Events and Initiatives
ANNUAL FESTIVAL
The Festival is usually held on the third weekend in May (either Saturday or Sunday), or in early June.
For more details view the Annual Festival Page.
CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA
WSCUG is approaching its target for funding new play equipment for the Common. The proposed equipment is of primarily of timber construction, and includes a Junior swing (featuring a standard swing and a cradle swing for younger children), a Team Swing (or Bird's Nest Swing) as shown on the right, and a one-child 'Spinning Cup'.
The equipment would be set on a suitable base and positioned centrally on Well Street Common to provide a safe and convenient location for all users of the Common.
FRUIT TREE ORCHARD
On 8 January 2011 WSCUG planted an orchard of 15 fruit trees on the Common, near the Rectory wall & backs of Groombridge Road gardens.
A big thank you to all those who sponsored trees, to those who came out and helped with the planting, and to Hackney Parks staff and the Tree Musketeers.
Russell Miller of The Tree Musketeers will be giving advice through the year, on their care and maintenance.
For more details on the orchard and its sponsors, please see the Biodiversity page on this website.
DRINKING FOUNTAIN
A drinking fountain was installed on the Common in the 1890s by public request. It was in use until the mid 1970s when during drought it was turned off, and then vandalized. The plinth where it stood and the water supply still remained for some time, right in the centre of the Common.
In autumn 2005, WSCUG commissioned a local sculptor, John Fortnum, to do sketch designs for a new drinking fountain –one that could be used by adults, children and dogs. John’s designs have since been exhibited for comments at WSCUG meetings, at the May Festival and at St John of Jerusalem Church.
The Finished FountainIn autumn 2006, Hackney Parks agreed to fund the new fountain with money received from the lottery.
The new fountain was unveiled on May 16th 2010 at the annual May Festival.
The design is a creative sculptural solution, a column based on the shape of a falling water droplet hitting a surface, captured by high speed photograph. It is made of cast iron and cast concrete, set in a paved circle, and is surrounded for protection by a ring of small bollards shaped like animals. The water spouts on pressure of a button, and collects at ground level for dogs to drink. There is also a concealed tap nearby for use filling containers to water young trees on the Common.
Related Document: http://www.hackney.gov.uk/well-street-common-management-plan-2010-2015.pdf
Related Link: http://ancienthackney.blogspot.co.uk/2010/08/sunworship-temple-well-street-common.html
OTHER INITIATIVES
WSCUG also organises Carol Singing during December and raises funds for initiatives and projects which can benefit the common and it's users.
CHRISTMAS CARDS
Winter/Christmas cards (3 new pictures of the Common) are now available from Caroline Gregory at the Workshop; all takings go to WSCUG.
WSCUG committee aims to create christmas cards each year showing pictures of the common. These are sold to raise funds for projects on the common.
If you have taken pictures of the common during winter that you are pleased with, and would like to submit them, please email them to Caroline, the secretary at www.wellstreetcommon.co.uk or contact us via this website for more details.