Dogs to be given greater freedom of the Garden

We already know that Formosa is the most desirable residential garden for pet-owners in the whole of Little Venice because it alone permits dogs to be exercised off the leash between the hours of daybreak & 10 a.m. Now the Board have agreed to a further relaxation of the rules in response to requests from several dog-owners: for a trial period dogs can now remain off the leash for a further half-hour until 10.30 am, subject to the usual caveats that owners must pick up after them & ensure that their behaviour doesn't cause nuisance or upset to other users of the garden, particularly small children.

One dog who's been happy to take advantage of the new freedoms is young Oz, who is a familiar figure in the Garden along with his owner, Board Chairman Sandy David.

The trial period runs to the end of February, after which the situation will be reviewed.

Formosa Readers kick off Christmas

Members of both of Formosa's book clubs got together to share details of the titles they had enjoyed most in 2023, and raise a seasonal glass. Everyone enjoyed a chance to talk to the "other" group, and a catch up with recently retired member Helen Burrluck who has moved away to Oxford.

Following her departure, Helen's group has a vacancy for a new member if anyone else on the garden would like to join us. We meet approximately every six weeks, on a Tuesday in the early evening. To express and interest please contact book club co-ordinator Viv Robins at vivvy.robins@gmail.com

Tree lights help to brighten winter nights

As you will have seen the illuminations on the big plane tree have already made their appearance, a good few weeks before their normal switch-on time. We thought it would be nice to show off the new improved branch-wrapped lighting, with up-lighters to highlight the crown of the tree also expected to be in place early next month. The plan is that the lights will stay switched on now until the end of January. As one Board member commented:" We need something joyful to get us through Winter and in the wider context of these troubling times!"