Friends of Longford Park (FOLP)

Edwardian Bungalow Community Cafe Update

Recent visitors to Longford Park will have seen that the conversion work for Longford has now commenced. This is a very welcome development and the conversion work is supposed to be completed within twelve weeks, approximately the end of April 2012.

The best way to preserve older buildings such as the Edwardian Bungalow is to put them back into productive use and this scheme will restore an attractive building in the Longford Park conservation area as well providing the local community with a cafe, community space and centrally located toilets.

The conversion of the building comprises replacing roof coverings, repairs to timbers, new windows and doors, re-pointing and general repairs plus the internal rearrangement of facilities to provide a new cafe with an associated toilet block which can be opened up separately. Externally, a new paved seating area is to be created for use by the cafe.

Renovation of the Formal Garden Shelters Update

Regular park users will know that the shelters in the formal gardens are in a very poor state of repair. The rear walls will have the plaster removed before being renovated to the bare brick - hopefully that will not prove so attractive to the graffiti artists! The proposed plan for the renovation of the shelters is that each roof will come off (as they are in a dangerous condition) and the art-deco facade preserved. The existing toilet block will also be enhanced to include this art-deco design. Let us know your thoughts on this.

Aims of the Friends of Longford Park:

Friends of Longford Park (Stretford, Manchester) are a group of local people who work with Trafford Council to improve and promote the park as a vibrant local facility for the whole community.

The Friends have held many successful events ranging from social nights, health walks, festivals, picnics, conservation days, carol singing, tree planting, music events, youth activity days and have helped in the creation of a wildlife garden.

To host more of these events we do need more volunteers. Please contact us if you can help out.

Find out more about our activities and how the community can develop and shape the future of Longford Park.

Longford Park is the largest park in the borough of Trafford and is in need of significant investment. The Friends of Longford Park believe that the park remains an attractive place to visit, a vital community resource with a rich heritage that has the potential to be an excellent asset for Stretford and the whole of Trafford. The North West Film Archive have kindly provided a 1933 film that illustrates the important role Longford Park has played in the heritage of Stretford.

The Friends of Longford Park are keen to help develop a first class park with great historical significance and exciting green credentials. If you care about Longford Park or would just like to get involved with a worthwhile enjoyable community group then please contact us. If you have comments, suggestions or ideas regarding the future of Longford Park then please add your comments here.

Images of Longford Park:

Image Courtesy of Imran Rashid

 

Image Courtesy of Hannah Roberts

Image Courtesy of Jean Thompson

Please view our Longford Park Image Gallery .

If you have any pictures or film of Longford Park you would like to share with us then please contact us.

Posted by rylands on January 1st, 2012 in What's On

Talk on Fletcher Moss Gardens Its History & Plants By John Steedman 24th February at 7.30pm
The venue is the Council Chambers at Sale Waterside Arts Centre
Tickets £8/Concessions £6 From Box Office Sale Waterside Arts Centre Tel: 0161 912 5616

Posted by rylands on December 31st, 2011 in What's On

“Wine Tasting Evening in Longford Park” accompanied by a selection of fine cheeses and its run in association with Majestic Wines. The start time is 7.45pm and tickets are £12 available from Chorlton Bookshop, Bob (286 6979) or Sonia - 864 2414).

Posted by rylands on September 17th, 2011 in Health Walks, What's On

Here are the details for the Longford and Firswood Strollers (LAFS) Health Walks for 2011/12

Thursday afternoon group will meet at the quadrant firswood community centre entrance gate on the second thursday in each month at 2pm for a circular walk

Walk dates: -
13th October 2011
10th November 2011
15th December 2011
12th January 2012
9th February 2012
8th March 2012
Refreshments will be provided in the Community Centre at the end of the walk

Sunday morning group will meet at the main entrance gate on edge lane (at the junction with cromwell rd) on the last sunday of each month at 10.30 am.
Walk dates: -
30th October 2011
27th November 2011
29th January 2012
26th February 2012
25th March 2012
(NB No Walk in December due to last Sunday being Christmas Day)
Refreshments will be provided in the Trafford Athletics Stadium within the park at the end of the walk.

Join Friends of Longford Park volunteers in a gentle stroll around the main paths in Longford Park Stretford. Enjoy the fresh air, company and beautiful surroundings of Trafford’s largest park.

Walking can make a difference. It can be fun, a chance to talk and can help keep you fit. Research has shown that walking in green surroundings can promote a drop in blood pressure and reduce feelings of stress. The walks are especially suitable for people who do not take regular exercise and who might feel unable to access their local green space.
Walks last about 1 hour and are suitable for all abilities. Everyone can walk at their own pace. Wear suitable flat shoes.

