Clissold Park User Group (CPUG)
The Clissold Park User Group (CPUG) is a local community group for the people of Stoke Newington in Hackney who appreciate and love their local park.
The group has been campaigning locally for over 20 years and seeks to represent the interests of everyone who uses this very popular park: the walkers, joggers, cyclists, nature lovers, families and free spirits who value the opportunity to enjoy time outdoors in this beautiful and historic space.
» Read more about CPUG
» For general enquiries email info@clissoldpark.com
Park history: Clissold Park for the people
Clissold Park would have been built on in the 1880s if it wasn’t for a passionate local campaign to preserve it for the public. CPUG has been given access to an extensive treasure trove of press clippings, letters and maps kept for 127 years by the family of the chief campaigner, Joseph Beck.
» Visit www.savingclissoldpark.com and read about the history of saving clissold park (1884-1889)
You can find a summary of the campaign and a wonderful reading, by Joseph Beck’s great grandson, of Joseph Beck’s 1888 letter to the Weekly Recorder once the park had successfully been saved by The Clissold Park Preservation Committee:
» Clissold Park for the people
» View a historical slideshow of Clissold Park
Latest news…
Stoke Newington Literary Festival
Ground Work: Writings on Places & People – Sunday 3rd June, Abney Park cemetary
One of this year’s most talked about books,Ground Work: Writings on Places and People, is a magical collection of essays on love of place. Edited by BBC Radio producer, writer and naturalist, Tim Dee, will be joined for this event by two contributors to the collection – acclaimed novelist Tessa Hadley, and writer and social historian Ken Worpole – to discuss which places haunt their imaginations – and why. Ken Worpole will be talking about living next to Clissold Park for 50 years – his favourite place.
Venue: The Mortuary Chapel, Abney Park Cemetery, London N16
Tickets £5. For further information: http://www.stokenewingtonliteraryfestival.com
Clissold park picnic for London National Park City Week – Sunday 22nd July
As part of London National Park City Week the Clissold Park User Group would like to invite you to a picnic in the park. From 2 – 4 pm in the dog-free area opposite the playground. Bring some sandwiches and possibly a cake for a chance to meet other park users and celebrate one of London’s favourite parks.
A plaque to commemorate Joseph Beck at Barton House
Amir Dotan, a local historian, is leading a campaign to have a plaque placed on Barton House to commemorate Joseph Beck. Beck lived on the site and was involved in the creation of Clissold Park. It is hoped that the plaque can be unveiled on the weekend of 21/22 July, just before the anniversary of the park opening on July 24th
Poster and Pocket maps on sale
Pocket map: Our new beautiful pocket map and timeline of the park is now on sale in the café for £2.50.
It identifies all the landmarks and includes the history of the park and Clissold House, a tree trail and help in identifying the wild water birds on the ponds and New River. It has been created by the CPUG working with local artist Anna Hymas and local historian Amir Dotan with support from Hackney Council. Proceeds will go to the CPUG to help pay for amenities and free events in the park.
Poster: By popular demand we have created an A2 poster version of the map (42 x 59.4cm). Available in the café for £5 (£6 in a cardboard roll). Can also be posted to anywhere in the UK for £10 including packaging and first class postage. Please email us on info@clissoldpark.com to arrange your order.
» View the poster (PDF)
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