Central Park in East Ham – A Tapestry of Memories and Community Spirit

Central Park in East Ham is not just a green space in the heart of East London; it is a repository of collective memories and a testament to the community’s spirit. Through historical records and the oral recollections of local residents, we explore the significant events and personal stories that have shaped Central Park over the years and its enduring significance to the community.

An antidote to the rapid urbanisation

Central Park in East Ham was officially opened on 5th July 1898, a result of the growing need for public recreational spaces in rapidly urbanising East London. The park was developed on land that was previously part of the Manor Farm estate, which had been purchased by the East Ham Urban District Council. The founding of Central Park was spearheaded by John Harvey Bethell – first mayor of East Ham District Council united with William H. Savage, the district surveyor for East Ham, and local landowner Colonel Henry Burges, Lord of the Manor and owner of Rancliffe House on what had formerly been grazing land. These individuals and their families were instrumental in advocating for the creation of the park, understanding the necessity of such spaces for improving the community’s quality of life.

The opening ceremony of Central Park was a grand event, attended by local dignitaries and residents and reported in the Stratford Express on Wednesday 6th July 1898 (see pic of microfilm, see also re-creation of article). Mayor Bethell passionately advocated for more public parks to enhance the well-being of East Ham’s working-class population. He believed that parks were essential for physical exercise, relaxation, and social interaction, which were crucial for a thriving community. Over 5,000 residents attended the event, enjoying refreshments and speeches stressing the importance of creating resources for children.

A Place of Gathering and Celebration : The Annual Show

One of the most anticipated events in Central Park’s history was the annual East Ham Fair, which began in the early 20th century and later became the Newham Show. Historical records from the local archive show that this event featured parades, beauty pageants, brass bands, and stalls. According to an article in the Newham Recorder from 1952, the carnival was a major event that brought together people from all over East London. Edith, a resident of East Ham for over 70 years, fondly recalls these events.

The summer fairs were the highlight of the year,” she says. “There were stalls with homemade cakes, games for us children, and even the prime minister attended one of the shows! It was a time when everyone in the community would come together to enjoy the park. My cousins would come from Essex and Tower Hamlets and we would eat candy floss until we felt sick. I felt so proud that they would come to our place for the Show, since my Uncle’s place was so much grander than ours. They only came once a year to our place and it was because of the fair.” 

Sport & Recreation

Sports have long been a central part of life in Central Park. Since the 1960s, local football leagues would often use the park’s fields. Alan, a local resident, recalls,

Every Saturday, the park was filled with young boys playing football. It was the highlight of our week.”

This tradition continues on Saturday’s with the addition of every Sunday, where you will find the green kit of the girls football team spread across the field. The English Women’s team has inspired a generation of young women in Newham and Central Park Girls AllStars is catering for a generation of girls. It is an inspiring sight to see girls aged 4-15 years from the diverse communities of Newham working together, having fun and utilising the park as it was intended 126 years ago. Local mum Silvi told us

I’m from Lithuania and I’ve been here twelve years. Both my daughters play in the team here and have made so many friends. Even when it is raining they still want to come out and play.

It’s not just children who benefit from Central Park. Adults also enjoy various fitness sessions, including the weekly Sunday Bootcamp that utilises the park’s free weights. Clayton moved from Jamaica during the Windrush and settled in East Ham. He does three circuits of the park everyday “Come rain or shine, I come out and take me a walk” he says pointing his walking stick in the direction of his walk. In the past, the park has hosted yoga, tai chi, and pilates classes. Uzmaa shared her experience: “I’ve run many outdoor exercise sessions in the park. I get my ladies fit, and we walk, talk, and share health information.”

Mr Patel, who has lived in East Ham for 45 years, reminisces about playing cricket in the park as a young boy.

We used to have impromptu matches every weekend. It didn’t matter if you were good or not; everyone was welcome. It was all about having fun and making friends. I’m too old for it now” 

Peter, a resident who moved here from west London uses the park to run his 5K. He tells us “the perimeter is 1.249kms so I can do a perfect 5K with 4 laps of the park! I meet new runners all the time and have found it’s been a great way for me to meet new people since I moved.”

Aisha lives across from the park, she tells me how she was a school teacher for over thirty-five years and use to bring her children to the park. She explains how on match days when West Ham was based up the road on Green Street, that “…the street was filled with coaches and buses of fans coming to watch the game. My children would set up stalls trying to make pocket money selling drinks and pakoras…my son use to play football here but now they have moved away. I come and walk with my friends in the morning. My asthma is not so good so I have to walk slowly. I like sitting on the benches by the pond.”

Adapting to change

Over the years, Central Park has undergone several renovations. In the 1990s, significant improvements were made, including the restoration of the Bowling Green, originally established in 1910. Unfortunately, the bandstand was removed in 1965, along with the old Green House and Baths, which now house the tennis courts. However, a small group of residents, led by local architect Kenny, obtained planning permission to erect a modern bandstand. The Council has approved the new bandstand to be built at the rear of the park near the café. Local residents will launch a crowdfunding appeal in Summer 2024 to restore the bandstand for communal use.

A beautiful addition to the park was made in the 1990’s with the demolition of the nearby Cooperative building in East Ham North. The building had to be demolished, but amazingly some of its unusual relics live on in Central Park. Four urns have survived.  They were originally placed near the top of the store’s clock tower and it is amazing they were preserved in the demolition and placed in the Georgian garden to the rear of the park. The urns have a placard marking their donation to the park and local residents are currently working with Newham’s planning team to have them added to the local heritage list. 

Community run events

In recent years community group and individuals have organised events in the park. A few examples include: An annual Christmas Carol performance; the not-for-profit organisation BEMIN has organised litter-picking sessions with the local Scouts; and resident Kathy runs Craft Central, a weekly arts and crafts session in the park’s café. Every Wednesday morning, the much-loved local charity Bonny Downs runs a parent and toddler group in the park, supporting parents by facilitating connections, sharing resources, and providing signposting.

These community-led initiatives highlight how Central Park is woven into the fabric of everyday life in East Ham. The park lives up to the values of its founders, enriching the lives of everyone in the Central Park Estate and beyond.

Central Park in East Ham is more than just a park; it is a symbol of community resilience and togetherness. Through its history and the personal stories of those who cherish it, the park continues to be a beloved sanctuary in the bustling city of London. As we look to the future, Central Park promises to remain a vital part of East Ham, creating new memories and fostering community spirit for generations to come.