Sports

In 2010 it will be possible for the first time to buy a season ticket for the hire of tennis courts or cricket nets. You can still pay on a daily basis at the Sports Hut or to any member of the Ranger Team.

For further information ring the Ranger Team on 0782 568 0709 or the Park Office at 0208 8992 1900.

The Grotto

English Heritage have been carrying out some external work in the grotto area. The surrounding greenery has been considerably reduced in height to give more light and air into the site and the Rangers have replaced the steps down to the entrance, finding the bottom step which had been long since “lost” under leaf mould. The Society has funded the purchase of materials for the steps.

Bat-friendly Lamps

Bat (and view) friendly lamps have now been installed along the Warren Footpath. This was how Marble Hill House looked on 19 January 2009 before new street lighting was put in place. The old orange sodium high UV street light is right in the middle of the view.

This is the same view on 15 October 2009. The new lights can just be seen either side of the house. The new low level LED lamps still provide British Standard street lighting levels and provide an even white light which illuminates only the footpath and eliminates the light pollution that is detrimental to the bat population.

source: London's Arcadia Project

Thames Landscape Strategy>

Thames Landscape Strategy has set up a steamer service to run in the summer months up to Hampton Court from the pier by Marble Hill

Memories of Marble Hill Park

We are grateful to the Twickenham Museum and Mrs. Aileen Griffiths for the following regarding the keepers of Marble Hill Park

"I remember them well. Mr. Finch would come and tidy up my mother's front garden. Mr. Waters was the father of my older sister's school friend, so we often went into the Clock House to their flat. There were two more keepers, and no one climbed over fences in those days!!

I remember too the sheep. I have always wondered who the lady was in black who rode a lovely horse on a Sunday morning (I think) towards Richmond. I used to stand in front of old Fordham's Nursery Garden and watch. She was very nice and always waved to me. Those were the days."

The Twickenham Museum Newsletter, December 2009