Chair's update: November 2023

Tom Walker, Chair

At the time of writing, the chance of the park fully reopening shortly look good.  We await final confirmation. It will also be very good to have both gates reopened so access is improved and the cut through between High Street and Church Street re-established.  It will be fantastic to have a permanent base, office presence and eventually the cafe reopened selling Abney merchandise. The first time since March 2020 and the eve of Covid. It has been a long wait for us as an independent charity.  But we have survived.

We will publish our annual accounts for 2022/23 next week once they are signed off at the AGM. There is a lot of volunteer time that goes into preparing these, so special thanks to our Treasurer Brooke. The accounts show we were within £100 of breaking even during the year. That is a big achievement considering the challenges we have faced. We are also seeking approval to review the Trust's arcane articles (not its purpose) and the existing and poorly defined membership model. We will consult openly on the membership model if the AGM approves it.

Thank you to everyone who participated in or attended the Remembrance Sunday event.  It is one of our most important and very moving occasions.  This piece in the Guardian captures something of the spirit.

On more divisive topics, Hackney Council have extended the consultation to require dogs to be on leads in the cemetery and nature reserve.  Whatever your views, please respond to it by 15 December.