Save Granville Rec Community Open Day with activities Saturday April 18th Noon - 4pm

 

The Granville Rec last summer

 12-4pm Saturday 18 April 2026  Community Open Day, Granville Road, NW6 5RA

A South Kilburn community campaign spearheaded by Granville Community Kitchen, Kilburn Housing Co-op and Princess Road Residents Association is fighting to stop the re-development of Granville Rec, a long-established inner-city green space. Managed since 2023 by the Granville Community Kitchen (GCK), the Rec is a living, working community garden supporting local food production through raised vegetable beds and fruit trees, gardening for wellbeing, physical activity, outdoor learning for children and students.  It offers everyday social connection in a neighbourhood where open space has already been systematically reduced. 

 

Brent Council plans  to build 14 four storey houses on the site as part of a 2500 home redevelopment of the area. It says that the loss of the Rec would be mitigated by alternative green space elsewhere. But its plans for an “Urban Park” consists of three  small areas of planting separated by a road and newly planted trees, and does not provide ecological continuity or compensate for the loss of a mature, biodiverse site. 

 

Leslie Barson on behalf of GCK says: 

While we recognise the pressing need for genuinely affordable family housing and the commitment to provide 16 social rent townhouses for existing South Kilburn tenants, this cannot justify erasing a thriving, community-led green space which already delivers significant social, health and ecological benefits. Replacing such a space is a major loss that deserves genuine co-design with the people who use it daily. We are confident that, within the next phase of regeneration, the 16 homes can be accommodated on a more appropriate site in South Kilburn, allowing the Granville Rec to be retained and safeguarded for the community.

Residents are also concerned that some of those most affected, including residents of Princess Road , part of which overlooks the Rec, were never consulted about the Council’s plans. 

What’s happening on 18 April Open Day 

• Updates and discussion about the future of the garden
• Guided garden walk
• Bug hunt and biodiversity exploration
• Sharing of garden-grown vegetables
• Hands-on gardening activities
• Banner making for the Save the Rec campaign

Join us for National Day of Action to Save Green Spaces across the country as well as Saving the Rec!

 

STOP PRESS: Campaigners will be at the Election Hustings on Thursday 23 April to ask all local candidates to commit to saving the Rec. 

6.30 - 8pm Marian Community Centre, Stafford Road, NW6 5RS

The Big One in Westminster - Saturday's programme

 

Saturday 22 April

Earth Day – 09:00 – 23:00

《 Avoid Westminster Tube 》

Morning 

• 9:00 – 9:30 – Morning stretch! A gentle movement session to get energised at the Planetary Health Hub
• 9:00 – 11:00 – Green Runners run/walk around Parliament Square
• 9:30 – 10:30 – Talking about the ‘C’ Word: a panel to share insights and research in climate communication, hosted by the Planetary Health Hub
• 9:30 – 11:00 – Climate Cafe with XR psychologists at the Planetary Health Hub
• 10:-00 – 12.30 – Block printing, artwork and face painting (map)
• 10:-00 – 12.30 – For Kids & Adults, come and play at the Planetary Health Hub with specially designed games
• 10:00 – 11:30 – The Education Hub hosts a discussion on How Students will Just Stop Oil
• 10:00 – Quakers in Britain hosts a meeting and worship in St James’s Park before joining the march 
• 10:30 – 11:30 – Pinecone bumblebee nature craft at the Families Hub
• 11:00 – 12:00 – “What is a citizens’ assembly?” at the Citizens’ Assembly Hub
• 11:00 – 13:00 – Help sew a banner at the Planetary Health Hub
• 11.00 – 13.00 – Discussions on trade unions and climate activism, the changes we need, organising locally and networking at the Trade Union Hub
• 11:00 – 12:00 – “What does sustainable health look like?” A panel hosted by the Planetary Health Hub
• 11:30 – 12:00 – Leo’s Animal Planet sing along at the Families Hub
• 11:30 – 12:30 – Active anti-racism workshop (led by Our Future Now) at the Global Justice Now tent

