The Fryent Country Park Story - Part 5

The fifth is a series by local historian Philip Grant

 

The Fryent Country Park Story – Part 5

So far, our journey has brought us from Saxon times up to the late 1930s, when the land which is now our country park was first protected as “open space”. If you missed Part 4, you can find it here.

 

1. An autumn field in Fryent Country Park.

When war broke out in 1939, it was clear that the country needed to produce more of its own food. By the following year, at least one field behind Slough Lane had been turned into allotment gardens, but most of the meadows were still grazed by sheep belonging to a farmer from Edgware. Then, in 1942, Middlesex’s Food Production Committee had 56 acres of the old hay meadows on their Regional Open Space ploughed up, to grow wheat.

 

2. Threshing the wheat at Little Cherrylands field in 1942. (Brent Archives – Wembley History Society Colln.)

One long-time Kingsbury resident, who was a schoolboy at the time, remembers stacking sheaves of wheat in Richards Field East, to help with the harvest, as a number of local people did. He also remembered that there was a military observation post at the top of Gotfords Hill. There is rumoured to be a bunker underneath the hill, reached through a trap door, but that was supposed to be top secret! (Recent comments suggest it was 1960s Cold War, not WW2.)*

 

3. Muriel Jefferies helping with the harvest at Bush Farm in 1942. (Photo courtesy of Martin Francis)

In July 1944, a V1 flying bomb exploded in Salmon Street, killing a lady in a house there. One of the five others injured was blown from the top of a stack of straw, at nearby Little Bush Farm. By that time, the end of the war was in sight, and the government was beginning to look ahead to post-war problems, such as the urgent need for new housing.

Wembley Council had said that it wanted 400 of the temporary factory-made bungalows, which the government planned to produce. By November 1944, land near the southern end of Fryent Way had been identified as one possible site for these “prefab” homes. Middlesex C.C. refused permission, as this was part of its Regional Open Space. However, in 1946, after Wembley had used up all its sites at the edge of parks and sports grounds, the County Council relented, on the promise that the land would be returned to open space after the 10-15 years these prefabs were due to last.

 

4. A row of prefab homes at Pilgrims Way, c.1950. (Photo from Brent Archives)

Work had hardly begun on the 114-home estate when the severe winter of 1946/47 intervened. It was too cold for the German prisoner-of-war labourers to lay the concrete roadway. By April, work was underway again, and the first aluminium bungalows began arriving on site in October. All of the new homes were occupied by July 1948, and the Council had named the estate Pilgrims Way. This was because the ancient footpath (“Eldestrete”), which ran across it, was thought to have been used by pilgrims visiting the shrine of Our Lady of Willesdon, in the late 15^th and early 16^th centuries.

One of my best sources for what the area was like in the 1950s and 1960s are the memories of children who grew up on the Pilgrims Way estate, collected as part of a “Prefabs Project” ten years ago. Maureen said: ‘it was an amazing place in which to spend the long summer hours of our childhood. A huge area of rolling hills, trees, woods and fields.  Many of the fields with cows in them. At the top of Barn Hill there was a pond that was the focal point, which as a child l thought was massive. Wally me and the other kids would spend hours fishing in this pond for ‘red throats’ and other tiddlers using a jam jar with string tied around the top.’

 

5. Barn Hill pond, c.1950. (Photograph by Ian Stokes, courtesy of Barn Hill Conservation Group)

Paul remembered the woods and fields as ‘a child’s paradise to play in’, and not just in summer. ‘When it snowed we’d sledge at great speed down a very long steep hill next to Barn Hill pond, stopping only when the barbed wire fence of the cow’s field at the very bottom loomed into sight.’ Sheila’s summer days included: ‘just playing in the fields, making endless daisy chains, looking for grass hoppers, climbing trees, walking amongst the cows, never feeling unsafe only popping home for a slice of bread and jam then out again.’

 

6. Cattle grazing in a field on Barn Hill, c.1960s. (Source unknown!)

The cows belonged to a farmer from Edgware, as all of the active farmsteads along Salmon Street had gone. The farmhouse at Bush Farm was demolished around 1939, Little Bush Farm after its V1 damage in 1944, and Hill Farm to make way for housing in the 1950s. In the 1960s, the farmer began ploughing up some of the old meadows to plant crops. When he started to cut down some of the centuries-old hedges, the recently formed Brent Council put a stop to this, and ended his tenancy.

