Friends of Preston Park

Andy is joint proprietor, with his wife Judy, of the Chalet Cafe in the middle of the park. He’s held the position for 29 years.

What do you enjoy about the job?
I really enjoy the social side and having the chance to meet everyone. I see mums come in with their children – and before you know it, they’re teenagers! The other day a 22-year-old man came in and said ‘do you remember me? I was the baby in the photo taken just here’. I’ve seen the actor Richard Hawley’s children grow up. The twins are at uni now I think. It’s a wonderful park and I have a wonderful outlook on to it; I’m glad I’m not staring at four walls in an office somewhere.

I understand you played for the Albion. How did that come about?
I was a young lad of 19 and playing for Norwich. I played four games in the Premier League (what was then called the First Division) for them when Brian Clough turned up wanting to sign three players – including me. I said I’d have to ask my Dad but he said ‘you’re 19 now, a grown man, you’re able to make your own decisions’.

He was very persuasive and so, within an hour of first meeting him, I’d signed for Brighton. He said ‘you’re going to be my next Roy McFarland’. With that statement ringing in my ears I joined Brighton and Hove Albion and played as a central defender from 1974 to 1980.

What change would you like to see in the park?
I would love to see a park police officer in the park – we had them in 1974. The officer would be a little presence in the park to deter people from doing things they shouldn’t be doing. They develop a good liaison with the public. The park police used to be stationed in the room above us here, so if anyone had a question or concern we could say knock on the door – if they aren’t in they’ll be patrolling the park. I would love to see more planting and a bit more colour in the park, although I understand there are constraints at the moment.

What do you like about the park?
I love the way the park is used now. There’s so much sport going on and exercise – and enjoyment.

Want to get fit? Every Saturday at 9am, you can take part in a 5K run – just you against the clock, whatever your current level of fitness.

It’s free but you need to register before your first run. For details see the parkrun site.

A new bird hide is in the process of being built at the top of the Rock Garden. Here are some pics of the work in progress. We’re sure that bird-lovers will enjoy spotting the surprisingly diverse varieties of birds from here. Thanks go to the park staff for their work.

The latest news from the rock garden staff is that the finishing line is in sight. The photograph shows the old fibreglass removed, with the new fibreglass due to be laid in the next few days.

If all goes according to plan, the pond will be filled up, with waterfall on, on the Friday before the next Bank Holiday (6th May) weekend.  The very first fish will hopefully be put in the pond during week commencing 22nd April.

Interesting new planting will be created around the perimeter and planters will be installed in the centre of the pond, all of which will be great for dragonflies and other insects.

The work taking place over the next few weeks should also put a stop to the use of the pond by skateboarders!

 

Two unused bowling greens and an area around the demonstration garden in Preston Park will become wildflower meadows this spring in a bid to makeover the spaces, provide shelter and food for wildlife and a spectacular display for park users and local residents.

Come and join the wildflower sowing and learn how  to create a wildflower area. Native wildflower experts will be on hand to show you how to attract wildlife into your food growing area, garden or allotment. A community picnic will then follow to celebrate the start of spring.

Wednesday 17th April, 10am-1pm. Free, all welcome. Meet outside the Rotunda cafe at 10am.

 

The Preston Twins (probably the oldest Elm trees in Europe) had a pruning session last week. The tree surgeon said that the trees were in a very healthy state and that there was no reason why they couldn’t live on for another hundred years.

 

Winner for the best drawing in the 8 and under category was Maizy

In spite of the cold weather, well over 1000 mums, dads and children participated in this year’s event. Here are some pics of the event:

The contract for repairs to the pond has been awarded, and subject to the weather, will commence in the first week of April. Once the work has been completed, a small number of fish will be introduced and monitored, to ensure that the water quality is healthy. After that, the remaining fish will be returned to the pond. A target date for completion is around the last week of April.