The Clissold Park User Group (CPUG) is an independent community group run by volunteers who care about Clissold Park and want to help shape its future.
CPUG provides a forum for people who use the park to raise questions, share ideas and discuss concerns. We work with Hackney Council and other organisations to make sure the views of park users are heard.
Clissold Park is used by millions of people for many different reasons, and those interests do not always coincide. CPUG does not claim to speak for every park user. We aim to bring different views together, understand the issues and find common ground where possible.
Everyone is welcome to attend our public meetings and get involved.
What we do
CPUG works to protect and improve Clissold Park and represent the interests of people who use it.
Our work includes:
- Holding public meetings where park users can raise issues directly with CPUG, park management and other representatives
- Raising concerns and suggestions with Hackney Council
- Responding to proposals and consultations affecting the park
- Supporting improvements to the park and its facilities
- Organising volunteering activities, including regular litter picks
- Supporting biodiversity and the care of the park’s natural environment
- Organising and supporting community events and activities
- Raising funds for projects and activities in the park
- Sharing news and information through this website, our newsletter and social media
- Researching, sharing and promoting the history of Clissold Park
Public meetings are an important part of this work and are open to everyone.
Find out about CPUG meetings and read the minutes →
Committee & representatives
CPUG is run by volunteers. The committee includes elected officers as well as representatives who focus on particular aspects of the park and its use.
Officers
Honorary President: Ken Worpole
Ken is a former long-standing Chair of CPUG. The position of Honorary President was created when he stepped down as Chair in 2011 in recognition of his contribution to the User Group and Clissold Park.
Chair: Alexandra Hamit
Co-Vice Chair: Theresa Boden
Co-Vice Chair and Treasurer: John Hudson
Secretary: Chloe Rollscane
Representatives
CPUG also has representatives covering particular interests and aspects of the park.
Park History and CPUG website: Amir Dotan
Biodiversity: Richard Crawford
Children and Young Persons: Emily Robson and Eleanor Phee
Over 60s: Paul Brennels
Dogs: Daphne Steele
Café: Chloe Rollscane
Skatepark: Ed Hall
Runners: Lucy Carter
Park Animals: Sally Hall
Waste Management: Sarah Kissack
Tennis: David George
Disabilities and Accessibility: Ruth Watson
Representatives help bring the views, concerns and ideas of park users into the group’s discussions and work with other volunteers, Hackney Council and relevant organisations where appropriate.
If you are interested in becoming involved with CPUG or representing an area of park life, please get in touch.
Find out how to get involved →
What we’ve achieved
CPUG has been campaigning for Clissold Park for more than 30 years.
One of the group’s largest undertakings was its involvement in the major restoration of Clissold Park and Clissold House. CPUG was involved throughout the project, which resulted in more than £9 million of investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Big Lottery Fund and Hackney Council. Clissold Park User Group
Over the years CPUG has also:
- Campaigned and raised funds for improvements in the park
- Helped fund the restoration of the memorial drinking fountain
- Raised funds for a plaque commemorating Joseph Beck, one of the campaigners who helped save the land that became Clissold Park
- Produced a pocket map, park timeline and tree guide
- Worked with local artist Anna Hymas to produce the current illustrated park map
- Organised public events, talks and activities
- Provided tours of Clissold House and the park
- Celebrated milestones including the park’s 125th anniversary
- Represented park users in discussions with Hackney Council
- Contributed to the protection and improvement of the park’s biodiversity
- Supported volunteering and community activities in the park
CPUG continues to raise and respond to issues affecting the park, from facilities and biodiversity to cycling, animals, play areas and the future use of park buildings and spaces.
How CPUG works
CPUG is independent of Hackney Council. We work closely with the Council because it owns and manages Clissold Park, but CPUG makes its own decisions and represents the views raised through the User Group.
Public meetings are held throughout the year and are open to anyone who wants to attend. They provide an opportunity to hear updates, raise issues and contribute to discussions about the park.
The committee and representatives carry out work between meetings, follow up issues and liaise with Hackney Council and other organisations.
CPUG’s activities are funded through fundraising, donations, sales of maps and other merchandise, and occasional grants. The group is run by volunteers. Clissold Park User Group
The way CPUG is organised and governed is set out in its constitution.