About the Friends of Canons Park
Why not join us? See form at the bottom of the pageWe are a local voluntary group, formed in May 2003 to support Harrow Council’s bid for Heritage Lottery funding to restore Canons Park to its former glory. The bid was successful and by 2007 the work was completed, creating better pathways, repairing park buildings of historic interest, planting and maintaining trees and shrubs and restoring the beautiful George V walled Memorial Garden at the heart of the park. As a result, Canons Park now feels much safer and there is so much more for visitors to do and see!
The Friends meet regularly and continue to work closely with the Council to maintain and improve facilities in the park. Past and current projects include:
- Campaigning for the installation of an adventure playground, where we have since donated a kiddies’ slide.
- Instigating our park cafe: Liam’s Coffee House at the Good Friends Café, which is open from spring to autumn, weather permitting (new opening event for 2024 to be announced shortly).
- Organising litter picks at least four times a year, to keep the park clean and feeling safe for visitors.
- Hosting volunteer ‘Gardening in the Park’ sessions, where individuals and corporate groups help by planting bulbs and shrubs, weeding flower beds and generally tidying up the George V Memorial Garden
- Holding various annual events such as the highly popular Canons Park Kids’ Fun Fair Day (See events).
- Taking part in the London-wide Open City Weekend each September.
- Successfully lobbying for the installation of a path and disabled parking bays at the top end of Canons Drive.
- Creating a Woodland Walk at the north end of the park.
- Donating bulbs and shrubs for planting in various sites to improve the landscape.
- Researching and building up an archive to illustrate the history and archaeology of the Park and the original Canons Estate.
- Raising funds to install eight new benches for the George V Memorial Garden
- Raising funds to install three new picnic benches near the cafe, with two more on order for summer 2024.
- Working with Harrow council to facilitate planting of donated trees throughout the park
Look out for news and future dates for all Friends events in the park on our notice board at the Bothy, next to the Liam’s Coffee House at the Good Friends Café (see map) and on park entrance gates.
TO DONATE A TREE TO CANONS PARK, PLEASE GO TO harrow.gov.uk AND SEARCH FOR ‘TREES FOR STREETS’
TO DONATE A ROSE BUSH OR SHRUB TO THE GEORGE V MEMORIAL GARDEN PLEASE CONTACT THE FRIENDS USING THE CONTACT FORM
TO DONATE A BENCH FOR THE MEMORIAL GARDEN OR A PICNIC BENCH FOR THE PARK PLEASE CONTACT THE FRIENDS USING THE CONTACT FORM
Join the Friends
We are always looking for volunteers to help out on event days and for gardening sessions. You can also support the work of the Friends by becoming a member – it’s only £7 per year, per household, and you’ll receive a quarterly newsletter with all the latest news and information on forthcoming events…
Helpful Links to Organisations and Groups
Local guide to events in Canons Park and beyond
www.netmums.com Good source of information about local events and parenting issues
https://www.facebook.com/groups/stanmoreandcanonsparkneighbourhoodwatch
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1931888217141148/
St. Lawrence Church (Stakeholder)
North London Collegiate School Independent school located at the north end of the park, housed in an 18th century mansion.
Arnold House School Independent school whose sports activity centre adjoins the park.
Harrow Agenda 21 Environmental action group.
Visit Harrow Information about Harrow’s parks and open spaces (including Canons)
Baroque Music Site with some interesting information about Handel and his links to the Canons estate.
Canons Park Residents Association Local residents’ association.
Canons Park Estate Limited Residents’ association.
The Stanmore Society Works to improve facilities and landscape of Stanmore
Lupton Bowling Club (www.luptonbowls.wixsite.com/luptonbowlingclub) Private club situated at the southern end of the park
Stanmore Bowling Club Dennis Lane Stanmore
Acorn Tennis Club Tennis club next door to Lupton Bowling Club
https://www.facebook.com/groups/stanmoreandcanonsparkneighbourhoodwatch