Clissold Park User Group and its work have featured in local news and other publications over the years.
These articles provide a contemporary record of issues CPUG has been involved with, from the restoration of Clissold Park and Clissold House to dogs, events, funding, cafés and the park’s heritage. They also preserve the views of CPUG officers and representatives at particular moments in the group’s history.
This is a growing collection and will be expanded as further coverage is identified.
2025
Playground vandalism
Hackney Citizen, 22 April 2025
Following offensive graffiti and vandalism in the children’s playground, CPUG issued a statement condemning the damage and thanking Hackney Council for working to remove it.
Read the Hackney Citizen article
2017
Funding pressures facing Clissold House and the park
Hackney Citizen, 19 January 2017
Then CPUG chair Caroline Millar discussed the financial pressures facing Clissold House and the wider challenge of funding and maintaining public parks. The article covers the House’s operating deficit, income-generating events, fundraising for park improvements and the balance between commercial activity and keeping facilities available to the public.
Read the Hackney Citizen article
2016
Dog attack on a swan
Hackney Citizen, 15 December 2016
Following the death of a young swan after an incident involving dogs, CPUG chair Caroline Millar discussed the incident and possible approaches to dogs around the park’s ponds. The article also records that CPUG would be involved in consultation over the forthcoming review of dog rules.
Read the Hackney Citizen article
Events and neighbouring residents
Hackney Citizen, 7 July 2016
Following complaints about noise from the DayMer Festival, CPUG chair Caroline Millar explained that the group had worked with Hackney Council over several years to minimise disruption to neighbouring residents while allowing established community events to continue in the park.
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Rediscovering the story of Joseph Beck
Hackney Citizen, 5 July 2016
An article about Joseph Beck and the campaign that saved Clissold Park, following CPUG Park History representative Amir Dotan’s discovery and research into a collection of around 175 documents preserved by Beck’s descendants.
Read the Hackney Citizen article
2014
Celebrating 125 years of Clissold Park
Hackney Citizen, 13 February 2014
Coverage of CPUG’s plans to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the opening of Clissold Park. The programme included events in the park and the restoration of the Beck and Runtz Memorial Fountain commemorating the campaigners who helped secure the park for public use.
Read the Hackney Citizen article
2012
Clissold Park café changes its menu
Evening Standard, 16 March 2012
Following complaints about the prices and menu at the newly reopened Clissold House café, the Evening Standard reported that the operator had introduced cheaper and simpler dishes. The article quotes CPUG chair Caroline Millar responding to the changes.
Read the Evening Standard article
Concerns about the new Clissold House café
Hackney Citizen, 7 February 2012
Shortly after Clissold House reopened following its restoration, park users raised concerns at a CPUG meeting about the prices and range of food offered by its new café. Suggestions included more affordable and straightforward options for children, young people and older park users.
Read the Hackney Citizen article
Smoke-free play areas
Evening Standard, 12 April 2012
The Evening Standard reported on Hackney Council’s introduction of smoke-free children’s play areas in Clissold Park and quoted CPUG chair Caroline Millar welcoming the measure.
Read the Evening Standard article
2011
Local involvement as the restoration neared completion
EastLondonLines, 20 December 2011
As the major restoration of Clissold Park and Clissold House neared completion, CPUG chair Caroline Millar discussed the group’s involvement and its ambition for local people to have a continuing voice in the future of the park and House. The article also records CPUG’s long campaign for the restoration and its role advising Hackney Council during the project.
Read the EastLondonLines article
New play area becomes smoke-free
Hackney Citizen, 21 July 2011
CPUG chair Caroline Millar welcomed Hackney Council’s decision to make the new children’s play area smoke-free. The article also describes some of the new facilities being created as part of the major restoration of Clissold Park.
Read the Hackney Citizen article
Dog attack and responsible dog ownership
Hackney Citizen, 9 June 2011
Following the death of a Canada goose after a dog attack, CPUG secretary John Hudson discussed responsible dog ownership and the group’s consultation with park users about dogs in Clissold Park.
Read the Hackney Citizen article
2009
Restoration plans develop
Hackney Citizen, 20 November 2009
Coverage of a CPUG meeting as plans for the major restoration developed. CPUG vice-chair John Hudson commented on temporary arrangements during the works, while the meeting heard updates about the wheels park, New River, tennis courts and restoration project.
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Concerns about the Clissold Park restoration
Hackney Citizen, 18 September 2009
Contemporary coverage of debate around the proposed restoration of Clissold Park and Clissold House, including concerns raised through CPUG about the future management, staffing and maintenance of the restored park.