2026 AGM Wrap

What happened at our AGM?

More than 50 local residents and supporters gathered on 4 March at the Temple Bowling Club for the Friends of Ruskin Park AGM, coming together to reflect on another busy and successful year for the park and its community.

Attendees were warmly welcomed by co-chair Céline Gilbert, who introduced committee members, local councillor Deepak Sardiwal and colleagues from Lambeth Council, including Kevin Crook and Tom Smith. A heartfelt thank you was extended to the many volunteers whose time and energy make so much of what happens in Ruskin Park possible. Community engagement continues to go from strength to strength, and it remains at the heart of everything we do.

Friends of Ruskin Park activities and highlights

The first part of the meeting focused on the wide range of activities, projects and partnerships delivered over the past year.

One of the standout successes has been the community sauna, which celebrated its first anniversary having already hosted an impressive 50,000 sessions. Its outreach programme has connected with a wide range of groups across the borough, demonstrating the powerful role the park can play in supporting health and wellbeing.

The Willow Garden and wider community gardening initiatives continue to flourish. Therapeutic sessions run in partnership with South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust have supported participants from across the borough, offering opportunities to learn new skills, build confidence and enjoy access to green space. Many participants have gone on to further training, highlighting the lasting impact of these programmes.

Across the park, volunteer-led initiatives remain vital. The litter-picking group meets weekly, while dedicated individuals care for areas including the rose garden and pergola beds. The paddling pool, a much-loved feature approaching its 100th year, continues to rely on a team of committed volunteers to keep it running smoothly.

A vibrant programme of events also brought the park to life over the past year. The summer bandstand concerts were once again a great success despite some challenging weather, supported by volunteers and Lambeth Council. Planning is already underway for this year’s season, alongside the much-anticipated 2026 summer fete at the end of June, with new volunteers stepping forward to help lead and support its organisation.

At the meeting, special thanks were given to Julie Simpson for her tireless work over many years in organising the fete. Her contribution to both the event and the wider Ruskin Park community has been immeasurable, and new volunteers have now been recruited to help share the load going forward.

Investment in the park has continued through donor support, including the installation of new benches and the planting of additional trees, with more due this spring. Meanwhile, the Labyrinth and Community Gardens have gone from strength to strength, supported by regular sessions, improved composting and rainwater harvesting, and growing involvement from local students and young people.

Looking ahead, new initiatives are taking root. A biodiversity group has launched with strong interest from the community, and National Lottery funding has been secured for an orchard and associated workshops near the sauna.

All of these achievements depend on the continued support of volunteers, partners and donors. As always, we are keen to hear from anyone who would like to get involved and help Ruskin Park continue to thrive.

Financial update and governance

Members approved the reappointment of trustees Céline Gilbert and Sarah Salter, as well as the minutes from last year’s AGM.

A summary of the annual accounts showed a small overall improvement in finances, reflecting careful management and the generosity of those who contribute time, funding and expertise. While maintaining a prudent reserve, the committee is keen to invest in further improvements across the park in the coming years.

Q&A with Lambeth Council

In the second part of the meeting, Kevin Crook, Assistant Director of Neighbourhoods at Lambeth, provided an update on council priorities and responded to questions from attendees.

He emphasised the value Lambeth places on the Friends group and the wide range of activities taking place in the park. However, he also noted the significant financial pressures facing the Council, including the need to make substantial savings, which are affecting the pace of some projects.

Kevin shared several updates:

• Ongoing issues with water and drainage in the park are being addressed, following complex repair work.
• Plans for the refurbishment of the stable block are currently paused while funding and future options are reviewed.
• A pilot to leave parks unlocked at night is progressing across the borough. Ruskin Park is expected to be included in a future phase once additional lighting has been installed.
• A longer-term capital programme is in development, including potential improvements such as floodlit tennis courts, subject to planning approval.

Attendees also raised questions on topics including rough sleeping, football pitch use and park maintenance. The Council outlined its approach to supporting vulnerable individuals and improving enforcement where needed, while continuing to explore options for future investment.

Friends of Ruskin Park will continue to work closely with Lambeth Council and to seek updates on these and other issues affecting the park.

Thank you to everyone who attended the AGM and contributed to another positive and productive evening.