Our 'Summer' 2014 Newsletter

Sydney Gardens is the only remaining Georgian Pleasure Park in the country. The Friends of Sydney Gardens (FoSG) feel strongly that this special place should be protected and conserved to ensure the park can be enjoyed by young and old for many years to come.

FoSG are an enthusiastic group who wish to encourage everyone, with an interest in Sydney Gardens, to become a member. The FoSG newsletter will keep you informed of what is happening to your park. A website has been developed and will be regularly up dated http://www.friendsofsydneygardens.org.

If you would like to become a member of FoSG or have any suggestions on improving or maintaining your park, please contact us, email: info@friendsofsydneygardens.org.

If you would like to become a member of FoSG or have any suggestions on improving or maintaining your park, please contact the FoSG secretary Lizzie, email: info@friendsofsydneygardens.org.   

HLF Bid Update

The Heritage Lottery Bid (HLB) applied for by BANES to fund the reunification of the grounds of the Holburne Museum and Sydney Gardens, plus the refurbishment of both, was initially made in February 2013. This bid was refused due to lack of involvement of users and the local community. The second application in February 2014 was withdrawn by BANES in May 2014. The reason given for withdrawal was the need to continue discussions on the impact of the proposed bid on the community and the community involvement in governance and management of the gardens. Additionally, there was a need for further discussions on the scale of programming of events and activities planned to take place within Sydney Gardens. BANES is proposing a project board, with community involvement, to progress a further application.  FoSG would be represented on the project board as would other resident associations.
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Sydney Gardens Toilets
‘Healthmatic’ have been contracted by BANES to maintain and refurbish toilets within BANES. ‘Healthmatic’ applied for buildings application to convert the toilets in Sydney Gardens from the present 6 toilets to 1 toilet and an office. There were many objections and the application has been withdrawn. We will keep you updated. 
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World Heritage Day
World Heritage Day celebrations were held in Sydney Gardens on the 13th April 2014. The event was a great success. Many people attended and many new members joined FoSG.    
Mark in the Park - Saturday 21 June 2014
Our local PCSO’s Zoe & Mike had a record breaking turnout for this event with many people bringing personal items for security marking; to aid recovery if lost or stolen. The event was filmed by BBC 1 and will be part of ‘Neighbourhood Blues’ which will be shown on BBC 1 in October 2014.  
Volunteers Required
The FoSG would like to establish a base of volunteers to help with small tasks in the garden e.g. picking up litter and garden maintenance. If you feel you could give time to support your gardens, please email us: info@friendsofsydneygardens.org.
Bath Carnival 16-17 August 2014
Organisers of the Bath Carnival plan to hold events and begin the Carnival Parade in Sydney Gardens in perpetuity. A licence application has been made to BANES for an alcohol licence and for playing music and dancing in Sydney Gardens from 9am to 12 midnight on both days. For more information go to BANES council web site. 
Indulgence Cafe
Indulgence Cafe is now operating from a kiosk in Sydney Gardens. Open 12–5pm each day weather dependent.    
Useful Info
If you wish to report a problem in Sydney Gardens, you can speak to the gardener who is available Monday to Friday. Otherwise call:

Council Connect:
01225 394041.

After-hours and weekends:
01225 477477