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Abbey Park Community Association page for residents of Abbey Park, West Bridgford. Our aim is to bridge any gaps and empower everyone within our community and to build a better place to live for a brighter, safer future for ourselves and our children. Se connecter Click of the logo to go to Abbey Park Local Facebook Group Why not head over to see our Litter Picking Facebook Group Abbey Dogs Facebook Group (Private) Contact us Advertise here Our beautiful park Our Aim: Our aim is to bridge any gaps and empower everyone within our community and to build a better place to live for a brighter, safer future for ourselves and our children. Please take a moment to scroll through our many pages for information on our Committee Meetings, Gardening & Beauty Tips, Events, Calendar, Children's Pages, Abbey Park History, Recipies, Challenges & Links to various external agencies. For any queries or comments, please contact us at our dedicated email address: abbeypark.ng@gmail.com Please note, we are not linked to the Community Centre on Buckfast Way. Should you wish to enquire about room hire, please contact neilam.singh-taak@mtvh.co.uk Abbey Park Community Association Artwork by Simon Middlecote We are lucky to have some very talent people here on Abbey Park and Simon Middlecote is just one of them. Here, in this soft pastel drawing, he portrays the three Maple Trees next to Mountsorrel Drive as seen in October 2022

We wanted to embrace our park further so have introduced wildflower areas. These will develop further each year. See how we started it all off. Abbey Park's Wildflower Area has begun! Some time ago, local resident Wendy King started looking into Abbey Park having a wild flower area. After consultations she was given the go ahead and is now co ordinating the volunteers. The plan is to have two separate areas (see map below) which will encourage insects as well as bringing further beauty to the park. Wendy King has been supported by Sue Andrew and Penny Gowland and the seeds were given to us by Rushcliffe Biodiversity team as part of this project. Below are some of the seeds that will be planted A great mix of grasses and mostly perennial wildflowers, many rich in both nectar and pollen and known to be especially attractive to honey bees. By growing these species you are helping to support these important pollinators. By planting seeds that encourage pollinators such as bees and other insects to your garden, you can gain a tiny gardening A-team to do your pest control and pollination, all with the added benefit of supporting British native wildlife by providing habits and food sources. All the wild flower seeds in this mix are Native to Britain Birdsfoot Trefoil Lotus Corniculatus Black Knapweed Centaurea Nigra Common Evening Primrose Oenothera Biennis Common Toadflax Linaria Vulgaris Corn Chamomile Anthemsis Arvensis Corn Poppy Papaver Rhoeas Crested Dogstail (Grass) Cynosurus Cristatus Dandelion Taraxacum Officinale Greater Mullein Verbascum Thapsus Hedge Woundwort Stachys Sylvatica Highland Bent (Grass) Agrostis Castellana Hounds Tongue Cynoglossum Officinale Meadow Cranesbill Geranium Pratense Meadow-Sweet Filipendula Ulmaria Musk Mallow Malva Moschata Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum Vulgare Purple Loosestrife Lythrum Salicaria Red Clover Trifolium Pratense Red Fescue (Grass) Festuca Rubra Ssp. Commutata 1 Rough Hawkbit Leontoden Hispidus Sainfoin Onobrychis Viciifolia Slender Red Fescue (Grass) Festuca Rubra Ssp. Pruinosa Teasel Dipsacus Fullonum Vipers Bugloss Echium Vulgare Wild Carrot Daucus Carota Wild Foxglove Digitalis Purpurea Wild Marjoram Origanum Vulgare Wild White Clover Trifolium Repens 1 Yarrow Achilla Millefolium Catherine Brown along with several others started getting stuck in to digging the areas today. Shown here preparing area 2, she's done a fabulous job and even worked through some showers, finishing a patch approximately 4 meters square! Our thanks go to everyone involved in this wonderful work. Abbey Park members are planting the seeds in readiness for planting out when the areas are cleared. 26th May update Work started today on the upper patch of Wildflower meadow area with huge thanks to James Hounslow and the company he works for as they allowed him the use of a turf stripper! The photos here show the exact area being worked upon and some of the rolls already created by John Bailey. I think you'll agree, they've done a fabulous job so far and we think it will be fabulous when completed ☺️ The picture below show some the larger area where the turf needs to be laid (upturned) to kill off the existing turf and make ready for the second, much larger wildlife area. Autumn 2021 Update The photograph above shows some of the planting done earlier this year. The photo to the left gives an update to the wildflower planting areas. From the left - this was partially planted this year. yellow dots indicated space for seeds. The extension. Tom Pettit (from the council) has agreed to leave and will make a curve around the lower trees so the plan is to seed from that to cover whole area. The second area is near the play area - seed within area in and around the trees.They will be cutting an oval around the trees. Area three was partially planted/seeded this year. The intention is to seed the whole of the previously implanted area and give light seeding around area that was planted.

