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Hundreds of people went along to the Manor House Gardens Festival on Saturday June 20th. It was a sweltering day so the drinks and ice cream sellers did roaring business” Live music and an abundance of stalls as well as the activities and rides for children combined to make it another memorable Festival.

Below is a video filmed by the Chair of the Friends of Manor House Gardens Paul Lowndes.

Lucy Anne Bishop who is the project leader on the Big Bed Rescue Project found plenty of interest from Festival visitors, and was able to show them some images of how it’s hoped the bed will look once it’s been planted in the autumn.#

Meanwhile there was a constant stream of visitors to the Ice House which stayed open all afternoon. Over the weekend, an unexpected guest also found its way in – a frog apparently looking for somewhere to cool down.

London Square has confirmed that the demolition phase of the development is now complete and the demolition team is expected to be leaving the site by July 3rd. .

London Square is about to post a bulletin on its noticeboards confirming that the completed work includes :

• the demolition of the former petrol station (later the car wash). The fuel tanks have been removed.
• The removal of all asbestos on the site by a licenced asbestos contracator.
• the demolition of the garages at the south end of the site where London Square plan to build a terrace of houses.

There is still some work to be done before the demolition contractors can leave. This includes the removal of surplus hardcore in eight wheel lorries.

The fun starts at 12 noon and it goes on until 8 pm.

There will be lots of stalls, a community corner, live music and plenty of food and drink. The details of the live acts will be revealed on the Friends of Manor House Gardens socials this week.

Also, the Lee Manor Society will be opening up the Ice House to visitors all afternoon.

The Festival organisers are still keen to hear from any volunteers who can help run the gates or manage vehicles coming in and out. If you can help please email mhgfestival@gmail.com

A crowd funding appeal has been launched to improve the equipment in the Manor House Gardens playground,

Art Voyage Biennial CIC, which also supported the sculpture in the middle of the Gardens lake, believe if they can raise £24,000 they can meet the target of £96,000 with a grant from the Arts Council National Lottery fund.

Tima Jam, who is behind the project, has the support of Lewisham Council. says “The play area has outdated grey surfacing installed over 20 years ago, damaged flooring, and several pieces of broken equipment. It currently offers very limited activities for children, specifically for those aged 2–5, leaving younger families without a safe or engaging space to play.”

Her vision is to transform the Manor House Gardens playground into a “Magic Corner”, a vibrant, inclusive space by delivering free creative workshops and community planting days that bring residents, schools, and local organisations together. 

Peter Maynard, Lewisham’s Green Space Contract Officer says “The proposal is fully aligned with Council policies for enhancement of green spaces and we confirm the involvement of Art Voyage Biennial CIC in leading this project in partnership with the Friends of Manor House Gardens, a passionate and dedicated volunteer organisation, which is recognised by the Council as the constituted representative of park users. The project will have oversight from council officers and Glendale, the Council’s principal parks contractor.”