The traditional craft workshops run by Friends of Burgess Park as part of their history project Bridge to Nowhere were greeted with enthusiasm and a desire to learn craft skills – especially knitting. The word got about and well over 30 people took part on the last day, with 100 participants over the three days. Local people got the chance to try out traditional hand sewing, embroidery and knitting, and canal style art. Most of the people taking part were born long after the canal closed, but were interested to learn more about it. The local residents are definitely keen to develop their craft skills to show and sell their work in the future.
The traditional craft workshops run by Friends of Burgess Park as part of their history project Bridge to Nowhere were greeted with such enthusiasm and a desire to learn craft skills especially knitting. The word got about and well over 30 people took part on the last day and the big question was “When will the next workshop be?”
Over three days, participants got the chance to try out traditional hand sewing, embroidery and knitting , and on the last day, to have a go at canal style art. Most of the people taking part were born long after the canal closed, but were interested to learn more about it through the art work reference materials.
Jowett Street Park sits next to what was a spur of the Grand Surrey Canal which ran to Peckham from the Surrey Docks. It was a lovely friendly setting for the event. We were blessed with great weather and the support of Quadron staff who brought along the tables and gazebo each day. We were also very grateful to The Sojourner Truth Centre who allowed use of their facilities. A big thank you to them and to all the hard working volunteers.
… that a canal once ran through Burgess Park … that the park was once full of factories, one of which made lemonade? You did? … then we would like your memories of growing up/working/living here when Burgess Park was a place of factories, industries and a working canal! We would like to collect and keep your stories.
For the past few years, Friends of Burgess Park have organised open air film screenings in the park. In August 2013, our film choices reflected our focus on the past, with classic The Italian Job featuring local boy Michael Caine. Alongside the main film we also showed historical footage of the area. Our second film night (with additional funding) looked forward to the future, showing Inception together with a locally-made short about the development of the newly-opened BMX track in Burgess Park.
Check out details of the 2014 Film Screenings here
I moustache you a question.
Why all the moustaches?
To tell people the story about Burgess Park’s development from a built-up area that over 60 years has been transformed into the park. And the moustaches are for the heavily moustachioed and bearded characters from the past. And FUN for people when trying out our historical cutout characters. The moustaches and the characters first appeared at the May Fair where our project was launched.
Friends of Burgess Park heritage stall
The Chumleigh Gardens Open Squares weekend 8/9 June 2013, saw the return of our temporary heritage trail, also excellent music from choirs to jazz, gardening in the heart garden, guided tours with the head gardener Mark Cox and a silkscreen bag printing workshop with Art in the Park. On Sunday Peckham Theatre came to visit Burgess Park for a fundraising walk.
This year’s Friends of Burgess Park May Fair showcased the heritage of Burgess Park and launched the Heritage Lottery Funded project – Burgess Park: The Bridge to Nowhere?
Thank you to everyone who came and supported the May Fair this year. We had a great time and were delighted to see so many of you.
The history of Burgess Park was illuminated with the temporary photographic heritage trail. The trail covers about 2.5 miles and will come down after Sunday, 26th May.
History came to life at the Burgess Park May Fair as the “lime kiln worker”, “Peeler”, “Factory Girl” and “Gentleman” visited Chumleigh Gardens.
The 17 points along the trail explain how the Burgess Park development took place gradually, within living memory. The ever-increasing patches of green which stretched along the canal route were named Burgess Park in 1973. There are still a few remaining features of the park’s “pre-history”, including: canal bridges; former almshouses, library and bath-house; and a lime kiln which was once on the bank of the canal. The site is a lost part of London – an area where thousands of people lived, went to school and worked, and which is now covered by expanses of grass, numerous pathways, and a lake.
If you have memories of the park please get in touch we want to collect your stories and share your memories and photographs. Email friendsofburgesspark@gmail.com
At the May Fair this year we enjoyed:
Friends of Burgess Park stall, historic cutouts by Davies and Daughters and the marvellous Heritage Photography Trail; First Place: Victorian Games and Costumes; Art in the Park: Brickmaking and sculpture walk; The Hour Bank; tea and natural cosmetics at the Glengall Community Garden; Hollington Youth Club; Paris Rock; Massage to You; Lorna’s toys and clothes; Camberwell College of Art; Peckham Vision and Network; Peckham Shed; Pembroke House; Southwark Carers; Faraday Safer Neighbourhood team (Met Police); Southwark Circle; Docks to Desktop (Bubble Theatre); Cinema Museum; St Peter’s Church; Sweet Tooth; Purple Mango; Manmade Food; Dean Masters Caribbean Kitchen; Rosie’s Cakery; Clarice Catering; fishing with Thames 21; and Exclusive Ballooning — the balloon went up; Vauxhall City Farm; Carla’s Boot Camp; Dogs Trust displays; steam train rides and live music!
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