main content Celebrating the Real Dad's Army

Veterans from the Home Guard and the friends of Jubilee Country Park celebrated the unveiling of a new historical information panel this week, to raise awareness of the history of the park. The park was used to defend London in World War Two. Members of the Home Guard manned anti aircraft guns as the park was an army base guarding the railway line which enemy bombers used to guide them to London. Now, more volunteers are needed, not to defend London, but to work on enhancing nature conservation at the Park which remains unchanged from its war days.

"Visitors might not realise the fascinating history this park has. The military occupation of the site has shaped how the park looks today. We erected the board because so many people, including the friends group, wanted something which told them the story of the park" said Nick Hopkins, Countryside and Parks Ranger.

The information board, installed thanks lottery funding of £1600, tells the story of the people who were based at Thornet Wood, now Jubilee Country Park. It explores the gun site which was part of a ring of sites around London defending the capital, and demonstrates the wildlife value of the site today. The friends of Jubilee Country Park successfully applied for the Awards for All lottery funding which seeks to give grants to benefit local communities.

Jennie Randall, chairman of friends of Jubilee Country Park, said "It was a wonderful occasion, especially reuniting the veterans who had not been together on the site for over 60 years. The park is very much part of our lives and recording its history has been an important part of our friends group as well as getting involved in practical conservation projects."

The information board was opened by ex-councillor Peter Woods who originally opened the park in 1981 and who helped set up the friends group. In the audience, were some of the veterans who served on the Thornet Wood base during the Second World war. To become a Friend of Jubilee Country Park, contact Nick Hopkins, Countryside Ranger on 01689 862815.

ENDS 

• For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Advisor, on 020 8461 7670 or Nick Hopkins, Countryside and Parks Officer on 01689 862815 or e-mail Andrew.Rogers@bromley.gov.uk