Residents will be all too aware that over recent years the rent charge has had to be increased to cover the costs of running our wonderful Garden during a time of high inflation. However this year the Board is pleased to announce that the rent charge deed will remain the same.
Despite ongoing investment in the estate and inflationary forces still at work from all our suppliers they've taken the view that this year exceptionally our outgoings can be met without any increase. That's due to the Board's own cost management & the kind support of our event sponsors -- so it's a Thanks from this resident for one!
.
On 2nd November 2024, the Formosa community gathered to celebrate Fireworks Night in true style. Against the familiar backdrop of the community garden, residents enjoyed a breath-taking display of colour, light, and sound, thanks to the award-winning team at Firework Crazy. The sky was alive with brilliant bursts of colour, each one greeted by excited cheers and wide-eyed wonder. The fireworks brought bursts of vibrant reds, blues, greens, and golds, each explosion enhanced by crackles, whistles, and booms that filled the crisp autumn air.
This year, special care was taken to make the event even more enjoyable for everyone. Recognising the popularity of the celebration, the available space was increased, creating more room for families and friends to gather safely, spread out, and enjoy an unobstructed view of the display. This change made a big difference, allowing everyone to fully relax and soak in the atmosphere without feeling crowded.
Adding to the magic was the grand bonfire that blazed throughout the night. Warm, bright, and mesmerizing, it was a perfect gathering spot, bringing people together to share stories, laughter, and warmth. The bonfire was organised by Jan Melkenbeek of Gravitas, our committed caretaker of Formosa Garden. The fire crackled and roared, enhancing the festive mood and creating a perfect ambiance for the event.
From the breath-taking fireworks to the inviting warmth of the bonfire, this Fireworks Night at the community garden was one to remember. Thanks to everyone who made this night so special—from Firework Crazy’s talented team to Jan, Marc Scrimshire and all the volunteers and visitors who brought it all to life. Here’s to more gatherings like this, where we come together, celebrate, and make memories under the stars.
Updated: Oct 9
You'll no doubt recall the unpleasantness earlier this year when our tree agency cut down three plane trees in the Garden without the requisite permission (trees which in any case were not due to be felled at this stage, according to our Masterplan). An investigation by Westminster Council found that there had been a planning breach & since this episode the Board have been debating whether to continue with the agency’s services. However a comparison with the prices & services offered by other tree companies in London revealed that we do in fact enjoy very favourable rates with our current suppliers, so the Board has come to the view that despite the earlier problems switching away from them would only be punishing ourselves. By way of apology the agency has already given the Garden a discount as well as a gift of two small ornamental trees which will be planted out later in the Autumn.
The whole affair led to some animated discussion at this year’s AGM where concern was expressed that the trees had been cut down out of sequence, as a result of which the Board agreed it would be timely to hold a review of the Masterplan 10 years from its inception. The original architect Mark Lutyens has therefore been invited to return to the Garden to give his expert view on how plans are progressing, to be joined by our tree surgeons & Jan from Gravitas. The meeting will take place before the end of the year & the findings subsequently shared with residents.
Meanwhile the tree surgeons will return to the Garden on October 16th &17th to finally remove the three tree stumps. The pollarding process will then be booked in for a time at the end of this year when all the remaining trees have lost their leaves, potentially December.