APCA minutes Abbey Park Community Association Committee Meeting MINUTES 23rd February 2026 Present:- Simon Middlecote (Chair), Sue Andrew, Ruth Kerry, Chris Holmes, Jo Mansfield, Caroline Stone, Sheila Ashton, Helen Hetherington, Daniel Whittingham Also in attendance: Councillor Penny Gowland Apologies:- Catherine Bailey, Tracey Turrill MINUTES OF LAST MEETING The minutes of the meeting held on 24th November 2025 were noted. TREASURER’S REPORT Ruth gave details of the income and expenditure for the Association. The lengthsman scheme has been approved by the County Council for a further 3 years. An application had been made for funding for first aid equipment/training to Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) / Local Councillor funding. In addition, funding of £350 had been received from the Local Resilience Forum for the cost of printing 2000 leaflets giving resilience advice It was AGREED to note the report, and that arrangements be made to distribute the leaflets. PARK AND GREEN SPACE IMPROVEMENTS It had been suggested that ‘Snowdrops in the Green’ be purchased for the community gardens instead of buying bulbs. There was a discussion about numbering the trees in the field so that those that needed watering could be identified. Some bat boxes had been obtained which needed fixing on trees. Rushcliffe would need to be involved in this It was AGREED That 1000 snowdrops be purchased using the Lengthman’s funding. That the trees be numbered on each fence post That Sue contacts Rushcliffe with a view to getting Streetwise to fit the bat boxes. ROADS, PARKING AND BUSES Buckfast Way Following a request for a zebra crossing on Buckfast Way by the new development, Councillor Penny Gowland had emailed Via. There was also a request from Abbey Road School for a crossing on Abbey Road. In the discussion, it was felt that it would be best to have a crossing on Rodney Road and one on Tewkesbury Close. It was noted that Rushcliffe refused to do anything to restrict the car park on Tewkesbury Close. The Committee were shown what the proposed planters for Buckfast looked like. It was stated that Abbey Road School had a gardening club that may wish to be involved in growing plants for them. It was reported that nothing could be done about the white van parked on Buckfast. It was AGREED that Councillor Penny Gowland contact Via about the suggested crossings on Rodney and Tewkesbury. Yellow Lines/ Rufford Way / Bus It was reported that a request had been made to Via for the yellow no waiting lines on Rufford by the Willow Tree to be extended to enable the bus to get through more easily. No. 5A Bus stop at Bus Turning Circle It was pointed out that the No. 5A bus was not always stopping at the bus turning circle. Some of these occasions had been reported, but it was emphasised that all occasions should be reported to the bus company. SOCIAL EVENTS Summer Gathering In the absence of Catherine and Tracey, consideration of this item was deferred. It was AGREED that an informal group be established to plan the summer gathering. Abbey Park History Nothing additional to report at this stage. ABBEY PARK SIGN It was suggested that to mark 50 years since Abbey Park started to be built, a sign be put next to the noticeboard. This would be similar to signs for villages in the County. The funding and design had not been determined at this stage. All present thought the proposed sign was a good idea. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The Annual General Meeting was arranged for Monday, 9th June 2026 at 7 pm The meeting closed at 8.20 pm. Previous Next

