Author: Pax Barnard

Friends of Preston Park held their latest Painting in the Park event this week. Those attending produced a variety of work. The aim of the day is to invite residents to take time out of their usual weekend, to visit the park, and to focus on a particular aspect that they find interesting. They then have to produce this visually. At the end of the session, everyone shared their thoughts on what had been accomplished over a piece of delicious cake. It’s amazing how different everyone’s work is. We thank everyone who came and hope you all enjoyed a relaxed Sunday in the park. The work produced will be exhibited on the outside wall of the Chalet Cafe for viewing. 

Our next event is the adults amphibian workshop on 22 & 23 June. Please sign up via Eventbrite.

Work will get underway in the next few weeks on a scheme to improve the A23 (London Road / Preston Road) between Argyle Road and Preston Drove.
The changes are designed to improve a key transport corridor for the city and make it a safer and more attractive environment for all who use it.
The work getting underway shortly will include:
new cycle lanes
pavement widening
new and upgraded crossings
improved junctions
bus stop improvements
The work is expected to take 18 months to complete. Everything possible will be done to minimise disruption throughout. During that time the area on the old bowling green opposite WhoopseyDaisy, will used as a base for all the heavy plant machinery.
If you have any questions about the A23 Active Travel Scheme, send an email to transport.projects@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

Timeline
Aims of the A23 Active Travel Scheme
The A23 Active Travel Scheme aims to improve a key transport corridor for the city and make it a safer and more attractive environment for all who use it.
On completion, the finished scheme will:
enable and encourage active and inclusive travel such as walking, cycling and wheeling through new and updated infrastructure
improve the overall experience for public transport users
upgrade key junctions and improve road safety for all users
improve access to green spaces, heritage attractions and leisure locations situated along the A23.

Remember to come along to our Painting in the Park event on Sunday 2nd June from 10am to 1pm. Tickets available at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/painting-in-the-park-tickets-854515608187?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Meet at the Chalet Cafe to create your own artwork using a medium of your choice (please bring your own materials, and something to sit on).

It will be a great day to meet other people with an artistic temperament and to share experience and knowledge. The event is restricted to those aged 16 and over and is wheelchair accessible.

We will ask your consent to take a photo of any artwork you create to share online and exhibit them at the Chalet Cafe in the Park.

On Sunday we are running our Elm Tree Walk with Peter Bourne, a renowned tree expert providing insight into our precious elm tree collection! 🌳🌹🌻

Sunday 19 May 11.00-12.30 starting at the Chalet Cafe

Remember to grab your tickets!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/elm-tree-walk-with-peter-bourne-tickets-854485498127?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Please see below from Brighton & Hove City Council:

“We are about to launch the engagement process around Pride for 2025 and beyond. Specifically around this topic we are holding two face-to-face sessions:

• Friday May 10^th 17:00-18:30
• Friday June 14^th 13:00-14:30

These will take place in The Park View Café’s Basement Bar

We hope that by providing these two sessions at different times of day you will have the best opportunity to attend one, should you like to.

Furthermore, our online engagement platform launch is imminent- information on this, as well as the meetings, will be provided in a letter-drop to the residences proximate to Preston Park. This information will also be shared via our online comms.”

See below sessions

As of Tuesday 7 June, the top area of Preston Park know as The Ride and car park will be resurfaced. It is envisaged that the work will take approximately 3 weeks.

However, the bottom car parking area will remain open during this time and residents are advised to use this area to park instead. This is very welcome news as the holes have become quite large recently.

If anyone has any questions please contact Brighton & Hove City Council.

Come and soak in the magic of nature’s song!

From Sunday 5 – Sunday 12 May, Bird Bath invites you to pause, rest and ‘bathe’ in the sound of local birdsong at St Peter’s Church in Preston Park, Brighton.

Part of @sussexuni Festival of Ideas at @BrightonFestival 2024.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/birdbath2024

Due to a mixup with the time last week, we have decided to rerun the bird walk with Simeon Elliot on Sunday 28 April. For all those who bought tickets but couldn’t join, please turn up at 8.30 at the Chalet Café. For anyone who hasn’t bought tickets, please come along – the cost of the walk is £3. Please bring cash and pay it to the FoPP member running the event.

If the weather is very bad, the event will be cancelled via the website, so please keep an eye on it. Parts of the walk will be uneven so please bear in mind when considering accessibility (wheelchairs should be okay).