We are a voluntary non-profit group of concerned local people working, in partnership with the London Borough of Bromley, the parks contractor (idVerde) and others, to influence local decision makers in a positive manner.
The objective of our organisation is to secure the preservation and enhancement of the parks and gardens adjacent to the centre of Bromley and which are environmentally contributory to the Town Centre Conservation Area; namely Church House Gardens, (including Glassmill Pond), Library Gardens, Martins Hill, Queensmead Recreation Ground, Queens Gardens and College Green. In addition the Friends are interested in areas adjacent; in particular the wooded slopes and verges of Beckenham Lane, the Valley School Field & grounds, the ‘Bromley Oak’. The extent of Bromley’s green centre is shown in green in the map below.
‘We know that good parks are vital for our health and wellbeing, they support economic growth and tourism, and they play a significant part in addressing climate change in our cities.“
HLF report ‘State of UK Public Parks 2014’
Parks are not currently a statutory requirement for local councils and therefore at risk. As a member you can make a difference to the future of our public green spaces. This can be either in a more active role (e.g. working parties), or just as a supporter of our aims.
If you live locally please support us by becoming a member and help make a difference. To find out more please go to ‘Become a Member’ page.
Our group is one of a large number of similar Friends groups committed to other public parks and green spaces in the London Borough of Bromley. For more information look at the Friends Forum website.
The Friends of Bromley Town Parks & Gardens is a privacy conscious organisation and takes your privacy seriously. Click on to read our Privacy Policy.
This page has the following sub pages.
Good morning.
Could you indicate the history of the Church House to which C.H. Gardens refers ?
Regards
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Originally part of the Bromley Palace property, and possibly site of a manor house, Church House Gardens was constructed by an Abel Moysey, presumably named so as on church land (Bromley Palace) and next to the parish church, who leased the land from the Bishop of Rochester’s agent in 1832. He was responsible for landscaping the grounds; creating lawns, shrubberies, and fishponds. The carriage drive created can still be seen today off the entrance on Church Road. Originally the turning circle for horse drawn carriages, it has become one of Bromley’s award winning flowerbeds. In 1926, Church House and its grounds were purchased by Bromley Council who paid £7,000 for an estate of over 11 acres including the house and three cottages. It was opened to the public by the Mayor, Councillor B.A. Granville; a very grand affair with the Bickley Band entertaining visitors in the afternoon followed by a spectacular Bromley Silver Band concert to conclude the fanfare in the evening. Along with the Parish Church, except the tower, the house was destroyed in an air raid in April 1941. Only a later copy of the balustrade and the garden remain. I hope that this helps.
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Hello
I’d be interested in volunteering. My local parks are Church House Gardens and Queensmead.
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Thanks. I will email you with further information.
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Hi I recently spoke to Kari by Glassmill pond. I would be interested in volunteering, my local park is Queen’s mead.
Thanks, Julia
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Thanks for your enquiry. Have sent details via email.
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You have delivered a circular about the public Palace park in the Civic Centre grounds implying that it can only be accessed from Rochester Avenue. In fact there is a public right of way from the entrance in Rafford Way which takes you straight into the grassy area in front of the Palace.
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You are correct, there is an very useful entrance in Rafford Way. With the sale of the ‘Y” buildings, the continuation of this public access is uncertain as it will cross private land, both during any construction work on these buildings and afterwards, is uncertain. We do not think it is a ‘right of way’, but if you know better please let us know. Months ago an unsatisfactory diversion of public access was suggested. & then dropped. We continue to campaign for free easy public access to this park through multiple routes, even after the council sell off the rest of the Civic Centre grounds and move staff off site.
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I’m very interested in the preservation of Bromley Palace Park (my local Park). I’m concerned we might lose it as the Civic Centre is moving. I live in Murray Avenue. (The entrance in Rafford Way is often closed)
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We are also concerned about the future of this park, with the proposed sell off of most of the Civic Centre site. The park, as currently as an Urban Open Space, etc is apparently safe. But we are working hard to ensure upkeep and multiple public access to the park is maintained. This includes that from Rafford Way, which is threatened by Y building sell off and development. On the latter council planners recently rejected proposals to put an additional floor on them. We will update situation on our campaign page. You can help strengthen our cause by becoming a member. Please email membership@bromleytownparks.org.uk to find out how.
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Hi we have walked through Bromley palace gardens several times now and would like to surport the great work being done. We have a family member does water management in Shropshire, he may be able to give some helpful advice.
please forward me some contact details.
Kind regards
Graham and Wendy Sykes
Graham-sykes@talk21.com
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Thank you for your comments, and will consider your possible offer. The lake does need urgent work to improve. However as this is a public park we have to work with Bromley council on this. So far without success (e.g funding), but campaigning continues. Watch this space?
Regards, Jeff Royce
Chairman, FoBTPaG
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Hi Jeff
when your ready I can contact my brother in law to come down and give some advice for further work to the lake.
please advise me off where to donate, we live on the Palace estate.
kind regards
Graham and Wendy Sykes
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Graham,
Have only just spotted your follow up comments. Will pass on your comments re advice. We are arranging an event on 14th September to raise support for resolution of the lake’s bad condition and pressure Bromley council to resolve. Please come along and talk to us. Watch out for details of this event on this web site and our Facebook page.
Regards, Jeff Royce
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