Ladies that Lunge Finding Inspiration in Each Other As a committee, we are an eclectic bunch with interests and experience in many areas. Catherine Bailey, one of our members voiced she would like to see an adult gym on Abbey Park a few years ago and for a long time the idea sat on the back burner, non of us really knowing how to go about it. When the old Abbey Depot was knocked down we were made aware of funding that could be used to facilitate our plan and we worked with Rushcliffe Borough Council on the design and plans. Below you can see some of the photos of the Gym installation which happened in Summer of 2025. See the transformation Our Story From the day the Gym was installed some of us were itching to get started but we couldn't help feeling slightly intimidated and silly using the equipment on out own, so we decided to pop a post on Abbey Park Local to see if any other women wanted to join us and so our group was formed. As we all lead busy lives the meetings are open to anyone that can make them. They don't have to come regularly (but it helps them if they do). We meet every Tuesday & Saturday from 11am til midday. If you would like to join us, please do get in touch by emailing abbeypark.ng@gmail.com best of all, its FUN & FREE! Our First Birthday 21 July 2026 We finally reached our first birthday today and what a birthday it was! The group has grown over thear with many more ladies taking part when they can fit it into their busy days. Below are a a couple of photos of today, followed by a slide show of some over the past year. We have learnt to celebrate everyones achievements no matter what they may be and we have formed a solid friendship group too. Other bonuses have been: Some ladies have joined a cycling group ran by one of our ladies There have been two weddings, one some of us attended, dressing up as Rockerbilly ladies (Great fun!) There is soon to be a third wedding! We regularly pop down to Polly's on Abbey Road for a bite to eat (as can be seen immediately below). If you want to improve your strength, stamina and general fitness, why not come along? It's still FREE and we would love to meet you. Group shots taken today at the gym and lunch at Polly's

Our new play area comprises of several peices of equipment that are accessible to all. More are planned for the future. Play Park Improvements 2021-2025 The plan The reality Abbey Park Community Association (APCA) are pleased with the improvements the playground on Abbey Park and we hope you are too. Two benches were installed on the park during 2024 and are enjoyed by many people. They really have been a fabulous addition. See stock photo below. Subject to funding there is potential in Phase 2 to include a MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) with low level football goals on the flat area between the trees/bank and the rear of the houses on Waltham Close - see drawing below. This eventually incorporate landscape planting so the views from the nearby houses remain green and pleasant. At the beginning of March 2025 APCA volunteers installed a Willow Weave Tunnel (See photographs below) similar to the one in West Bridgford Park. Positioned between the play park and the nature trail, it provides a natural link between the two area. Obviously, it will need to establish itself, so we ask that you and your children respect this while the cordon is in place. Outline of Willow placement Cut out Complete with bark chipping Outline of Willow placement 1/11 Outdoor Gym - Calisthenic APCA have worked long and hard with Rushcliffe Borough Council to gain adult outdoor gym equipment to be included on the park. As with most things, it took a long time in the planning, but continued to move forward and earlier this year an amazing Calisthenic Gym was fitted using Section 106 funding - More can be found out about this by following the link https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/planning-and-environment/general-planning/what-are-developer-contributions The gym has already proved extremely successful and we already have a regular ladies group that uses it. see photos below. To see the gym in all its glory follow this link https://www.abbeyparkng.com/exploremore

Local information on the history of Abbey Park and it's surrounding area provided by local residents. Memories of Abbey Park Abbey Park Memories Home We have started this page and hope that visitors to it will be able to look into the past. and maybe relive happy times too. If you have any photographs or memorabilia we would love to include it too. All you need do is email us at our usual email address abbeypark.ng@gmail.com . Scan QR code to go to the South County Facebook Page Every now and again, we receive items that elude to the history of Abbey Road and its surroundings. We were more than grateful to obtain this wonderful photograph of a class of students with their teachers at South County School, (now West Bridgford Junior School) on Exchange Road from Keith who grew up on Abbey Road. The photograph is circa 1952. Below is a list of the adults and children, some whom we believe to have passed away. However, you may remember the names yourself if you are of a certain age. On a personal note and having worked at West Bridgford Junior School for 25 years until I took early retirement, I can see that this photograph was taken on the back wall of the playground next to what I knew to be the P.E. shed on the right of the picture. It was recently made into a rather lovely classroom. Back row : Miss Ford/Harrison? Colin Wills, Wendy Greatrix, Malcom Barnes, June Legg, Richard Hammond, Anthea Rutherford, Alan Stokes, Mary Legg, Keith Rose, Rosemary Cluro, John Fox, Mr Angrave. Middle Row : Trevor Mountford, Gillian Bartlet, Alan Griggs, Gillian Keyworth, Richard Barret, Christine Pretty, Anthony Zablocki, Ivy Offler, Keith Sansom, Broadbent ? John Mann. Front Row: Linda Coleman, David Whittington, Josephine ? Peter Stevenson, Gillian ?, JohnWellings, ? Alan Disbrow, Josephine ? Barry Miles, Carol Taylor, Gillian Wallace. Keith had several siblings and here, he writes about his dear brother who sadly passed away in 2022.

