News Update: Friends Newsletters

Newsletters, covering a range of Park related topics, have been written by the Friends. Please go to the ‘News’ Section for more information.

History of the Friends

The association was founded in 1991 by Philip Joseph, who was its President until his death in October 2015. The Friends of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens (FHPKG) was formed to ensure that the voice of public users of the Parks was heard, taking into account the mounting pressure the Parks face to fund their upkeep via commercial events.

While recognising that commercial imperatives are unavoidable, the Friends wanted to make sure that a reasonable balance was achieved between them and ensuring the peace and beauty of the parks remain available for everyone’s enjoyment.

In 2016 the Friends gained charitable status.

What we do

The Friends is a voluntary organisation, managed by a chairman and committee, all volunteers, who give their time and energy in seeking to achieve the objectives of the Society.

In practice, this involves liaising on a regular basis with the management of the Royal Parks, and all associated organisations operating within Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens, to ensure that issues affecting the general public and their use of the parks are raised and discussed in a timely manner.

The ability of the Friends to represent the interests of the public and to act as a credible lobbying organisation is dependent mainly on the energy and tenaciousness of the chairman and committee.

A small group of volunteers supports FHPKG by manning a kiosk at Hyde Park Corner, providing information and handing out leaflets to the many tourists visiting the Parks.

We welcome new members – the more numerous we are, the more effective we can be!

Aims of the Friends:

The aims of the Friends are as valid today as they were 25 years ago, if not more so, as central funding for the upkeep of the parks continues to be reduced. The aims of the Friends are to:

• Help preserve the peace and beauty of the parks, the
  restoration of their historic layout and the protection of their trees, plants, birds and animal life

• Promote these unique and timeless facilities and raise public awareness and appreciation of them

• Seek public support and involvement in preserving the peace and beauty of these exceptional urban open spaces for all visitors to enjoy, in conjunction with the parks’ staff and bodies associated with the parks

• Raise funds to help achieve the Friends aims

• Encourage more members of the public to become Friends

Charity No and Registered Address

The Friends of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens is a registered charity, charity number: 1168319

The registered address is:
The Old Police House Hyde Park,
London,
W2 2UH

If you would like to contact us please go to the Contact Page