Forum Topic

Ravenscourt Park

I am in the process of preparing a short history of Ravenscourt Park. I would be really grateful if anyone with any memories of the Park would be happy to share them. Of particular interest are the creation of the sports facilities - e.g. the Tennis courts at Ravenscourt Square, the creation of the Basketball area (once this was a bandstand) boating on the Lake etc.WWII memories?Also if anyone has been involved with the planting or maintenance of the Park, I would love to hear from them. Any recollections of tree planting for instance are sought.So please do get in touch if there is something you'd like to share.With thanksjulian

Julian Kirwan-Taylor ● 2350d8 Comments

I thought the bandstand was located further south but it was a long time ago! I went to a great barn dance there in the 80s & then I believe it burnt down? Carters Steam Fair was an annual visit back then.

Gina Thomas ● 2350d

I have DM'd you and, yes, Carter's Steam Fair!

Anne Brown ● 2350d

I believe one of the plane trees is a ‘Great Tree of London’. Not sure if you could find out how old it is.

Vivienne Cox ● 2350d

From 1952 to 1958 I attended John Betts School in Paddenswick Road. My journey home at 4.00pm went past the boating lake. Most evenings I used the boats which were motorised (the attendant having to start them) until about 1956. They then became self-propelled paddle boats.Each summer the lake became infested with Canadian Pond Weed which at one point was the reason for a small child drowning.

Jeffrey Cope ● 2350d

I remember that In the early 50s I wasn't allowed in the paddling pool or sandpit for fear of catching polio.  They were near the swings which were under the railway arches - not sure if they're still there as I haven't been there in a long time.

Micki Hawkes ● 2350d

Julian - Have you been in contact with the Friends of Ravenscourt Park?

Adam ONeill ● 2349d

I had my wallet and cheque book snatched out of my hand in 1984 just by the bowling green. Not quite the story you are looking for but all part of park life. I recall running after them and realising that even if I caught them up there were three of them so I gave up. The policeman behind the desk at the police station asked me if I was hurt. I said No.  And he said, just your pride then. Which was true. I then did what every independent young man around London would do. I rang my mother.

Stewart Jones ● 2348d

My family has always enjoyed the fireworks display around 5th November, going most years since we moved here in 1989.  We used to go to Carters Steam Fair regularly too, all those old-fashioned rides and penny slot machines.

Lucy Chambers ● 2348d