Tuesday 4 July 2006

TV presenter Michael Aspel, and Deputy Executive Member for Environment, Cllr Jayanti Patel, launched Priory Park's new Heritage Trail on Tuesday.

This year sees the 80th Anniversary of Priory Park, although the trail charts the use of the site for recreation for over 100 years.

It is hoped that the trail will encourage local people, especially young people, to learn more about their local history and get greater enjoyment from one of Haringey's Green Flag open spaces.

The trail charts the history of the park from the original purchase of the land by the Hornsey Local Board to the modern day. It includes the background to some of the main features of the park and how the park grew to its current size.

In addition and just for the day, the Friends of Priory Park exhibited photographs charting the history of the Park and Park events and a birthday cake showing Crouch End was provided by local bakers Dunn's.

Michael Aspel said:

"We have come here today to celebrate history, whether that is personal, local or national. It is great that Haringey Council also celebrates its colourful past and helps to educate future generations about that past."

Fran Shepherd, Friends of Priory Park committee member, said:

"Priory Park has provided a green oasis for the residents of Hornsey, Crouch End and beyond for over a centuary. I am really pleased that we can share that history with the many current users of the park."

Cllr Jayanti Patel, Deputy Executive Member for Environment, said:

"I am pleased that the council was able to support the Heritage Trail, in one of Haringey's Green Flag Parks. At Haringey we work hard to ensure that all our residents have access to well maintained, safe open spaces whether or not they have a garden. We couldn't achieve this without the work of dedicated friends groups so I would like to thank them for making and keeping Priory Park special."

For more about Priory Park click here.