Clissold Park

Leaf 290 – Looking Back

 

Clissold Park - The Lake

There’s something especially enchanting about long summer evenings. Wherever I’ve lived, I’ve always enjoyed them. Finding a nice spot to do so has always been something I seem to have automatically done – largely because, ever since leaving home at the age of twenty-one, I’ve never been lucky enough to have my own garden. When I lived in Stoke Newington, Clissold Park was always a favourite place, particularly by the ponds. There are two ponds in the park: Beckmere and Runtzmere. Named after Joesph Beck and John Runtz, two public servants and philanthropists who managed to save the park for the local population back in the late nineteenth century. I have lots of fond memories of sitting by Beckmere after a day at work, watching tortoises basking in the sun, while a tern flapped over and fished the waters below. It was always a very peaceful spot. I often found it hard to tear myself away and head home for dinner.

 

 

CLISSOLD PARK

 

Summer evenings –

a book and a bench

by the pond.