Keith Weller from Friends of Conway Rec on the successful launch of the park’s stunning new artwork

Conway Rec mural opening (3) — *Volunteers, visitors and local councillors help celebrate the new mosaic at Conway Rec*

Dispatch readers may remember a recent story about the installation of a wonderful piece of art in a small Southgate park, known formally as Conway Recreational Park and locally as Conway Rec.

In June, after two years of worry and unavoidable delay, professional mosaic artist Tamara Froud was finally able to design, construct and install the mosaic circle that now graces the grassy slopes of this little green space.

The project began when some of the volunteers who work with the Friends of Conway Rec spotted an installation by Tamara on the banks of the River Thames near Putney. The idea of a similar work with a practical function emerged. Fortunately, two volunteers were mosaic experts who knew Tamara and were confident she could create artwork representing the animal and plant life found at Conway Rec.

A mosaic ‘learning circle’ was envisaged as a point from which local pupils could start to explore their environment and learn about the range of nature they might find on a walk. Tamara met teachers and pupils at our local primary school and showed them how mosaic artworks are designed, built and installed. Children were encouraged to submit their own drawings and paintings of lifeforms seen in Conway Rec.

At the Friends of Conway Rec voluntary group we added our knowledge of the local environment and, with the support of colleagues, Tamara completed the artwork that is now an impressive local landmark.

To celebrate this community achievement, we held an opening ceremony last month. Local volunteers and friends were supported by representatives of St Monica’s School, Enfield Council’s parks team and local councillors. Artist Tamara attended with her family and said a few words about the work. Headteacher Kate Baptise – helped by parents and pupils – cut the ribbon, and the crowd retired to Conway Tennis Club for a glass of sparkle and some nibbles! The sun shone and the occasion was a fitting tribute to the completion of a remarkable project.

Funding the mosaic has been a challenge. A grant from the council helped us to cover the costs of building the base and protective edging and parents from St Monica’s contributed to the design, materials and installation. However, the Friends of Conway Rec have no regular source of income and the total sum has made a big dent in our reserves. If you’d like to contribute – or just learn more about our activities and future plans – do email us via [email protected].

When you next fancy a bit of exercise, please try strolling through Conway Rec. You’ll enjoy a small pond with nesting islands, water birds, historic oak trees, lovely wildflowers and some elegant hedgerows – as well as the new mosaic learning circle!

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.