A look back at 2021 – part II

It’s the end of the year and like many people, we’re in a reflective mood. There’s so much to celebrate from the past year that we’ve split this review into two parts: Part I focuses on the park, nature and community projects. Part II brings together highlights from the businesses that operate within BPP.

The businesses that operate from within Beckenham Place Park contribute a huge amount to the park and to the local community. In this second part of our 2021 retrospective, we highlight some memorable moments of 2021.

Contributing to the local economy

There are over 20 businesses operating from with Beckenham Place Park, from bricks and mortar leaseholders such as the Mansion and the Homestead Café to ad hoc traders and outdoor fitness instructors. These businesses create employment and contribute to the local economy. The businesses often get involved in community projects and donate staff time or products in kind.

Overall Beckenham Place Park businesses offered over 100 full time and part time jobs in 2021, as well as three apprenticeship placements - two within the grounds team and one with the lake operator, PTP Coaching.

Entrepreneurship

BPP encourages entrepreneurship and supports small independent businesses. The Mansion continued to bring the vintage market, the Homestead cafe started a new makers market and the BPP team invited ad hoc traders to the courtyard, such as Book Love, and a mid-week mini market.

Local trader, a Piece of Kent

Beckenham Mansion

We asked the Mansion team what were their highlights of the year.

We are immensely proud of everything we've achieved in 2021. 

Amongst the smiling brides, thousands of visitors, cluster of small businesses, ongoing pressure from Covid and working through the many complexities that come with historic buildings, the Mansion has also gifted over £6000 of free time and space to projects benefitting local people. 

In addition to many individuals in the arts and cultural industries, and the community events you all know and love, we've also had the pleasure of quietly working with a handful of organisations who provide vital services in the area.  

Bromley Young Carers provide support for young people who care for others

Create without Borders give a platform to the work of creatives with lived experience of forced migration

Sydenham Garden promote the physical and mental wellbeing of residents living in South London by providing a community garden where horticulture is used for therapy and rehabilitation. 

 The Mansion has fostered creativity, employment, connection, purpose, respite, productivity, joy and friendship to hundreds of brave and inspiring people. 

We can't wait to do it all again next year. 

Homestead Cafe

The café team said

2021 saw The Homestead Cafe serve park visitors in many ways. The courtyard and surrounding gardens have been a great space for people to meet safely and socialise outdoors.  As well as hosting some great markets the courtyard was transformed into an outdoor performance space for theatre, music and film. We're excited to build on these great events and have an exciting programme lined up for 2022.

Set up for Sunset Screenings in the courtyard, Summer 2021

Eddie’s Dog Shop

This year has been a fantastic year for us, joining the park in April and receiving such a warm welcome, we have gained many new customers and friends, our proudest moment this year was the dog show, which was a well-attended event with over 850 people and a wide variety of dogs. We have lots of exciting news and ideas coming up in 2022 and we are looking forward to sharing these with all our customers.

John and Danielle, Eddie’s Dog Shop founders

PTP Coaching  

Over at the lake, PTP Coaching saw

an increase in schools uptake to paddleboarding classes in the summer, the addition of our Stand Up Yoga classes as well as the event days such as the community paddleboard, and the another edition of the Christmas and New Years swims which are always special.

Photo credit Richard Hughes

Field Studies Council

Field Studies Council have delivered environmental activities to schools and families since April when restrictions were lifted. Since then they have worked with over 2250 learners, including teaching pupils from local schools, delivering community activities such as bat walks, and running Eco-tot school holiday activities and environmental-themed birthday parties.

Photo: Pupils from local school, St Mary’s, Beckenham

WHAT ARE YOUR HIGHLIGHTS?

What is your favourite BPP memory of 2021?

What are you looking forward to in 2022?

What would you like to see in BPP in 2022?

Let us know on social media use hashtag #loveBPP