Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Beautiful Harringay: trains, giant hares and a bit of history.
A post prandial stroll last Friday and a serendipitous meeting with Andy Newman from the GRA resulted in a most pleasant half hour in the Community Garden in Doncaster Gardens and a fascinating local history lesson thrown in for free.
If you already know all about the Garden then feel free to just glance at the pics and click on, but if, like me, you know nothing about the Community Garden in Doncaster Gardens other than its existence, then stick with me.
The Garden opened on the 14th September 2002, the result of hard work from local residents, since then it has won a hatful of awards including these:
It was created from derelict, unloved land around a place with great historical significance for Harringay. For this gate was one of the entrances to the Harringay Stadium and from here would pour thousands of punters after a night at the Greyhounds at Harringay Stadium. Situated to the left of the entrance were the greyhound kennels in the early days of the Stadium.
Our Steve in Berlin commented "I vaguely remember using this entrance when I was taken to the circus (in 1958) I think.." These days the entrance is sealed and the space used for community storage.
The garden has been carefully designed to allow access for all, with different levels of flower bed, seating for the older members of the community and wooden toys for the younger (Not to mention the added attraction of the trains every 30 mins)
Each new year brings new activities and a new layer of imagery and meaning to the garden which operates as a living record of events in the neighbourhood. All around the garden are dotted, for example, papier mache figures, the result of workshops operated last summer. A big hare looms up behind the gate to remind people of the area's past history as the site of the Stadium.
My favourite thing in the garden has to be this mosaic
The images convey the local wildlife in the form of the fox and the insects and there is the hare again as a reminder of the past. Food imagery reminds us of the diversity of the community and the four leaves represent the seasons. The garden is open every day through all four seasons. We can even see the train in the background
If you've never had a wander over to the garden, I recommend you do. Even if, like me, you had been there once or twice, I hope you will see it with fresh eyes as I now do.
Ultimately, this wonderful oasis is a tribute to the fabulous hard work of volunteers and how much people can achieve when they do it for themselves...speaking of which, garden maintenance is first Saturday of the month if you've got some time to spare.
If you already know all about the Garden then feel free to just glance at the pics and click on, but if, like me, you know nothing about the Community Garden in Doncaster Gardens other than its existence, then stick with me.
The Garden opened on the 14th September 2002, the result of hard work from local residents, since then it has won a hatful of awards including these:
It was created from derelict, unloved land around a place with great historical significance for Harringay. For this gate was one of the entrances to the Harringay Stadium and from here would pour thousands of punters after a night at the Greyhounds at Harringay Stadium. Situated to the left of the entrance were the greyhound kennels in the early days of the Stadium.
Our Steve in Berlin commented "I vaguely remember using this entrance when I was taken to the circus (in 1958) I think.." These days the entrance is sealed and the space used for community storage.
The garden has been carefully designed to allow access for all, with different levels of flower bed, seating for the older members of the community and wooden toys for the younger (Not to mention the added attraction of the trains every 30 mins)
Each new year brings new activities and a new layer of imagery and meaning to the garden which operates as a living record of events in the neighbourhood. All around the garden are dotted, for example, papier mache figures, the result of workshops operated last summer. A big hare looms up behind the gate to remind people of the area's past history as the site of the Stadium.
My favourite thing in the garden has to be this mosaic
The images convey the local wildlife in the form of the fox and the insects and there is the hare again as a reminder of the past. Food imagery reminds us of the diversity of the community and the four leaves represent the seasons. The garden is open every day through all four seasons. We can even see the train in the background
If you've never had a wander over to the garden, I recommend you do. Even if, like me, you had been there once or twice, I hope you will see it with fresh eyes as I now do.
Ultimately, this wonderful oasis is a tribute to the fabulous hard work of volunteers and how much people can achieve when they do it for themselves...speaking of which, garden maintenance is first Saturday of the month if you've got some time to spare.
Views: 85
Tags for Forum Posts: about the neighbourhood, community garden, gardens community garden, the gardens, walks & places to visit
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Comment by AnnieH on February 6, 2009 at 13:04
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I've been to Harleyford Community Garden in Vauxhall a few times now and really enjoyed spending some time there and taking a few photos - http://tinyurl.com/dzo9um but I never realised we had a similar peaceful place in Harringay.
