News and Upcoming Events

A fun filled evening with entertainment including; local dance groups, choirs, puppets and live music. Childrens rides, activities and craft. Food and drink, raffle and tombolas and of course Father Christmas! Monies raised support this years charities; Diamond Riding Centre and Christians Against Poverty

Many thanks to everyone who helped with the planting of 2,000+ bulbs in the park. It was a beautifully sunny day and we had about 20 volunteers. A photo of some of the group is below. We are sure that the park will look even more stunning next Spring. Many thanks again to all those who made the event such a success.

Many thanks to everyone who turned up to our mid-Summer litter pick. We had a great turn out with some of those participating pictured here. We also had our local MP Elliot Colburn grab a black bin bag and help out. It was wonderful to see a number of young ones also assisting - although 12 week old Darcie did not contribute very much. Thank you everyone for helping to make the event such a success..

Many things have been happening over the last few months, mainly behind the scenes. Here is our Summer Newsletter to keep you up to date

 > Click to download the Newsletter <

QUEEN MARY’S PARK EARNS THE GREEN FLAG AWARD
QMP has earnt the Green Flag Award, given by the Government for well managed parks. This has involved significant amount of effort in the last 12 months including writing a 10 year Management Plan with Sutton Council that runs to 40+ pages. Part of this plan was the new butterfly bank that has recently been created. It has also involved us being interviewed and assessed by an independent panel of judges. Many thanks to everyone who has helped us to achieve this award.

Do you have some spare time during the week? Do you like working with horses? Would you like to support events or fundraising? Bring your friends! We need new volunteers – please contact the office to find out more! Experience with horses is not required. Over 13s only.

The Committee is delighted to advise that we have been approached by Sutton Council to create a butterfly bank (c.300 square metres) in Queen Mary’s Park. This will become part of the Council's "Link the SINCs" project. We have had two meetings now with the Council & the Committee is in full agreement that we should agree to this initiative. The butterfly bank will be established in the bramble area across from the meadow. (See red highlighted area) Initially the butterfly bank will look quite stark, as it will be constructed from chalk, & will need about two years to establish itself. We therefore appreciate everyone’s support & patience but we all believe it will be worth it in the long term.
Please go to our Facebook Group to read more or share any comments.

 > Click to download the project leaflet <

We are delighted to announce that our annual bulb planting event will be held in the park on Saturday 11th November at 11.15. It would be great to see as many of you as possible, adults and children. We have ordered 2,000 bulbs so there will be plenty to go round.

Don’t forget your spades and trowels please. The park looked stunning in the Spring this year and we would like it to look even better next year. Thank you everyone.

Wallington Animal Rescue are hosting the second half of their festival at the CryerArts Centre, Carshalton. They have lots going on in the lead up to the main evening event!

What's on?
- A range of fabulous arts and crafts, accompanied by our raffle and famous tombola!
- An excellent range of food, including a BBQ on the day!
- A selection of real ales and ciders!
- Performances from Madder Mill Molly and BLACK SWAN Morris!
Entry to the daytime event is free, and dogs are welcome!

Look out for the delicious cupcakes, brownies and cookies sold by Couple Bakes

At this ever-popular event, sponsored by the Surrey Masonic Sports Association, there will be Donkey Rides and a Petting Farm, Bouncy Castles, Steam Train Rides, and a Horse-Riding Display by the Diamond Centre riders. Music and entertainment will be provided by local band Phoenix, the Banstead Show Choir, Madder Mill Molly Morris Dancers, Pennyroyal Clog Dancers, and The Wandle Ceilidh Band.

There is a Fun Dog Show, with a Dog Scurry and Fun Agility and of course a BBQ, and Refreshments along with a Bar and Pimm’s Bar. Other attractions include Jebb the Jester, the amazing children’s entertainer who will keep the children amused, a display of classic cars including Mini’s, Morris Minors and MGs plus an Indoor Market with over 50 market stalls.

'Topography of Sutton' is a visual timeline of the park, highlighting how it has changed over the years.

Moses’ exhibition looks at the hospital through its lifetime and captures the perspective of local residents as to what the park means to them now. It also invites viewers to share their images of how the space has changed over the years using the specified hashtags on instagram.

Created by photographic artist Moses Baako

Everyone is invited to attend the Friends of Queen Mary's Park AGM 2023. It will be held on 5th September 2023 at 19.00 at The Oaks Park High School. If you care about the future of the Park please come along and give us your ideas.

 > Click to download the AGM agenda <

We would love you to help us with our mid-summer litter pick - All necessary equipment will be provided
Please wear suitable shoes & clothing.

It’s International Dawn Chorus Day on Sunday, 7th May. To mark the occasion Sutton Council’s Biodiversity Team is holding an early morning guided walk around Queen Mary's Woodland, through Queen Mary’s Park and on to the cafe in Oaks Park. Enjoy the dawn chorus & learn to identify birdsong. The walk starts in Queen Mary's Woodland at the Damson Way entrance, SM5 4BF and you’ll need to be up with the larks at 6am.
Pre-Booking is essential

Please join us for our spring litter pick - All necessary equipment will be provided
Please wear suitable shoes & clothing. In conjunction with The Great British Spring Clean.

Visit Honeywood Museum for new winter exhibitions

Wednesday afternoons for five weeks. Perfect for complete beginners or those who want to brush up on their skills. This course covers the elements and principles of art, as well as drawing and painting techniques using pencils, charcoal, pastels, watercolour and acrylics on canvas. Over 18s only.

Christmas carol concert by the Carshalton Choral Society

A fun filled evening with entertainment including; local dance groups, choirs, puppets and live music. Childrens rides, activities and craft. Food and drink, raffle and tombolas and of course Father Christmas! Monies raised support this years charities; Nickel Support and Supershoes

A festive day of fun for the local community. Kids activities, festive music, yummy food, craft stalls & Father Christmas.

Thinking of shopping local this festive period? The Duke's Head Christmas fair is just the place for you! From candles to cookies - we've got a mixture of independent businesses showing off what they have to offer this year. Join us from 6pm and have a browse around all our stalls with a hot chocolate/ mulled wine in hand ... Christmas is coming!

**Look out for Couple Bakes cake stall selling delicious cupcakes & brownies**

Queen Mary's Park annual spring bulb planting with a Halloween twist. Prizes for the best costumes (dressing up is not compulsory!)

Please bring a trowel, spade or bulb planter & a bucket or bag to put your bulbs in. Gloves will be provided if required

A day of activities celebrating Oaks Park & our envoironment

Join us for our Autumn litter pick - All necessary equipment will be provided
Please wear suitable shoes & clothing

Due to the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II this event has been cancelled
Dog Show, Radio Jackie, Treasure Trail, stalls, food and games
**Look out for Couple Bakes cake stall selling delicious, dog-friendly Pupcakes**

Live music, over 150 stalls, Farmers Market, Real Ale Bar, plus lots more

Come along and meet the Committee Members of the new Friends Group

Pick-Your-Own Harvest weekend 2022. Lavender oil. Floral water. Plant sale. Face painting. Aromatherapy. Craft & Food stalls

The Diamond Centre for Disabled Riders is holding a new fundraising event at the Mayfield Lavender Farm. It’s a great opportunity to spend an exclusive evening at the famous lavender fields – with the lavender in its full glory. It’s a fundraiser for The Diamond Centre. Admission is by ticket, in advance only.