Havering Parks department invited residents who were interested in the welfare of Upminster Park to a meeting to discuss ways of improving it.

After six months of meetings and discussions, Friends of Upminster Park was formed in 2005.

Since being created, with a committee and a constitution, we have been successful in acquiring funding for more than £35,000 of play equipment in the park.

We have involved local schools with bulb planting and making bat boxes.

In partnership with Havering, we have been awarded Green Flag status since 2007.

We meet on the last Wednesday in the month at Trinity Church, Gaynes Road, Upminster, at 7.30pm.

We are the eyes and ears of the park and discuss any issues that arise, with a parks officer, who always attends our meetings.

We organise an annual community fun day where we consult with park users for their comments and ideas. This year it will be held on May 18.

When needed, we help with removing graffiti, litter picking, planting and weeding

We would welcome new members. No fees, just ideas to maintain the high standard Upminster Park has attained through our constant pressure on the council.