Afternoon

• 12:00 – Service led by Black Majority Churches at the Faith Hub
• 12:00 – 13:00 – Q&A on being part of the People’s Plan for Nature’s citizens’ assembly, at the Citizens’ Assembly Hub
• 12:00 – 13:00 – Climate Justice in the Curriculum at the Families Hub
• 12:00 – 13:00 – Feed-in & Babygro print bundle at the Families Hub
• 12:00 – 14:00 – “Free Mumia Abu-Jamal, Free Ourselves” Rally
• 12:00 – 12:45 – Rebecca Lester, a member of the People’s Assembly, will discuss the recent People’s Plan for Nature, hosted by the Grandparents and Elders Hub
• 12:00 – 13:30 – Dismantling the Fossil University, an event hosted by People & Planet at the Education Hub
• 12:15 – 13:00 – No Borders in Climate Justice workshop, led by Our Future Now at the Global Justice Now tent
• 12:30 – 13:00 – Clean Up the Tropical Timber Trade (CUT) campaign presented by Feng Ho at the Families Hub
• 12:30 – 13:00 – Support to film (and post) your own climate testimony, at the Planetary Health Hub
• 12:30 – 1:00 – ‘Speak for Nature’ Workshop (Rickshaw Stage @ Parliament Square (west)) to share what you love – and what is being lost – in nature
• 13:00 – 14:00 – Talk Shop: “How Should Britain Be Run?”, at the Citizens’ Assembly Hub
•  13:00 – 13:30 – Unite for Nature Rally (Main Stage @ Victoria Street). Hear about the extent of the global ecological crisis, and explore solutions.
  • An exciting lineup of speakers including: Chris Packham; Dave Goulson, Author; Jyoti Fernandes, Land Workers’ Alliance; Delia Mattis, Black Lives Matter
•  13:00 – 14:45 – The Big One For Biodiversity March and Mass Die-in. Starting at the Main Stage @ Victoria Street, join a parade of reflection and celebration, with masks, costumes and nature based art to honour and respect our natural world and all endangered species. The action will end in a symbolic spectacle, where participants will spread out and lie down in silence, to represent species lost and under threat. Led by XR Rhythms, with periods of silence, birdsong and sounds of nature along the way! 
  •  Big One for Biodiversity Telegram Group
  •  Creative Ideas Pack – props, costumes, messaging and artwork
  •  Biodiversity Fact Pack from Scientists for XR
  •  Join the Facebook event
•  14:45 – 15:00 – Mass Die-in – at the end of the Biodiversity March, when we get to Parliament Square, there will be a mass die-in. Read the “Instructions for Participants“
• 14:30 – 15:00 – Q&A with James Robertson, Sortition Foundation, at the Citizens’ Assembly Hub
• 15:00 – Catholic Mass at the Faith Hub
•  15:00 – Big DIY Assembly. Gather at the Mobile Rickshaw Stage @ Abingdon Street (south)
• 15:15 – 16:15 – Q&A with Lourdes Huanca, president of FENMUCARINAP, at the Global Justice Now tent
• 15:30 – 16:30 – “From playground to parliament: how school students are taking action to change the curriculum” hosted by the Education Hub
• 16:00 – 17:00 – Q&A with Ryan the Ecologist from XR Scientists at the Families Hub
• 16:15 – 17:15 – Corporate Courts vs. Climate Justice workshop: “the secret tribunals getting pay-outs for polluters” at the Global Justice Now tent
• 16:30 – 17:00 – How Cornwall ran their Peoples Assemblies and Climate Camp actions, at the Citizens’ Assembly Hub
• 16:30 – 17:30 – “How can the public help the NHS become greener?” hosted by the Planetary Health Hub
• 17:00 – 18:00 – Music from Rave Revolution and other artists (see below for confirmed speaker and artists

Evening After Party @ Patchworks (E10)