I wasn't sure where Doncaster Gardens was and after doing a search I see it's just off Stanhope Gardens. For anyone else unsure, here's a link to the council wesbite which supports Liz's photos and background info:
http://www.haringey.gov.uk/index/community_and_leisure/greenspaces/greenflag/greenpennant.htm
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Comment by Andy Newman on February 15, 2009 at 20:20
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Apologies that I have taken a while to do this but it has been a very busy week all in all.
I have put together some further text that I hope helps with the history of the Community Garden Space
this has been mainly put togther from our Management Plan which we are required to produce
- I do have photos but Liz has suggested that I have a special space for these so we need to sort that bit out
here is the text anyway which I hope fills some gaps for you?
andy
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The Gardens Community Garden (GRA)
Doncaster Gardens, off Stanhope Gardens, Harringay, London N4 1HX
Designed - Fundraised – Built and Managed by
“ The Gardens Residents Association” (GRA)
History of the Site
The original site of the Community Garden used to be an entrance road way to the famous but now demolished Haringey Stadium. The site fell into disrepair when the Haringey Stadium site was developed by Sainsbury’s and London Quadrant Housing.
No one took ownership of the strip of land (roadway) and railway arch at the end of Doncaster Gardens for some 15 years (approx 1986 to 2001). This caused considerable problems with; crime, dumping, vandalism, trespassing, prostitution and maintenance issues to Residents the Council and the Railway Company.
The Gardens Residents Association (GRA) Pre Garden History
The Gardens Residents Association (GRA) formed in late 1999 mainly through issues of traffic and rubbish in the Gardens area. Early in 2000, the GRA held a consultation day in a local church where some 400 residents came to air their views about the problems in the area which one of these problem area’s was the derelict site at Doncaster Gardens.
The solution proposal by the Gardens Residents Association (GRA) was to secure the site and bring the land into use by creating a community garden, creating a community asset and local green space. Local residents, adults and children were involved in the design and creation of the project through consultation days; launch parties, fundraising events, building/working/planting days, and the celebration opening event.
History of Activities in the Community Garden from Autumn 02
THE GRAND OPENING OF THE GARDEN - 14th Sept 02 - 3 streets in the Gardens area were closed and some 1000 residents packed out the garden and surrounding streets. There was a stage with live bands, Kurdish dancers, gospel singers, and food from around the world, children's rides, bouncy castle, and willow
weaving in the garden.
The Garden was opened by;
Mayor of Haringey Cllr Dr Vivian Manheim,
Nicky Gavron Deputy Mayor of GLA 02-03,
Cllr Samantha Heath Chair person for the Environment GLA
Brief History of Events
• Creation of the Gardens Residents Association (GRA) - 1999
• Creation of the Community Garden Idea - 2000
• Fundraising - 2000/ 2001
• GRA Sign licence with Railtrack - 2001
• Design & Build - 2001/ 2002
• Grand Opening of the Gardens Community Garden - 2002
• Creation of the Community Mosaic - 2003
• Creation of the Willow Sculpture and Abstract Sculptures - 2004
• Creation of the Seat Back Benches - 2005
• Summer Fair & Outdoor film show – The Railway Children (1970) - 2006
• Autumn Fair & Outdoor film show– Star Wars (30th Anniversary) - 2007
• Paper Mache Sculpture summer workshops –2008
• City Farm for a Day & Wallace and Gromit- Curse of the Ware Rabbit –2008
Other Annual Events Include
Easter Egg Hunt
Seed Planting Event
Summer Event
Halloween
Carols by Candlelight
Xmas Tree recycling
Awards
London’s Green Corners - The Conservation Foundation 2008
Green Pennant Award Winners - The Civic Trust 2008
1st Prize Best Community Garden - Haringey in Bloom 2007
Green Pennant Award Winners - The Civic Trust 2007
1st Prize Best Community Garden in London - London in Bloom 2006
1st Prize Best Community Garden - Haringey in Bloom 2006
1st Prize Best Neighbourhood Award - Haringey in Bloom 2006
Green Pennant Award Winners - The Civic Trust 2006
Highest Award - Recyclers of the Year Award - Better Haringey2006
1st Prize Best Community Participation Project - Haringey in Bloom 2005
1st Prize Best Community Garden - Haringey in Bloom 2004
Funding
The garden has no direct funding support from either the local council or other funding body, the GRA has to fundraise every year for improvements / insurance and maintenance costs. Our minimum running costs are approx £1000 per year for Public Liability Insurance, planting & tools etc, a minimum of £1000 per year needs to raised to keep the garden open to the public.
