First view of new sculpture celebrating the revival of the Welsh Harp

 

The sculpture on the Kingsbury bank of the Welsh Harp (Photo:Philip Grant)

I took an hour off from cultivating my Birchen Grove allotment yesterday to cross over to the Welsh Harp Sailing Club to see a sculpture commissioned by the Canal and River Trust to mark the de-watering and refilling of the Brent Reservoir, popularly known as the Welsh Harp.

Phil Neale, the sculptor, aims to inspire as well as educate, and worked with pupils from Preston Manor High School and Wykeham Primary School  using their drawings as a basis for the cut-outs on the sail. 

The works involved the replacement of the wheels and chains that were part of the original equipment to operate the sluice gates and were retained for Phil Neale who likes to work with recycled material and large scale metal work pieces. The Post Code Lottery provided funding.

 

Phil Neale and boat

 

 Phil explains:

My initial inspiration for the design of this sculpture came from a short video showing very primitive powerboat racing on the reservoir in the early 1930s. I wished to combine this element of the history of the reservoir with the traditional name ‘Welsh Harp’ as well as highlighting the amazing flora and fauna that this Site of Special Scientific interest supports.

 

 

Although the powerboats didn’t have sails, the current boats certainly do, so it seemed a golden opportunity to fabricate a ‘sail’ in the shape of a harp and utilise this form to create a condensed artwork that the local schools could help design, as well as informing the students and local community about the local wildlife on their doorstep. The heritage ironwork lent itself to representing waves and water and was luckily a material that could be welded to the sculpture and powder coated all in one, giving a uniform finish and long-lasting protection from the elements.

 

 Nature's colours through the cut-outs

 

Fish on the prow of the boat

 

The recycled pulleys and chains

The sculpture is destined for pride of place in Neasden Recreation Ground on the North Circular Road bank of the Harp and the site is currently being prepared.

 

CORRECTED DATE: Launch of new public art paying tribute to the history of the Welsh Harp reservoir. May 16th 2.30pm - Booking essential

 

Wembley Matters has reported on the history of the Welsh Harp AKA Brent Reservoir in a series of illustrated articles by local historian Philip Grant. See LINK

 

Now there is a chance for local people to attend an event that reflects that history. Attendance is limited so it is important to book in advance. LINK

 

 BOOK HERE

 

This striking new sculpture, created using historic pulley wheels from the original dam, offers a powerful tribute to the reservoir's industrial past and its continuing importance in our community.

Please arrive between 2:30- 3 pm for a prompt 3 pm start.

The event includes:

 🔹 A chance to meet and hear from the artist behind the sculpture

🔹 Light refreshments and a moment to connect with fellow local history and art enthusiasts

Whether you're a history buff, art lover, or just curious, this will be a memorable and meaningful afternoon by the reservoir.

 

Drained Welsh Harp reveals its secret river - and a lot of rubbish.

 

After several grey days of leaden skies and rain it was great to escape to the Welsh Harp and Fryent Country Park today when there was a glimmer of something that resembled sunshine at times. Of course I got caught in a thundery shower with hail stones on the way home but that's the way the pickle squirts. 

The Harp is being drained to enable maintenance works to be carried out on the dam. The low water level has enabled volunteers  to collect litter and other materials dumped in the waters. Today a volunteer swan rescue group were checking out the swans now confined to the original river that was dammed. Its meandering course can be clearly seen.

Fish have been removed and the reservoir will be restocked once works are completed. 

 The danger of sinking in the treacherous mud is real - keep off.

 

The meander visible here

The river from Cool Oak Bridge, West Hendon

Debris under Cool Oak Bridge

Flooding at Cool Oak Lane

Philip Grant has also visited the Welsh Harp recently and has kindly given me permission to post these photographs from the Neasden side:

 The view from Neasden Recreation Ground looking towards the dam and sailing club

Mid reservoir view from the south bank to the rural looking north bank

 Looking towards the controversial West Hendon development

 The meander from the south bank

Learn to Paddle, at the Welsh Harp, Friday 5-7pm. Booking Essential

 

Ever wanted to learn to canoe  but didn’t know where to start? Join us at one of our free, Let’s Paddle! events.

 

Location

Phoenix Canoe Club & Outdoor Centre

Cool Oak Lane

London

NW9 7ND

View Map

 

About this Event

 

Learn to paddle with our team of professionally qualified instructors . All the equipment is provided, so all you need to do is book in on this free session and turn up on the day.

 

Book now

 

Please book one time slot per person. Please arrive no more than 15 minutes before your booked slot. These sessions are designed for adults and for children from 9 years old upwards who are interested in trying out a potential new hobby.

 

Parents and Guardians (for those under 18) are required to remain on site during the activity.

Covid-19 Guidelines

 

COVID-19 compliance 2021

 

1, if you or a person in your support bubble have any symptoms of COVID-19 please do not attend the event

2, Spectators should follow local government guidance on group size and avoid standing in large groups

3, All equipment will be sanitised before each session

4, Hand sanitizer must be used prior to the event.

5, Where possible a 2 metre distance should be observed

 

Allow for a short delay when booking in as we need to ensure previous participants have cleared the area

We make the events as safe and fun as possible under the current circumstances

 

Walk ins will not be accepted. If you can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket via Eventbrite or please get in touch with us to allow another person(s) a chance to take part. Social distancing measures will be in place and all equipment will be cleaned in between sessions. 

 

Donate to Let’s Activity!

 

The Canal & River Trust’s Let’s Activity campaign is free to attend as part of our work as a waterways and wellbeing charity to help everyone get out, get active and make their lives better by water by learning to paddle. You can now support the work our teams do with children and families and make a donation on our website here.

Please support campaigners' vision for the Welsh Harp

 

A group of campaigners for the Welsh Harp (Brent Reservoir)  have published a 15 point vision for its future. There has been a problem with littering around the Welsh Harp for a long time   but the recent lowering of the waterline, so that dam repairs could take place,  have revealed what was in the water itself. A truly shocking revelation.

 

Only one metre below the surface. Debris and contaminated alluvium build-up on the protected East Marsh, revealed during lowering of water levels, January 2021
© Ben Watt

 

The vision for the 170 acres of the area and its Site of Special Scientic Interest would require the Canal and River Trust (owners of the reservoir and shoreline), Brent and Barnet Councils (owners of the open areas), Environment Agency (overseers of the two inflowing rivers and the reservoir's flood control function, and Natural England (who advise on environmental issues and adjudicate on SSSI status), to work together. 

 

That is a tall order but if anyone can achieve that it will be this band of determined, hands on campaigners.

 

Please get behind them by reading the full vision, written by Ben Watt, and making your voice heard. LINK

We wish them well and ultimate success so that a healthy and thriving natural resource will be available for future generations to treasure.