Once again the Society supported the Bedford Park Festival in June. We were delighted to see so many residents and members at our commemorative exhibition, our stall on Green Days and at the Garden Party.
The exhibition that saved Bedford Park: 9 – 16 June
Dr David Budworth MBE, the Society’s Historical Adviser, mounted an exhibition highlighting aspects of the history of Bedford Park in St Michael & All Angels Church, alongside the Bedford Park Summer Exhibition. The exhibition recalled the context and content of the 1967 exhibition and considered its consequences, showing how the listing ensured the retention of the original buildings and helped to ensure that alteration and additions reflected the spirit and detail of the original architecture.
Green Days: 10 and 11 June
Our annual stall at the Green Days Fête & Craft Fair sold a variety of Bedford Park memorabilia ranging from cards and books to mugs, bags, umbrellas, tea towels and aprons. Our hard working volunteers manned the stall on Acton Green on Saturday and Sunday and also recruited a number of new members to the Society. The stall provided an ideal opportunity for residents and members to stop and chat informally to the Society’s volunteers and committee members.
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Golden Jubilee Garden Party: Saturday 24 June
The Society co-sponsored a garden party with the Festival to celebrate ‘The Festival that saved Bedford Park’ that took place in 1967. This special event was held at 7 Queen Anne’s Grove by kind permission of Ian and Tracey Hall.
Around 100 guests enjoyed afternoon tea on a perfect, summer’s afternoon served by volunteers from the Society and St Michael & All Angels. Guests relaxed in the Hall’s beautiful garden and were also able to spend time looking at the “Exhibition that saved Bedford Park,” which had been moved from the church for the event.
Father Kevin Morris, Vicar of St Michaels, entertained the audience with a speech about the history of the Bedford Park Festival. He was followed by the Society’s President, Nigel Woolner MBE, who reminded guests of the early history and architecture of Bedford Park and the importance of the work of the Society over the last 50 years in helping to conserve the architectural heritage of the suburb. Local Architect John Scott, who leads the very popular Bedford Park walks, talked about the background to the saving of the suburb and Tom Greeves, co-founder of the Society.
The presentations were brought to a fitting end with a series of short readings proclaiming the unique qualities of Bedford Park from John Betjeman (the Society’s first patron) presented by actor and local resident John Rowe.
Nigel Woolner then invited the Society’s current Patron, Sir Donald Insall, CBE, to join him in cutting a celebratory cake, specially designed and commissioned by the Society. The members of the audience were invited to raise their glasses in a toast to Bedford Park and everyone who lives in the suburb.
Many thanks to David Beresford and Ellen Rooney ( www.ellenrooney.com ) for taking photographs.
Click on the first photo to enlarge it and go through the gallery.
