Friends of the Hampden Park
Welcome to The Friends of the Hampden Park website.
We're here to help maintain, improve, restore and enhance the park.
We believe green spaces play a vital role in boosting the health and well-being of
residents and the community.
Come and join the fun on Monday, 6th April
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Notice of Annual General Meeting
In accordance with the Constitution of the
Friends of the Hampden Park, notice is hereby given that the
Annual General Meeting will be held at
The Railway Club,
Station Approach, Hampden Park, Eastbourne BN22 9ND
on
Tuesday, 12th May 2026 at 7.00pm for 7.30pm start
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Hampden Park Bowls Club have an Open Day on
Saturday, 23rd May
Free Taster Sessions.
A fun way to learn to play in a friendly atmosphere.
Cygnet Rescue by Margaret Morrison
On Saturday night (17-1-2026) I found Cygnet A standing on the ground in the lower sensory garden, I walked it along to the area where it could get into the water. The parents followed and prevented it from getting into the water. I called WRAS but was unable to get help. I called Chris Gauntlett who was in the park picking up litter. It was dark with the fox calling in the woods. Chris came and picked up the Cygnet A and put it into the water out of sight of the parents, saying "we have given it the best chance."
Cygnet A
Cygnet A
Cygnet A
Sunday morning I called WRAS and explained what had happened Saturday night. Olly from WRAS caught one Cygnet (B) who came to me for the lettuce. Olly tried to capture cygnet (A) too, thinking they would be happier moving together. Being a busy Sunday the more easily startled Cygnet (A) would not get close enough for Olly to catch it.
I was still in the park late afternoon, heard swan flight. So walked out of the woods and found Cygnet (A) standing on the grass opposite the tea Chalet with both parents glaring at it. I called WRAS again as I realised that this is the same situation as Saturday night. Olly from WRAS returned picked up the Cygnet (A) we then realised that Cygnet (B) had returned from Princess park as it was swimming about in the water with both parents. As Olly carried Cygnet (A) to the ambulance he noted that it was a lot lighter than the other he had picked up at noon the same day. The evening rescue of this cygnet was just in time as the light was fading. This one has not returned from Princess Park and there is for now peace.
For some reason the Cob was intent on telling Cygnet (A) to move away. Hence its lower weight. I noticed it has been a month of intense chasing of this particular one of the two. WRAS can only intervene when there is imminent danger as was this case.
Many thanks to WRAS for the care and professional help.
Olly from WRAS rescuing Cygnet B
Cygnet B returns to Hampden Park from Princes Park!
Cygnet B sitting happily on the island with Mum and Dad
We are very grateful to Wildlife Ambulance Rescue Service (WRAS) for their care and help
Gardening Update
The gardening volunteers are continuing with their efforts in the park. Many of the areas around the benches and paths have been cleared of weeds and dead leaves. The ongoing tasks of turning over the soil and removing weeds continue, along with dead-heading the shrubs. Bulbs are also being planted, ready for the spring. Paid-up members of The Friends of the Hampden Park are welcome to join the team.
The team would like to thank all the members of the public who stop to chat and show their appreciation of the works being carried out, and share their memories of the park. We love doing it but it's nice to have the feedback.
What the park means to me
I have been lucky enough to have this park as a constant throughout my life, from a toddler until now. I spent so many hours on the witch's hat roundabout in play park as a child, playing stool ball and football on the sports field, meeting likeminded kids on rope swings over streams within the woods, also peeking over the back fence at the rifle range, walking around the lily pound lake and gardens, spending time with other families picnicking on the grass - all treasured memories.
I thank the park for giving me and other children the open space to explore and grow.
It is for all of those reasons, that now I have some time on my hands I want give back in some way. Hopefully the next generation will look back with the same fond memories.
Chris Gauntlett
Chairman
Gardening Volunteers
One of the main ways members can get involved and contribute to improving the park is by joining our team of volunteer gardeners. These are fun-filled sessions, which start with a meeting and briefing at the café. No experience necessary and you can do as much or as little as you can.
The gardening team normally meet and work on Monday mornings from 10.30am - 12.30pm, and Thursday afternoons from 1.00pm - 3.00pm.
Other sessions may be arranged and will be notified on the Friends of the Hampden Park Facebook page.
To join the gardening group you must be a paid-up member of The Friends of the Hampden Park. Application forms are available in the café or you can download one here.
We usually stop off at the café afterwards for refreshments. Please feel free to pop along and say hello and we can tell you more about the benefits of joining us.
Visit
We hope you'll come and enjoy our beautiful park, whether you walk around the lake and surrounding woodlands, use the play and recreational facilities, sport and open spaces, or simply rest and relax on one of the many benches.
The Park is open all year. There is free parking along Hampden Park Drive which runs through the park or at one or other of two free car parks. There is a bus stop at the park entrance in Decoy Drive. Hampden Park railway station is a 10 minute walk away. A path suitable for wheelchairs circuits the lake.
Follow Us
You can also reach us by using the form on the Contact page.
We will reply as soon as we can.