Walks provided in partnership with Trafford Borough Council as part of the British Heart Foundation Walking Your Way To Health Initiative.
For further details contact Sport Trafford on 0161 912 3140 or Jean on 0161 865 6030

Posted by rylands on September 16th, 2011 in What's On

The start and finish of the Greater Manchester Marathon will be at Longford Park and over 5000 people are expected to compete.

If you would like to know more than visit http://www.greatermanchestermarathon.com

Posted by rylands on June 29th, 2011 in Social Nights/Meetings, What's On

The Friends of Longford Park 2011 AGM will be held at 7-00 pm on Thursday 21st July in the Longfords Suite at Longford Park Stadium. The evening will begin with an illustrated talk on the Plant Life and Biodiversity of Chorlton Meadows/The Mersey Valley given by Mr Dave Bishop, the Chair of Friends of Chorlton Meadows.

Following refreshments, the meeting proper will commence at approximately 8-15 pm. There will a report on the Group activities over the past 12 months and the usual election of Officers and Committee. There will also be an update from Trafford Borough Council on matters appertaining to the Park

The Friends of Longford Park(FOLP) are in need of new Committee members - and particularly a person to fill the position of Secretary which will be vacated on the night.

We are also seeking as many people as possible to become involved with the planning and organisation of the Longford Park Centenary Celebrations which will take place over the weekend of 11th, 12th and 13th May 2012.

Please do come along and join in - Your Park needs you!!

Posted by rylands on May 21st, 2011 in What's On

The Climbing Boulder Launch Event will be performed by the Worshipful Mayor of Trafford, Councillor Mrs Jane Baugh.
The Climbing Boulder is located in the older children’s playarea in the north of the park, near the Firswood community centre.
Activities will include:

• Climbing Demonstration and supervision by Trafford Youth Department Outdoor Pursuits Team
• Circus Skills by the Company of Fools
• Interaction from the Gorse Hill Youth team
• Stretford Brass Band Recital
• Trafford Wheelers Demonstration

If anyone is available to help the Friends of Longford Park with the setting up of Tables, Chairs, Gazebo etc then please come along at 12.15pm.

More about the Climbing Boulder:-
A successful application for a Groundwork Community Spaces grant has funded an excellent climbing boulder next to the older children’s play area. The climbing boulder was constructed by climbing wall specialist Bendcrete and extends to approx 3.5m in height whilst the fall area is finished with a safety surface. The boulder provides many challenges for both the expert and more junior climber and is a very welcome addition to Longford park.

Thanks to the team at Groundwork Community Spaces, Bendcrete, Bob from the Friends of Longford Park and all the staff from Trafford Council that helped make this happen.

Official Opening

Trafford Mayor

Climbing Skills

Climbing Boulder

Circus Skills

Stretford Brass Band

Trafford Wheelers

Zip Wire

Posted by rylands on May 15th, 2011 in Rylands Kitchen Garden, What's On

Our kitchen garden has started and some vegetables, herbs and fruit are planted. But there are lots of jobs we need help with; watering, digging out unwanted old roots, mulching, weeding, sowing vegetables, tending fruit, setting up composting and brewing up! - to mention but a few!

Drop in anytime and speak to a Steering Group member.
Entry is through the black gate in the long brick wall.
For more information contact Margaret on 865 6064 or Adrian on 0161 374 5542
Or visit our websites; http://rylandskg.org.uk OR http://folp.org.uk
Or you can email us at info@folp.org.uk

Posted by rylands on February 1st, 2011 in What's On

Wheels for All – Aiming High! at Longford Athletics Track – home of the Trafford Wheelers – cycling 10-12 every Friday morning!

Contact Helen 07871 621778 or Paul 07717 832498

Visit their website at http://www.traffordwheelers.co.nr

Aiming High is funding Wheels for All cycling activities in Trafford.
Starting in July, activities will be taking place over the summer and on into Autumn and Winter.
Come and join in the fun at Longford Athletics Track and we can even bring the cycles to you at your centre or event.
Call Hermine Briffa on 0770 4167085 or email cyclingproject@googlemail.com.

Aiming High funded Cycling Sessions for disabled children with their families, friends and carers - from 9th July at Longford Athletics Track, or in the park if the track is already booked!
Fridays 12-5pm (following on from the Trafford Wheelers)
Sundays 1-3pm
Mondays 1-5pm
Wednesdays 3-6pm