7. The Pilgrims Way prefab estate, and fields at the southern end of Fryent Way, mid-1960s.
                         (Brent Archives – aerial photographs collection)

Brent had inherited the Pilgrims Way estate when Wembley joined with Willesden to form the new London Borough in 1965. Although only meant to be temporary, the last of the prefabs there remained in use until 1972. All of the land was supposed to be returned to open space, but the Council persuaded the Greater London Council (which had taken overall responsibility for this “Green Belt” land when Middlesex C.C. was abolished in 1965) to let them retain three acres for housing. A new Pilgrims Way was built, with two Closes off of it, called after old local field names, Saltcroft and Summers.

 

8. The “Pilgrims Way” footpath in 2019, and the old estate entrance at the top of the hill in Fryent Way.

The rest of the former prefab estate was allowed to become woodland, with its old entrance still just visible. But what should the Council do with the land they had taken back from the farmer? One group of Labour councillors, mainly from the Willesden wards, said that Council housing should be built on it. Another group, of Conservatives, thought that it should be turned into a municipal golf course. In 1973, however, Brent Council decided to retain the fields as meadowland, that would be open for the public to use.

There was one more threat to our future enjoyment of this open space that had to be overcome – the Olympic Games! Fryent Way had been part of the course for the marathon at the 1948 Games (British athlete, Tom Richards, won the silver medal, after a Korean runner ahead of him dropped out on the long climb up the hill from Kingsbury, in the final stages of the race back to Wembley Stadium). In 1980, London wanted to bid for the 1988 Games, and the fields at Fryent Way were the only suitable site for the athletes’ village that would be needed. Luckily, the government decided to back a bid from Birmingham instead (which was unsuccessful).

9. A cutting from the "Wembley Observer" about the Olympic Village site, February 1980. (Brent Archives)

I apologise for the poor quality of the picture above, but hope that, as well as its caption, it shows the sorry state the hedges were in then. Something needed to be done to improve this area of ancient Middlesex landscape. Please join me next weekend, for the final part of The Fryent Country Park Story to discover what that was (there’s a clue in the title!).

As before, please add any information, memories or questions you have in the comments section below.

Philip Grant

* Comments by readers of Part 3 have provided information about, and photos of, the
bunker at Gotfords Hill, referred to above. An “extra” article about the bunker will
be published in the next few days.

LINKS TO OTHER ARTICLES IN THIS SERIES
 

History of Fryent Country Park – Part 1

History of Fryent Country Park – Part 2

History of Fryent Country Park – Part 3

History of Fryent Country Park – Part 4

History of Fryent Country Park – Part 5

History of Fryent Country Park – Part 6

History of Fryent Country Park – Bunker Special

 

Amid public sector Covid19 deaths please join in International Workers Memorial Day to pay tribute - Tuesday 28th April

You can download this image and print to display in workplace on your front window

Yesterday evening Brent Trades Council held a timely meeting about workers' rights during the Covid-19 crisis hearing from trade unionists representing workers on the front line. The meeting decided to take  part in the annual International Workers Memorial Day event which has added relevance at a time when there have been deaths of NHS staff, care workers, bus workers teachers  and others as a result of exposure to the virus and government failures to provide the necessary PPE (personal protection equipment).

Details will be published by the Trades Council  on Facebook later about any specific Brent events but this is information from the TUC:

Every year on April 28th, all around the world the trade union movement unites to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day (#IWMD20).

We remember those who have lost their lives at work, or from work-related injury and diseases. We renew our efforts to organise collectively to prevent more deaths, injuries and disease as a result of work.

Workers Memorial Day is commemorated throughout the world and is officially recognised by the UK Government.

We remember those we have lost. We organise in their memory.

Theme for 2020: Coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic affects every worker regardless of sector or locality. Tens of thousands of workers worldwide have died. More have fallen ill or continue to go to work risking their lives. Many workers are still attending work ill-equipped and without necessary safety measures in place.

We could not have a starker reminder of the important role of trade union health and safety reps in saving and protecting workers’ lives, than the current crisis we are living through.

While we may not be able to attend the memorial events which usually take place on IWMD, as public gatherings around the world are not advised or allowed; there are many ways trade union members can take part in our collective day of remembrance and solidarity.

We remember those we have lost. We organise in their memory.

While we may not be able to attend the memorial events which usually take place on IWMD, as public gatherings around the world are not advised or allowed; there are many ways trade union members can take part in our collective day of remembrance and solidarity.

How you can take part…

Minutes silence

At 11am on Tuesday 28th April, take part in the minute's silence. 

It will be a moment to pay tribute to the sacrifice made of so many workers during the pandemic, to remember those who've sadly lost their lives, and to thank all those who continue to do vital work at great risk.

