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‘The Open Spaces Society warmly salutes the visionaries who founded the Brent River Park, and all who have made it the lovely space it is today.’ So said Kate Ashbrook, our general secretary, at the event, organised by the Brent River and Canal Society (BRCS), to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Brent River Park’s inauguration on 29 June 1975.
Photo: Open Spaces Society
‘Our founders would have been proud of what has been achieved here in Ealing,’ Kate continued. ‘Our early battles led to the saving of Hampstead Heath, Wimbledon Common, and Epping Forest for the nation. We have always believed that green spaces are vital for people, and this splendid oasis along the River Brent is crucial for public enjoyment and nature.
‘The society campaigns throughout England and Wales. We have been pleased to help the BRCS in defending the park from enclosure, and have fought the proposed Gurnell leisure-development which would take a bite out of the park. We have also assisted our members in fighting for Haven Green Common and other green spaces in the borough.
‘We work with local people, complementing their knowledge and enthusiasm with our national campaigning clout; we have a long history of taking legal action in defence of people’s rights and are still doing so to this day,’ said Kate.
Photo: Open Spaces Society
‘Open spaces are threatened now more than ever, and residents must lobby their councillors to ensure that they invest in green spaces as they are vital for our health and well-being.
‘We rely on organisations such as the BRCS to be the eyes and ears on the ground. On the fiftieth anniversary of Brent River Park, we celebrate the vision of school-teacher Luke Fitzherbert, John Templeton (former Ealing planner), and the many others who were determined to make their dream a reality.’