Abbey Park Orchard is slowly coming together with two separate areas of planting. Beautiful fruit trees in one area and cherry trees in another. Abbey Park Orchard A few months ago we floated the idea of a community orchard on Abbey Park. We are looking to push forward with the project and we would love get your comments on the project. We are also looking for local people to ‘adopt’ one of the trees to make sure they are properly watered during really dry periods. we now have two plans showing a maximum of 20 trees. Can we get 20 people to adopt a tree? You can comment on here or also send an email to abbeypark.ng@gmail.com . The plans are also available on the notice board and Abbey Park Local Facebook Group Thank you to all those who took time to submit comments on the consultation. They are currently being collated and we hope to have news on the Orchard soon. Following on from the suggestions of an alternative site next to the bus turning circle I have produced an alternative layout for this site as well. I have an open mind about which site might be most appropriate. I can see pros and cons in each. Please feel free to comment on this alternative proposal via email to the Community Association. Orchard Wildflower area

Streetwise have enabled us to plant some of the orchard trees, but others we have done ourselves. Take a look at how things are progressing. Abbey Park Orchards It's been a long time coming with planning initially starting way back during lockdown, but our orchards are now coming to fruition with two areas being planted today (18th November 2020). All the committee have been a part of the planning, but Lesley Morris & Simon Middlecote have taken the lead with grant applications and layouts. There are two separate areas, the lower ground opposite the play park and on the edge of the allotments now have beautiful ornamental cherry trees of mixed varieties while the higher orchard contains a mixture of fruit trees including Bramley Apple, Flowering Crab Apple and Damson Trees. Local residents have adopted some of the trees and have agreed to help tend them until they are fully established. If you would like to adopt a tree, please contact us at abbeypark.ng@gmail.com So it begins... James from Streetwise planting one of the first ornamental cherry trees Checking the layout Lesley Morris double checks the layout with James and Mark from Streetwise Project Name Simon, Ruth & Lesley at the beginning of the work next to the Alllotments. The look of satisfaction Lesley & Simon posing at the Fruit Tree Orchard Site. Merryweather Damson Double staked, we hope these trees will thrive and be enjoyed by all who visit the park. John Downie - Flowering Crab Apple Already baring fruit, this tree is looking gorgeous and will certainly bring colour to the area. Newtons Apple Tree Planted on 23rd November this Newtons Apple Tree is sure to be a winner. Look, it's even planted an apple on top of someones head! Old Bess Apple Tree Planted at the same time and not as well know as Newtons Apple, Old Bess is a fine addition to our growing orchard.

APCA Constitution | Abbey Park Community Association

We've been fortunate in obtaining originaal plans for the properties around Abbey Park. Abbey Park Housing Development Abbey Park was built by Costain Homes on land that was, until then, fields and allotments (see side by side maps below). The Willow Tree pub was constructed at the same time and remains an integral part of the community. The estate is arranged in a series of cul-de-sacs with two through-roads, Rufford Way and Buckfast Way. The latter was only possible ofter No's 101 & 103 Abbey Road were demolished. The housing estate consists of townhouse, semi-detached, link detached, and detached houses, with a small number of bungalows. Bisham Drive, Dale Close, Newstead Drive, Mountsorrel Drive, Fountains Close, Waltham Close, and Nearsby Drive, are all named after famous abbeys. Link to Side by Side Mapping Our thanks go to Amanda Dennis for sending the following files of the original sales information leaflets.

The hundred walks page was complied by a local resident of the Poppy & Pint. It's comprehensive and leads you to some great places