• 19:00 – Dan Ottewell
• 20:00 – 23:00  – Matt Black

Happening All Day

• 11:00 – 17:00 – Traditional ink and block printing. Get XR artwork on your bags and clothing, or grab yourself a pre-made patch to help spread the word
• Speakers, Artists and Performers at three stages throughout the day. Check out the Planner for detail: Main Stage @ Victoria Street, Mobile Rickshaw Stage @ Abingdon Street (south), and Rickshaw Stage @ Parliament Square (west)

Refugees Welcome 2016 - March on Saturday Park Lane to Parliament Square

Click on Image to enlarge

From Amnesty International

Why are we marching?

Women, men and children around the world are fleeing war, persecution and torture.
They have been forced into the hands of smugglers and onto dangerous journeys across the sea in rickety old boats and dinghies. Many have lost their lives. Those who have made it often find themselves stranded in makeshift camps in train stations, ports or by the roadside.
And still, politicians across Europe fail to provide safe and legal routes for people to seek asylum.
Meanwhile, ordinary people have responded with extraordinary displays of humanity and generosity. They've been moved to act after seeing thousands of people drowning in the Mediterranean, the continuing misery of camps in places like Calais, and images of the brutal conflicts across the world.
We need to tell the Prime Minister Theresa May that we want to help.
The UK government must do more - let's call on them to:

• Lead the way towards a more human global response to the millions fleeing conflict
• Offer safe passage to the UK for more people who have been forced to flee their homes
• Do more to help refugees in the UK rebuild their lives

Join us

Date: Saturday 17 September 2016

Start: We will be gathering from 11.30am outside Green Park station, south side. Amnesty staff and volunteers will be there to meet you - look out for the Amnesty placards!
We will then head to Park Lane to join the march meeting point at 12.45 on the southbound carriageway on Park Lane. From there the march will begin to move towards Parliament Square, with music and speeches taking place there at around 3pm until 5pm.
The nearest tube stations are Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch.

Finish: The route will take us to Parliament Square, where there will be speeches and performances.

DON'T BOMB SYRIA Demo Saturday Noon-2pm Downing Street

Stop the War's case against bombing is HERE

'They Shall Not Pass' - Green statement on neo-Nazi demonstration in Golders Green on Saturday

Barnet Green Party have issued the following statement about the neo-Nazi demonstration due to take place in Golders Green on Saturday.

We at Barnet Green Party are shocked and appalled that a small group of neo-Nazis have called an anti-Semitic demonstration in Golders Green on Saturday 4th July 2015.

This is an act of deliberate provocation against the Jewish community who have lived in - and provided an important contribution to - both the local area and the British way of life since their arrival along with the Normans in 1070. It is particularly repugnant in the year that marks the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

This is not solely a matter for Jewish people but for all who believe in democracy, tolerance, freedom of faith, and who oppose Nazism. In a climate of growing anti-Semitism across Europe, we urge all communities to come together to roundly oppose their presence.

For this reason Barnet Green Party and our members - many of whom are Jewish - will be among those joining the counter-protests next weekend, including Adele Ward, Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for Finchley and Golders Green in the general election.

Adele said: “It's completely unacceptable that a neo-Nazi demonstration is being permitted in Golders Green, where many have been affected by the suffering of the Holocaust, and where it will be particularly frightening for children. Although freedom of expression is important, there is a point where it becomes incitement to hatred and this demonstration crosses that line. The government should have banned this from happening in Golders Green.”

We stand with the Jewish community at this time and reiterate our opposition to all forms of racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and oppression. We will meet at midday outside Golders Green tube station so do join us.

We are reminded of the slogan used by British anti-fascists who came out onto the streets to successfully prevent Oswald Mosley and the British Union of Fascists from marching through the East End of London in a similar act of intimidation against its Jewish community in 1936.

“They shall not pass.”

For a Future That Doesn't Cost the Earth - Conference Saturday