The initiative is supported by the government, and reps may wish to request employers mark it, by asking the workforce to cease work for one minute at 11am.

Help spread the word about the minute's silence, by encouraging as many friends and colleagues to take part, whether in their workplace of at home.

You can quickly spread the word by posting this tweet, sharing this Facebook status or asking your contacts on WhatsApp to join you in taking part in the silence.

Register for our video call

The TUC Education team will be hosting a video call at 2pm on the day, where you will be able to hear from speakers and submit questions and contributions in advance. Register for the video call.

Organise an online campaign

Think of digital tools you can use to call for stronger health and safety protections. Whether it a current call for urgent PPE, or a longer term demand for union recognition - you can make use of the TUC’s Megaphone tool to create a petition about the issues where you work, or email and call elected officials to demand that workers' safety is prioritised over corporate interests.

Host a video call or webinar

Where you might have ordinarily held a rally to mark IWMD, it could be done online, with union members having the opportunity to hear speeches. You could ask injured workers and family members who can talk first-hand about the need for strong health and safety protections, the important of campaigning and of strong and active unions. Consider inviting elected officials and community leaders to participate in the call.

Warning that allotment BBQs risk closure of sites

Brent Council took a sensible decision to keep allotments open as a place for exercise at the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, as long as social distancing and other guidelines were kept.

The decision has led to many plots looking better than they have done for years as the result of their owners' enforced time off work.

Now that is threatened because there have been instances of 'gatherings', ignoring 2 metre social distancing, around barbeques on some sites.

A well-placed Brent Council source said that if this continues it could lead to the closure of allotments. The source emphasised that it was a minority ignoring the rules but closure would affect everyone.

Brent Council has only recently improved the management of allotments, letting vacant plots more quickly and generally taking more of an interest. If sites were to close at peak growing season plots would become overgrown with weeds  and brmables and difficult to get back under cultivation.

Two thirds of Britons believe Climate Change as serious as Coronavirus and majority want Climate prioritised in economic recovery

Recent polling by Ipsos conducted across 14 countries globally shows that 66% of Britons believe that in the long-term Climate Change is as serious a crisis as COVID-19, this compares to 71% on average across those 14 countries.

Respondents from China were the most likely to believe that in the long-term Climate Change is as serious a crisis as COVID-19 at 87%, while respondents from the USA and Australia are the least likely, but still well over half at 59% agreeing.

Globally 65% agreed that it is important that climate change is prioritised in the economic recovery after Coronavirus. In Britain, however, this is lower at only 58%.

The polling also shows that both the world and Britain are split on whether or not the government should take actions which might harm the environment to help the economy recover. Globally 44% are in favour and 48% disagree, with Britons split 46% agreeing and 43% disagreeing, meaning we edge slightly to believing that the government should help the economy recover even if that’s at the potential expense of the environment.

Kelly Beaver, Managing Director of Public Affairs Ipsos MORI said:

It is clear that while we deal with the Coronavirus crisis, Britons are still concerned with the environmental issues facing the world and the country. And whilst a majority say they want the environment prioritised in the economic recovery, people in Britain are divided (almost equally) on whether or not the government should take actions which might harm the environment to help the economy recover.

Tackling London poverty will be 'essential' to economic recovery - London Councils

From London Councils


Cllr Muhammed Butt, London Councils’ Executive Member for Welfare, Empowerment and Inclusion, said:

London had the worst poverty in the UK ahead of the Covid-19 outbreak – and boroughs are hugely concerned that the pandemic’s economic impact will make the situation even worse.

Across London, boroughs see more and more people needing help. Too many Londoners already live lives plagued by insecurity, including low-wage work and homelessness, but Covid-19 has only ramped up the pressures further. We’re extremely worried by the relationship between coronavirus and health inequalities, with emerging data suggesting a particularly severe impact on BAME communities.

Boroughs are committed to tackling poverty and inequality and to achieve this we need strengthened powers and resources from central government to improve local support in our communities. The current crisis can’t be a distraction from this crucial national agenda. Reducing poverty and promoting opportunity will be essential to the UK’s economic recovery – and addressing London’s appalling poverty rates must be a key priority.

London faces the most severe homelessness crisis in the country. Even before the coronavirus outbreak, more than 56,000 London households lived in temporary accommodation – accounting for two-thirds of England’s total.

To address the chronic shortage of affordable housing in the capital, boroughs are seeking improved support for council housebuilding. This requires an end to all national restrictions on the use of Right to Buy receipts, so that every penny raised from council house sales can be reinvested in replacements, and confirmation of long-term social rent levels.

