What is happening to our lovely plane tree?

......It’s the focal point of our Garden but residents will remember that a huge branch was brought down in the flash storms of 23rd October & the tree has been cordoned off ever since, awaiting the attentions of the tree surgeons who are going to lop it back into shape. As we are in a Conservation Area the majority of the trees in the Garden are subject to preservation orders which meant that planning permission had to be sought. Fortunately Westminster Council -- which normally asks for a six-week notice period on all such applications -- kindly pushed this one through in record time, as a result of which work is due to begin tomorrow (Tues) & will hopefully finish by Friday. Meanwhile please continue to steer well clear of the tree as in recent weeks on safety grounds. It's hoped that the Christmas lights can be re-strung to function as before & it was certainly an encouraging omen when in accordance with tradition they were briefly illuminated at the end of the recent Bonfire Night celebrations!

Bonfire Night goes with a Bang

Initially the omens didn't look too good for Saturday as the rain hammered down throughout the day but come the evening, we were lucky enough to catch the window of dry weather between downpours, ensuring a good turn-out in the Garden to enjoy the bonfire (slightly smaller than usual) & the fireworks (“best-ever”, according to one seasoned watcher). Scores of other slightly less intrepid residents watched from their patios & balconies. Then within a few minutes of the display ending we were treated to a second spectacle, courtesy of the neighbouring Crescent Garden.

Thanks to our gardeners, Gravitas, for building the bonfire & to Formosa Board member Marc Scrimshire for organising, ably assisted by Irina Miklavchich who people might remember as our events supremo during her own time on the Board.

Count-down to the Fireworks

Yes...less than 24 hour to go to the social event of the Autumn! Here’s just a reminder of timings & a few do’s & don’ts:

The bonfire will be lit at 6 pm, before which the mound will be cordoned off. The large triangular fireworks display area will also be cordoned off from 2 pm tomorrow & residents are being asked to stay clear of both.

The Castellain Road gate will be shut at 6.50 pm & the fireworks will start at 7. We understand that, as in previous years, the Crescent display will follow ours at 7.30 pm.

Please would all households on the Castellain, Warrington & Sutherland roads with a view over the Garden close their windows & patio doors by 6.30 pm. In previous years the fireworks company have refused to start the display for security reasons until that has been done.

Only guests accompanied by key-holders will be allowed in & out of the main gate so please ensure you are there to meet any guests you may have invited to the event.

And the Garden rules do apply as normal – specifically no personal fireworks, glassware or pets (who are frequently spooked by the fireworks anyway & should be kept securely indoors).

All that remains is....to enjoy it!