Who are the Friends of Fortune Green (FoFG)? 

The Friends of Fortune Green (FoFG), in conjunction with Camden Parks and Open  Spaces, was set up to improve our local open space, Fortune Green.

"The aim of the Group shall be to preserve, protect, and improve Fortune Green, and the adjacent streetscape for the local residents, local businesses and visitors".

At the 2007 Jester Festival, a group of concerned local residents got together and set up the Friends of Fortune Green (FoFG). The spur was the loss of the Planning Appeal and consequent construction of Alfred Court on the Green's edge.  Ironically, one reason given for the planning approval was the "neglected state of the Green"!

The new Friends swiftly organised workshops to find out what local people liked, and didn't like, about the Green.  Armed with an array of collected and collated information, the Friends applied for funding to improve the Green.  No easy task, but it was successful!

In recognition of the improvement works the Friends have achieved and in celebration of HM The Queen's Diamond Jubilee 2012, Fortune Green is now safeguarded as a public recreational space in perpetuity through the charity, Fields in Trust.
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FoFG run regular sessions to maintain the planting, and a programme of varied events. To keep informed of what's going on, see the noticeboards on the Green or under Future Events on this website.  You can also follow us on Twitter @NW6FOFG.  

​If you would like to help improve and maintain the Green, please do join us.   All welcome.  We can never have too many helpers!  The more FoFG can do, the  more everyone benefits.  Like to do more?  Please contact us on fortunegreen@gmail.com or via our Contact page.

FoFG AGM 
May 11 2022

Treasurer’s report and accounts for Dec 31 2021

Overall our income during the year was lower than in 2020, largely due to a drop off in membership subscriptions and a reduced number of events and therefore donations. 


Although new members are paying £10 per household per year, many long-standing members continue to pay the old rate of £5 per household per year.  Two local businesses also support us by paying £25 membership per year, clearly it would help if we could get more businesses on board.


As we were able to hold more LOGS sessions last year, thanks to the relaxation of Covid rules, we were grateful to Scavolini for allowing us to carry their 2020 donation forward to support the 2021 sessions. We are most grateful for their sponsorship over the past five years and thank them for their generosity.


We welcome our new LOGS sponsors, Ben and Dan Domestic Cleaning, and look forward to a busy year of gardening sessions with, hopefully, many more volunteers!


Although we did not have a Christmas tree on the Green in December 2021, in February 2021 we paid £1,024 towards the Christmas tree and lighting from December 2020, sharing the cost with Unity Works (Mill Lane Garden Centre), which is why it appears in these accounts.


With £3,400  in the bank, we are in a reasonable financial position but depend very heavily on membership subscriptions as sponsorship is so hard to come by. 


So in conclusion please pay your subs - £10 per household per year – and encourage friends, neighbours and local businesses to join us so that we can continue our activities in our beloved open space, Fortune Green.


Jackie Spreckley

Minutes of FoFG AGM
7pm May 11 2022
The Alliance, Mill Lane

Attendees: Gerald Oppenheim, Mike Jennings, Judy Emms, Josh Lawrence, Jackie Spreckley, Ann Eardley, Clare Sunderland, Diane Fortenberry, Mark Jacobs, Rachel Duerk, Simon Inglis, Joe Friedman, Virginia Berridge, Geoff Berridge, Eugene Regis

1. Welcome given by Gerald Oppenheim.

2. Apologies: Flick Rea, Lois George, Sharon Hardwick, Linda McDowell, Peter Lane, Anne Harmston, Lorna Greenwood 

3. Minutes of the 2021 AGM held on April 21 2021 approved

4. Treasurer’s report and summary accounts by Jackie Spreckley – see attached.

Income was lower in 2021 vs 2020, due to reduced membership and lower donations. We have two business memberships at £25 per year.

LOGS sessions resumed after Covid rules relaxed. Scavolini allowed 2020 sponsorship carried into 2021.  We are grateful for their past support. 

We are pleased to welcome Ben & Dan Cleaning as our new LOGS sponsor.

£3,400 in the bank.  Very dependent on memberships, subscriptions.  We encourage all members to pay dues via direct debit since this reduces the chasing of members.

5. Chair’s report by Mike Jennings – see appendix

In addition to the report, Mike noted that FofG is working with Camden to close access behind the children’s playground.  There is anti-social behaviour and suspected drug dealing.  

One participant asked about why the plan to aerate and re-seed part of the Green did not work.  Mike explained that the work was done poorly, without proper care, which is the most likely reason it did not work. Discussion about potential sources of regeneration funding from Veolia, Camden Giving, etc.
There was additional discussion about the PACE staff driving on the road.  Mike agreed to raise the issue with Camden/Peter Freeman since it is a matter of public safety.

Proposal on how we solicit further committee members to help drive more activity.

There was discussion about the large dust bowl on the Green, and what would be required to help grass grow again.  How much would it cost? Mike to directly ask Peter Freeman.

Discussion about a high bar for exercise (rather than using trees).  Judy explained the complexity of getting a high bar approved and installed by Camden.  

The telephone booths will be repainted following work by Mike.
6.  Re-election of the committee.  The committee was re-elected. Diane Fortenberry was formally voted in as a new committee member.  Eugene Regis resigned, as planned. The committee thanked Eugene for his services.  

7. AOB.  A member thanked everyone for making the Green such a great place to be during the pandemic, when everybody desperately needed some beautiful, local spaces.  The planting and care has really made the Green a special place.

A member thanked FoFG for circulating publicity about activities run by the Community Association for West Hampstead.

The meeting ended at 19:53.