Access to the Garden
The Garden is open 7 days a week 365 days a year from approx 9am to Dusk.
There are several residents of the area who are Key Holders for the Garden, who unlock & lock the garden, empty bins and regularly check the garden.
The site is fully disabled accessible as it is has been designed at one level through out.
How to get there:
From Green Lanes N4
Travel east along Stanhope Gardens, off Green Lanes and
Doncaster Gardens is the second on the right the Community Garden is at the end of Doncaster Gardens.
Bus: 29 141 341
Tube: Manor House (Piccadilly Line)
Overground Train; Harringay Green Lanes & Harringay ( Silverlink)
Car: The Gardens Area is a CPZ (Controlled Parking Zone 8am to 6.30pm) there are Pay & Display bays near by and a 2-hour free parking next to the Church on Stanhope Gardens.
Land Ownership
The land is owned by Network Rail (previously Railtrack) and The Gardens Residents Association (GRA) signed a 6-year Licence for the site on 23rd February 2001, which ended on 22nd Feb 2007. A new licence was renegotiated in 2007 and was agreed to be an open contract and the GRA has to pay a peppercorn rent.
Facilities
The Garden has tools available to be used in the garden and also lends them to tenants and residents of the area this is promoted as a “Tool Bank” through the GRA Newsletters.
Other equipment includes; gazebos, giant games including Chess/ Draughts and Jenga are stored in the secure railway arch, other Community Groups, local schools and community events throughout the year use the giant games, these have also been rented for a small fee to other professional groups.
There is a small gate designed to fit into the large gates, which provides extra safety for small children attending events in the garden.
There is enough seating available to seat up to approx 80 children and or adults in the garden at one time, due to the clever use of vertically installed and top decked railway sleepers creating seating all around the garden space as well as retaining the raised beds. The descending raised beds allows high access for disabled people to low beds for children Seat Back Benches were installed in 2005 to help with our elderly visitors comfort.
There are 2 litterbins provided in the Garden, which are emptied regularly by volunteer residents although we appreciate it if visitors take their waste home.
Usage
The garden is used by local residents from young families, including schools visits, youth, students, to the elderly, who regularly use the garden, for a place to meet, chat, stop and reflect on the world, the Garden is known to be the “Oasis in The Gardens”.
Aims of the Garden
• Encourages gardening.
• Has created a local meeting space for our multicultural community.
• Enhances the local environment and is cared for by residents.
• Meets social needs of small children, parents, elderly, disabled, mental health patients, and gives a rest area for all.
• Has created ownership by the community of the local environment through regular maintenance days and events.
Visitor Information:
Toilets
° There are no Toilet facilities available on the site, nearest Public Toilets at Chestnuts Park next to Café - St Ann's Road N15 -10min walk Opposite St Ann's Hospital.
Child Safety
° There is a special removable child gate designed to fit onto the main entrance gate to the garden. If this is required this will need to be arranged to be fitted prior to a large group or schools visits.
Wet Weather
° There is no cover available as the garden is an open site, suitable outdoor clothing is required for a visit. (The Railway Archway is for storing tools & equipment only – No Public Access).
Nearest Telephone Box (Emergency)
° In case of emergency call 999, the nearest telephone box is located on the corner of Roseberry Gardens & Warwick Gardens N4.
From Doncaster Gardens facing Stanhope Gardens (Facing away from the garden) Turn right into Stanhope Gardens - Turn left into Warwick Gardens
Telephone Box on the junction of Warwick Gardens & Roseberry Garden.
The Rules of the Community Garden
° Please consider other users of the Garden
° Please use Litter Bins provided
° No - Ball Games - Skateboards - or Cycles Please
° No Dogs Allowed (Except Guide Dogs)
Contact Details
For further information please contact:
Andy Newman - The Gardens Community Garden Co-ordinator
E Mail andyn.kaza@virgin.net
GRA Hotline – 020 8374 7721
GRA E-Mail - gra.chair@virgin.net
GRA Web Site – www.gardensresidents.blogspot.com
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Comment by Hugh on February 15, 2009 at 20:42
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Annie + anyone else who may not be aware, all Harringay's green spaces are also on our Wikipedia article (The box at the top also links to lots of Harringay history stuff)
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Comment by John D on July 31, 2009 at 7:50
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Could this be the tunnel that Meryl used to sing "Once I had a secret love" in ?
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