We love Valentines Park and Historic Gardens!
A series of events are coming up very soon to celebrate the historic layers of the whole Valentines estate.
Wednesday 21st February 2024, 11.30 am or 2 pm
Join a session in the Drawing Room to write your own poem with the gardens and park as your inspiration. As it’s half term, we’ve invited families but adults are welcome to book a place too!
Last year we ran these poetry workshops in February and July and can say the accompanying adults enjoyed them as much as the children! So this year we have opened bookings to adults as well.
What if we had no Valentines Park?!
Wednesday 28th February 2024, 7pm
Starting at 7pm, Dr Colin Runeckles and horticulturalist Stephen Smith will lead presentations about the history and development of Valentines Park and Gardens. We will examine the foresight from over a hundred years ago that prevented the gardens and parkland of the Valentines estate being built on after the death of the last owner occupier, Mrs Sarah Ingleby. The estate next door, Cranbrook with its large mansion had been purchased by William Griggs in the late 19th century and completely built over, apart from the site of the Frenford Club which became the Port of London Authority (PLA) sports ground before the Frenford Youth Club and Cranbrook Primary School were built
During the pandemic we all discovered the value of our parks more than ever! Mindful of keeping in touch with our members during that period when we couldn’t meet up in person, the Friends of Valentines Mansion organised a successful online event, From Tiny Acorns where we shared information about how Valentines was acquired by the council, used and restored, following public campaigns in 1911 and 2000. Now we bring you From Tiny Acorns II, with more in-depth presentations sharing Colin and Stephen’s research and expertise. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers afterwards and a discussion panel to explore the possibility of our charity supporting the Historic Gardens as well as the Mansion in the future.
Earlier in the day we are creating an exhibition of memories about the park and how the park developed, from 2.30 pm as well as workshops at 4.00, 4.30 and 5.00 pm for children / families to try out some floristry using greenery from the Park, courtesy of Simon Litt the Manager of Valentines Park.
Don’t miss out! You can book a free place here.
Tuesday 7th May 2024, Gardens Guided Tour
Simon Litt will be leading a Gardens and Park Guided Tour. Please email to register your interest. Full details will be in the next Members’ Newsletter.
Track the Code: a Young Artists’ Exhibition
From Sunday 18 February, an exceptionally talented group of young artists aged between 8 and 16 years will be exhibiting their work in the Gallery at Valentines Mansion. Science and art come together for this special display, in which their art express one of nature’s most common patterns – the Sacred Code.
During normal open times, free entry.
Friends Of Valentines Mansion 