The Friends of Lowndes Park is a 100% voluntary group.
Michael Rowan
The Friends was started by my wife and I on advice that the park needed to demonstrate that it had an active Friend’s group in order to get funding for projects. As a Chesham resident, and with a career in parks management, I couldn’t really say no. Luckily lots of other people soon got on board and I am very proud of the successes we have had in improving the park and putting on events. A lively park is at the heart of every community.
Read more about Michael and his professional park experience by clicking on his photo.
Kate Hutchinson
We moved to Chesham in 2012 and one of the first things we did was to help plant the community orchard. It was heartening to meet so many new people who obviously loved the park and their town. I got involved with the Friends when they needed help to put on Lowndesbourne Town Picnic, which was a joy to take part in. What I love about Lowndes Park is the contrast between the urban bustle of the lower park and the calm escape into the countryside in the Upper Park.
Phil Folly
I am a founder member of Friends of Lowndes Park. One of the first jobs we got our backs into was the removal of over two hundred oak saplings in an area where the community orchard is now situated. My nephew and his son were staying for the weekend. I don’t think they knew that they had to work for their stay! At the time we knew a young man who worked for British native trees in north Bucks and took the saplings to form an oak hedge. I work in the park regularly to maintain the gardens.
Merrin Molesworth
I regularly walk to and from the top of Lowndes Park despite not owning a dog! I also take grandchildren to the play areas or scooting along the Rue de Houilles (the main avenue through the park). I enjoy the activities held in the park especially the summer concerts and watching the muddy runners finishing the Herbert’s Hole Challenge multi-terrain held annually by Chiltern Harriers Athletic Club. We are lucky to have Lowndes Park.
Laura Silverstone
I have lived in Chesham for 13 years and regularly use the park with my 3 children. I was involved in the setting up of the community orchard and now I run my weekly outdoor toddler group “Nature Club” there. My other “hat” is education officer for the Chiltern Chalk Streams Project.
I have noticed that the park could be a lot more biodiverse and I am keen to develop this, especially in the top part of the park. I would love for everyone in
Chesham to enjoy the nature we have on our doorstep.
Claire Wyatt
Lowndes Park is where I found my community! I moved to Chesham in 2012 and bought a dog. The people I met walking in the park were the first local people I made friends with. I now have two daughters and we love to play on the Rolling Pin, hunt for Chesham Rocks and use the play facilities. I joined the committee to help encourage more community engagement and awareness of the great work The Friends Of Lowndes Park does. I’m now Chair of Love Lowndes - the fundraising arm of FoLP.
Paul Wickens
I moved Chesham in 1967.
In my teens I spent my time in the park with friends.
In my 20s my dog replaced my friends.
In my 30s my children replaced my dog.
In my 40s Herbert’s Hole Challenge got harder.
In my 50s my elderly mum replaced my children.
In my 60s my grandson replaced my mum.
It has been a joy to work with the hard working FOLP volunteers.
The generosity of local residents & companies allows us to improve the park.
We have very big plans which we will implement as quickly as finances allow.