Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

Sharing Memories of Downhills Park at #CafeConnect

Last Tuesday, despite the pouring rain, Cafe Connect in the Downhills Park Cafe managed a full house for a session on sharing memories and history of Downhills Park.

As well as lots of photos and maps and a special guest, Ray Swain, who runs the Tottenham history site, Tottenham-Summerhill Road, we watched a film made by the Friends of Downhills Park in 2003 for the centenary which brought back a few memories for some of the people present.

Afterwards, older members of the community shared their knowledge and memories of the park over lunch.

There was so much, it would be impossible to put it all in to a short post like this, but please do share below if you have memories of the park from the days when bands played at the bandstand, cricket was played and giant draughts cost tuppence to play.

Or maybe you can still vaguely recall where the conservatory was:

The pond

The only remains of the big house (see picture above - that's Ray in the backgroud) that once stood at the far end of Downhills Park before the land was bought and turned into a public park are the Portland Stone balustrades by the basketball courts

Cafe Connect meet on Tuesdays at the cafe. It is run by Angela Baker who is there from 9 am if you want to join her for a coffee but usually the action starts around 10.30 and continues until 1.

Next week, Angela is running a tree id session and is hoping to also explore the herbs in the park and their potential uses. All welcome, especially if you feel like you need a bit of company. Bring a neighbour. Programme below:

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Tags for Forum Posts: cafe connect, downhills park

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Permalink Reply by docdee on June 5, 2014 at 13:19

This is great project. I wish I could have attended the above session. Best of luck to all involved. Angela you are doing a great job : )

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Permalink Reply by Mavic Starfish on June 5, 2014 at 13:33

Amazing pictures, i knew about the "Big House" from t'internet but never seen pics of the conservatory - great find - thanks for sharing. I think this park is a not so hidden gem in the middle of South Tottenham. I had Finsbury Park on my doorstep before moving to N15, and grew up in Dollis Hill (check out Gladstone Park) but I love this little piece of greenery, lots of little nooks and crannys to enjoy for young and old.