Attending The Island Gardens 120th Year Celebrations – Saturday 12th September 2015

After reporting on a number of water based attractions this week, it was nice to attend a very important celebration in one of the most attractive parks on the Island.

The Friends of Island Gardens organised an afternoon of summer fun to celebrate the 120 years since Island Gardens were opened to the public by Will Crooks in 1895.

On a lovely late summer’s day, there were a number of attractions including a Magic show, Face painting, Children’s games, Balloons, Live music, Cake stall, Penny farthing and Plant stall.

There were plenty of interest in the various stalls that told the  history of the park and how it has developed over the last 120 years.

One of the highlights of the event was the  plaque unveiling ceremony in which well-known local campaigner Gloria Thienel and Tower Hamlets Mayor, John Biggs made speeches that paid tribute to Will Crooks fight to provide a ‘little piece of paradise’ for locals over a century ago.

They also made the point that it was important to protect the park from any future developments.  It was one of these planned developments that led to the formation of The Friends of Island Gardens who have been instrumental in raising the profile of the park but also have helped to bring  a number of initiatives to make the park an even better place to visit. The plaques in the small courtyard bring to life the history of this very special place.

Congratulations to all involved, especially to Eric Pemberton who is a regular contributor to this blog for bringing history alive and acknowledging our debts to those who fought to make  this little spot in the East End, a place for everyone to enjoy.

If you would like more information or would like to join the Friends of Island Gardens , contact them on friendsofislandgardens@gmail.com.