Thursday 17th September 2026
Meeting by Video Conference
Attendees
Alan Cooper (Chair), Dries Indesteege (Deputy Chair), Ricky O’Garro (Senior Park), Roger Jones, Ron Innell, Marion Innell, Nicky Brown, Uta Saatz, Eugene Czauderna, Lucia Rios-Steele, John Rands, Ian MacDonald and Lyndsay Jones
Apologies
Pearl Sanders, Helen Mossop, Pat Mossop, Su Leaver, Charlotte Cook
The Friends of Chandos Gardens were invited, but were unable to attend this time
Introduction
Alan welcomed everyone to the meeting
Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes from the meeting and AGM on 9th July 2026 were agreed to be correct
Treasurer’s Report
The current balance is £2007.26 We have received £500 donations from ParkFest through GoFundMe
Report from Senior Ranger
A new Gardener has now been appointed, to replace Lee who is now with one of the Ranger teams
Ricky has had a number of people enquire about the damaged and clearly distressed trees, suffering from the unusually hot dry summer. He has explained that the mature trees cannot be effectively watered because their roots are too deep. A number to trees have had to be felled or much reduced in size, and more may have to be removed. This is a city-wide problem and the Hampstead Heath tree team, who do all the work in City open spaces, are overstretched. They will continue to do all the survey work, and will appoint contractors to do the work on our park. This should mean that the work is carried out more promptly. Grant funding to replace lost trees is being sought from the CoLC Carbon Sequestration fund. Species and hybrids more able to cope with the dry conditions will be chosen
There have been problems with anti-social behaviour linked to drug use and dealing. This led to a temporary closure of Linden Gate, where staff had been threatened. Newham Borough increased security patrols, and the situation has calmed down. (Possibly moved somewhere else other than resolved)
CoLC are concerned about insufficient levels of recycling. We all know that residents of the area are not careful with their recycling at home. Most park bins include dog waste, which makes all the contents un-recyclable. There used to be separate bins, but park users still mixed waste in all bins. It should be possible to recycle more waste from the office and working areas. Staff will do their best
The Funfair went well, after the sink hole at South Gate was quickly repaired to allow access
The park hosted the departure of 900 riders on the London to Southend bike ride. It was an early start for staff, but all went off smoothly
Park Cottage, on Portway, is now being prepared for letting. The income will come to West Ham Park
The London in Bloom awards are to be announced tomorrow. (Post meeting note: Gold Award retained – congratulations to all staff and volunteers)
Bench repairs are still outstanding. This could affect the Green Flag status if repairs are not authorised and completed
Cycling is becoming an increasing problem, particularly the number of electric bikes and scooters being used for deliveries. Bill LoSasso (CoLC Director of Open Spaces North) is looking into cycling policy, which may result in a ban
ParkFest 26
The event had been a success. Around 700 people attended. A review meeting will be held on Monday, where we shall ask for an extension to the music license until 7pm, to make the schedule a bit more relaxed and easier for the sound engineer. We would repeat the event with no other major changes. Roger stressed that this is subject to obtaining grant funds. He is applying for anything for which our event is eligible, but unless we are successful ParkFest 27 will not happen. The decision will be made in January
Friends Activities
20th Anniversary
We feel the this is worth celebrating! Also a chance to recognise all the people who have helped us to continue with our support for the park
Many have moved away and are unlikely to attend, but we want them to know they are not forgotten. Nicky has designed an electronic invitation
Alan will arrange to hire a room at The Red House on Upton Lane. The chosen date is 24th September
Grant Applications
Roger and Lucia are developing (with support from the Learning Team) an application to City Bridge Trust for developments within the school’s wildlife garden and Forest Schools areas
It is suggested that we form a sub-group to try and find funding for the redevelopment of South Meadow
Ongoing Activities
Little Library
All going well at the moment
Orchard Maintenance
Next working group will be 31st October from 10.00 to 3.30, everyone welcome
Vegetable Garden
The hot dry summer has made for challenging conditions, but volunteers are enjoying the project
Bird Survey
Dries and Uta have offered to join the monthly survey group. Lyndsay will give them an introductory survey walk
Volunteer Hours
Each group is to send their own numbers to Stella in the Park Office. A record of hours donated is important for grant applications
Health Walks
Continuing as normal
Litter picking is continuing, Uta does a collection every week
SINC status
Newham Local Plan is now finalised, so there may be some progress. Roger will contact the appropriate department
Upcoming Events
Bat Walk Friday 25th September
Spooky Trail Friday 30th October 13.30 – 15.30. Volunteers please contact Thatcha. This event is organised by the Learning Team
Newham’s Biggest Leaf Pile Sunday 15th November . Provisional date. Early leaf fall may cause this to be amended
Park in the Dark Friday 4th December
Publicity and Media
We have articles for the October and November editions. Charlotte suggests writing something Christmas-y for December
Social Media activity is at the usual level
We have sold a few of the cards featuring our winning photo competition pictures
Links and Affiliations with other Environmental Groups
Nothing new to report
Future Meeting Dates in 2024
Second Thursday in every other month
Next meeting Thursday 12th November
Thursday 14th January 2027
Thursday 11th March
Thursday 13th May
AOB
Nicky raised the issue of the campaign for traffic calming on The Portway after several recent accidents. Newham Borough are to publish proposals for public comment in mid-October
The meeting closed at 20.45