Just a reminder that the annual Bonfire Night celebrations are this coming Saturday, November 8th. For the third year running the multi-award-winning Firework Crazy will be in charge of the firework display which will start as usual at 7 pm (allowing residents to also catch the fireworks in neighbouring Crescent Garden at 7.30 pm as many like to do) but the bonfire will be lit a little earlier this year, at 5.30 pm, so it will be blazing nicely for any early arrivals. The entry point will again be the Castellain Road gate which will close 15 minutes before the show begins – late-comers will emphatically not be admitted! The spectator area will comprise the full Garden perimeter, plus the triangular corners at the Formosa Street & Sutherland Ave/Warrington Crescent ends.
A Health & Safety person will be located near the gardeners’ gate in the corner of Castellain & Warrington & will be available from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm, subject to rain which -- finger crossed! -- is currently looking unlikely. If it it does rain a different location will be confirmed closer to the date.
The usual caveats apply about keeping windows closed & nervous pets indoors. Please also ensure that children are supervised at all times & that no personal fireworks or sparklers are brought into the Garden.
The event is kindly being sponsored by Winkworth's, one of London's oldest estate agents, which first opened its doors in 1835. It now has 90 branches nationwide, including four in North-West London of which the one in Sutherland Avenue (taken over from Vickers) is the latest addition.
Wine enthusiasts braved the changeable weather on Saturday 30th August 25 to enjoy a convivial afternoon of fine wines and good company. Six excellent wines from The Winery were served, each introduced with expert advice and comprehensive tasting notes by David Motion and his team.
The tasting opened with a sparkling glass of Champagne, before moving through fragrant whites, a summery rosé, and a selection of smooth reds. Although the drizzle may have discouraged outdoor picnics, a generous spread of cheese and grapes provided the perfect complement to the wines.
The event was kindly supported by Savills Estate Agents, who mingled with residents and contributed to the warm, social atmosphere. Live music came courtesy of The Rock & Strollers, whose acoustic set—complete with requests—added an extra flourish of charm and spontaneity.
Their appearance was made possible by sponsorship from Hyperoptic fibre broadband, who are currently offering Formosa residents a prize draw to win a free year of 1 Gbps broadband, alongside an attractive introductory discount for the first two years.
Despite the English weather, the afternoon was a true celebration of community spirit, bringing together neighbours, friends, and wine lovers for a memorable gathering.
Board Chairman Peter Cross adds: Susan is far too modest to say it herself but it was she who did a fantastic amount of work to make this the success it undoubtedly was & on behalf of all residents of the Garden who attended I would like to offer her our grateful thanks.
As all public-spirited dog-walkers will know once you've taken the trouble to bag up your dog poo the correct thing to do is to take it home with you, but instead this unwelcome package was lobbed into a patio garden on Sutherland Avenue some time during the night of August 22nd. The rules regarding pets on Formosa Garden are exceptionally liberal & the vast majority of pet-owners observe them scrupulously & clearly don't want to see them tightened, but the actions of a maverick like this don't help. If you were the person responsible please don't do it again!
