Havelock Recreation Ground – 20 years as a community asset
We have some fascinating memories and oral history from some of the Asset statements we collected as part of a questionnaire for our 20+ year local residents: There’s some great photos, too, from Di.
Marisa Dennington, Havelock Road, since 1959.
It was already a field when I moved here in 1959, but the lady down the road, who had moved in 8 years earlier remembered it being grassed over.I was told that in the war there were two big guns (anti-aircraft) in there as it was a very big pit. And, there was half a house left (from the WW2 bombing) at number 43 with all the children playing in it.Every year at the end of the year, Raglan school would have a sports day on the brickfield, and my Maurizia was the champion running. At the weekend, the Raglan boys used to come and play football with the teacher.We used to go there in the evening as a family and play tennis and badminton.My Maurice would never allow us to picnic on the other side of the field, it had to be in our corner. |
raglan school sports day 1969
The Brickfield was left to the children of Raglan Road School, and the council was to look after it on their behalf. |
Many people walk dogs there and play team games in the warmer weather. I have seen people flying kites as the field is so open, it is ideal! |
Mandy Gannon, Havelock Road, since 2004.
The recreation ground is a community asset as it is used on a regular basis by locals.It is a lovely, green space in a densely populated area. It is especially good for me to take my children on their bikes as I have Multiple Sclerosis and get tired quickly if I have to walk too far.The recreation ground is a constant, comforting feature in Bromley, which is fast expanding and changing. Please keep it for future generations. |
Vera Jakeman, Havelock Road, since 1975
Havelock Recreation Ground has been used for many years by young and old to enjoy an open space without restrictions. It is safe for children to play in, with freedom to use their imagination; for people to use for picnics, or just relax in the summer. As more flats go up, open spaces are needed for this. My children had many years of safe play and now my grandchildren can enjoy it.It is a place to meet other people weather playing or walking dogs.Children can play football cricket fly kite ride there bikes without worrying about plants. Houses are nearby if help is needed. |
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Lilian Butler, Glanville Road and Mornington Avenue, from 1977
The Queens Jubilee celebration was A Big Do, and the community got together on the Brickfield. Like most of the marquees, the Scout’s pavillion did games for the kids. I believe there was also a Tea Tent, nowadays you’d probably call that a refreshment tent. Mostly everyone put on games and sporty things for the kids.At the time Jean New was the Akela, and she lived in Mornington avenue, at number 4 – opposite me at number 5n – which is how I got involved in the first place. She used to use the Brickfield for cubs.The Brickfield is the only open space that they can do the parts of their organisation’s programme, including: ball games, compass work and teaching tent pitching. |
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I believe that a lot of people have made friends due to Havelock Recreation Ground and it is an asset to the community and needs protecting. |
Rosalind Fogden, Homesdale Road since 1998
My earliest memories of the Brickfield, are of helping my sons learn to ride their bikes and of sledging; and of making snowmen. My eldest son had his first taste of freedom playing football on the field with his friends. And learning to look after himself, and to come home when he was supposed to.On a community theme, the royal wedding in 2011 was a community event, my neighbours in Mornington Avenue held a street party and the local children played on the field., in the evening, with the older children looking after the younger one. We all made new friends on that day and so did my children. |
Fiona Loakes, Marlborough Road, from 1978
I remember playing here as a child, just to run around or play ball games with friends/siblings. Once, I actually ran away from home and packed my tiny suitcase and went down and hid in the dip at the end. It only lasted for about half an hour, until I got cold and decided to go back home again.I moved back into the area in the mid-90s and both my children have enjoyed playing on the wide open field, building snowmen and sledging, and they both learned to ride their bikes and fly kites there. |
kids having a water fight on the Brickfield |
3rd Bromley Scout Group archive photos of the Big Lunch Havelock Rec 19th July 2009 from Ralph Palfrey: |
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