‘Inspirational’ celebrations for Waterlow Park 125th anniversary
Lark In The Park, celebrating 125 years of Waterlow Park 17.09.16. Crowds enjoy the events on the main stage. Polly Hancock - Credit: Archant
Revellers of all ages descended on Waterlow Park on Saturday to celebrate its glorious 125-year history
Lark In The Park, celebrating 125 years of Waterlow Park 17.09.16. The Waterlow Family who had travelled from all over the world to be at the event gather under the statue of their ancestor Sir Sydney Waterlow. Polly Hancock - Credit: Archant
Around 2,000 people enjoyed a kaleidoscope of activities at the Lark in the Park Fête and – thankfully – the rain stayed away.
“Everything sold out and everything cleared, from the tombola to The Gatehouse pub’s paella,” said Fiona Brown from the Friends of Waterlow Park.
“The Mad Hatter’s tea party was inspirational!”
The event marked 125 years since Sir Sydney Waterlow bequeathed the grounds to the public.
Lark In The Park, celebrating 125 years of Waterlow Park 17.09.16. Primary Schools performed scenes from the history of the park, pictured here some of the cast from Highgate Junior School. Polly Hancock - Credit: Archant
A flock of sheep provided a reminder of what the park would have looked like then.
The anniversary was made all the more poignant by the presence of Sir Sydney’s great, great, great, grandson, Sir Christopher Waterlow.
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Sir Christopher recounted his memories of the park along with other dignitaries including Cllr Nadia Shah, Mayor of Camden.
Actor Paul Whitehouse opened the fête. He amused the guests with a feisty joke at his own expense.
Lark In The Park, celebrating 125 years of Waterlow Park 17.09.16. Sir Christopher Waterlow and Lord Lyulph Avebury look at cuttings from the Illustrated London News dated 1891 which refer to the opening of the park and mentions both of their ancestors, Sir Sydney Waterlow and Sir John Lubbock MP the first Lord Avebury. Polly Hancock - Credit: Archant
A series of performances by four local schools were extremely popular with the crowds. “The children were all excellent,” said Ms Brown.
Chairman of Friends of Waterlow Park Ceridwen Roberts thanked local volunteers and sponsors.
The event was made possible by an anonymous £5,000 donation and the support of Goldschmidt Howland, the Big Lottery Fund Camden, Ernest Cook Trust and the Stationers’ Community Fund.
Organisers and volunteers are now taking a well earned rest before focusing on future events.
“When the dust has settled perhaps we’ll see if there’s any money in the kitty for some amenity corners,” said Ms Brown.