London Councils is also calling for local government to be given an enhanced role in the welfare system. Boroughs have asked for full Universal Credit data sharing with local authorities – including notification when a claimant is sanctioned or affected by the Benefit Cap – and a restoration of national funding for Local Welfare Assistance to pre-2015/16 levels. This boost to Local Welfare Assistance funding is particularly important for councils increasing support for local residents facing financial hardship during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Bedding plants offer to Wembley Central and Alperton residents to boost morale under Covid-19

Wembley Central and Alperton Residents' Association have come up with a novel idea to help residents through the Covid-19 crisis. It is particularly useful at a time when most garden centres are closed.

Chirag Gir of the WCARA said:

We are looking at different ways which will help keep spirits up during this extraordinary time for all of us. One such project we will be running is "Blossom 2020", which would bring a positive impact on mental health of our residents. The project will involve providing bedding plants to residents in Wembley Central and Alperton. 

This will help boost morale amongst our residents and also brighten up the front gardens, streets and surroundings around us. We believe this is a great initiative to support our residents and has been widely supported by residents and local businesses. 

We are expecting to have delivery of the plants on Monday 27th April and we aim to deliver to residents on Monday 27th/Tuesday 28th April.

If you are interested please call or text Chirag on 07956 228740

Join Zoom Covid19 Solidarity Meeting with Brent Trades Council Wednesday April 22nd

To join the meeting follow this LINK and type in the  ID: 4648578247 followed by password 274903 when requested.

It is best to join a little early so that you can sort out any technical problems.

School’s Out, Learning’s Not! BBC helps out parents home educating their children during lockdown

Information from the BBC for parents and children home educating under lockdown:

LINK to BBC Bitesize Daily

The BBC opens the doors to its biggest ever education offer, Bitesize Daily, today and the teaching roll call looks mightily impressive with a register full of familiar names.

Collaborating with teachers and education specialists, the impressive roster has been compiled in just four weeks and will offer 14 weeks of curriculum based learning for kids across the UK.

Renowned physicist, Professor Brian Cox will bring science lessons to life as only he can as he covers topics including the solar system, force and gravity.

Sergio Aguero, Manchester City’s star striker, famed for his precision and skill on the pitch, turns his attention to numbers as he sets about getting kids across the country counting in Spanish! And former MP, Ed Balls continues the number theme as he goes back to his political roots in economics to deliver a KS3 maths class.

Danny Dyer, EastEnders actor and direct descendant of King Edward III, delivers the facts on another historic king, Henry VIII as he brings history to KS1 pupils whilst Doctor Who’s Jodie Whittaker will also be dropping into Bitesize Daily lessons.

Sir David Attenborough, known the world over for his natural history documentaries, is also set to be involved, helping youngsters to learn about the oceans, mapping the world and why animals look the way they do.

Reading and music come together as Liam Payne, Mabel and a host of musical stars take part in a week long  Musical Big Read – an extension to a weekly Book Club that will run throughout the 14 week term and see stars including  Anita Rani and Oti Mabuse read books aimed at both primary and secondary aged kids.

Both in front of and behind the camera, over 200 teachers have come together to help the nations kids keep learning whilst schools are closed. In week one students will meet; Mr Burton (Educating Yorkshire), Ms Webb (Primary), Mr Brown (Secondary), Ms Armit (Secondary), Mr Mycock (Secondary) and Mr McPartlin of Britain’s Got Talent fame. They will all front daily lessons available from 9am each week day on BBC iPlayer and BBC Red Button.

A host of familiar faces are also signed up to keep students motivated and on track with inspirational messages of support and tips on how to stay focused.

The BBC is delivering the biggest Education offering in its history to ensure that kids across the UK have access to curriculum supported learning for the summer term, working closely with trusted education providers, teachers and partners. All elements of Bitesize Daily have been developed with teaching professionals.

Alice Webb, Director BBC Children’s & Education said “We’re proud that the BBC can bring together so many people to offer such a wide-ranging package of support to help children and parents right across the UK at such a challenging time. 

 
“We said the BBC would be there for people through this crisis, and we meant it. It’s vital that every child is able to continue learning – and the lessons we’re putting on will make sure they have fun at the same time.”

BBC Bitesize Daily will deliver a tailored day of learning across BBC iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Bitesize website and app, BBC Four and BBC Sounds, with curriculum relevant offers across the UK.  Together, this comprehensive package is aimed at minimising disruption to children’s education and providing rhythm and routine in these challenging times.