At the Friends AGM on 1 November we had a lively presentation from Matt Sugden, the Park Manager, about recent work in the Park and future aspirations. We look forward to supporting future projects. This was all impressive, the more so for the recognition achieved only a few days before of renewed Green Flag status for the Park and a London in Bloom Gold Award. Congratulations to the team!

However, today, the Historic England Heritage at Risk Register was published and, despite massive investment in restoration and regeneration, Gunnersbury still figures largely in these lists.

These structures remain At Risk: the North Lodge, the East Lodge Arch, the 18the century wall along the North Circular and that round the kitchen garden with historic gates (currently occupied by Capel Manor College), the former farm buildings (later used as sports changing rooms) the lodge at the SW corner of the Park by the A4, the Potomac Tower, the stable blocks and the Small Mansion.

It will require years of political commitment and financial investment to bring these into valuable cultural and community use, but it is not impossible. 2026 marks the centenary of the opening of the Park so perhaps it will attract a sugar daddy or two to make this possible!