. Green Flag is the only nationally recognised quality award for public parks.

You may have noticed work going on in the park recently as part of this project. Work is/will include the resurfacing of footpaths, the painting of park railings and gates, enhancements to the children’s play area, the installation of an outdoor gym and works to the shrub beds and trees in the park.

The Green Flag judges are likely to visit the park at some point in either April or May. Keep your fingers crossed!

Raphael Park - Heritage Lottery Fund

2008-02-08T10:47:00.000Z

The Parks Service in partnership with the Friends group is working hard on a stage 1 submission to the HLF Parks for People Fund.

The submission will comprise a Masterplan, Conservation Management Plan, an Audience Development Plan, Training Plan and a 10 year Management Plan.

The bid will aim to attract considerable HLF funding to enhance and restore the park for the benefit of local people, making it the jewel in the crown of Havering’s many parks and open spaces.

Raphael Park - Big Lottery Play Award

2008-02-08T10:41:00.000Z

We’ve won the Lottery!

The Havering Parks Service has been successful in being awarded a Big Lottery Fund Play Award to develop and enhance the play area in the park to the tune of £165,000

The play area will feature new exciting and challenging equipment, water play, perhaps boulders to climb on and attractive landscaping.

The project is to be planned in partnership with children at Gidea Park Primary School and will be in place by autumn 2008.