November 2025:
From the Editor's Desk
Autumn has arrived – and a chilly one it is, after a year of topsy-turvy weather – roasting in June, drought in July (our trees started dropping leaves to survive) and then a second spring after the rains in August.
Through it all, your HRUA committee and our hard-working volunteers have been busy running a full programme of free activities and events. I hope that you and your families have had a chance to get out and about in our park and enjoy the fun, the music and those dreamy cakes (all freshly home-made).
Summer is over, but there are still a couple events to close out the year: our HRUA AGM and the traditional Tree Dressing take place at the start of December, and Winter Storytime is back for the little ones after Christmas.
Winter may be around the corner, but that’s no reason to stay indoors. Scroll down this homepage to find out about the exercise and fitness activities run by our partners, running throughout the year, come rain or shine.
Best Wishes, Graham Jack, Editor
STOP PRESS!
The AGM of the Harrow Recreation Ground Users Association
The association's AGM will be held on Sunday 7th December, in the HRUA Green Pavilion, opposite the bowling green. The meeting will start at about 2pm, following the Tree Dressing and refreshments.
All are welcome, whether members or not, to hear reports from our officers, and to participate in the discussion.
Agenda
- Welcome and Introductions
- Minutes of the last AGM on 1st December 2024
- Chair’s Report
- Secretary’s Report
- Treasurer’s Report
- Election of Officers and Management Committee
Following the formal meeting there will be an open discussion where members and representatives of member organisations can raise issues of concern.
Nominations for the Officers and Management Committee members can be made in advance by email to info@harrowrec.org.uk or at the meeting. Two members should support each nomination.
Who We Are
The Harrow Recreation Ground Users Association (HRUA) is a voluntary group of park users who organise around 10 free events in ‘The Rec’ each year, open to all.
We act when needed as a support and lobbying group on behalf of park users, and we aim to work in partnership with other park groups and clubs, and Harrow Council to make sure that the facilities in the park can be enjoyed by all.
Our governing documents and minutes are published online. You can follow the links below to see them, or to join our work.
Around the Park
Take off your earphones, turn up your senses, and enjoy our beautiful trees, lawns, gardens and wildlife.
You’ll find all the usual park facilities at ‘The Rec’: football and cricket pitches, tennis and basketball courts, children’s playground.
In the Ahimsa Peace Garden you can enjoy the tranquillity of the fenced Quiet Area or meet friends or hold a party in the Picnic Area.
You can get fit at two outdoor gyms, use the covered area for your outdoor events (free booking required), and get refreshments at the popular SEVA Cafe.
Clubs & Activities
There has been a bowling ground at the Rec since its earliest days, and Harrow Bowling Club was formed around 1902.
The Rec is also home to Harrow St Mary’s Youth Football Club and the 3-Bridges Cricket Club.
Activities open to all include:
- Harrow parkrun (Saturdays 9am by Harrow St Mary’s Pavilion);
- Tai Chi for Health (Fridays 9:30 to 10:30 near the café or on the Basketball Court);
- Group Exercise (Tuesdays 9:45 to 10:45 near the Tennis Courts or on the Basketball Court);
- and Harrow Health Walk (Fridays 10.45 meet outside the café).
Volunteering
HRUA runs about ten events each year - free for all to join and always very popular - and the help of our supporters is essential to organise and run these.
The Harrow Rec Community gardeners meet twice per month to help keep the park tidy and beautiful, and safe for all users - working in conjunction with the Harrow Council Green Team.
Our regular book sales are a great way to ‘recycle’ books, and raise valuable funds for our programmes and activities.
We also work with Harrow Council in planning and completing improvements to the park infrastructure and facilities
Upcoming Events
Harrow Recreation Ground Users Association has organised some exciting events for you and your families to enjoy throughout the year...
Click on the link for a full programme, and watch out for updates on our “Friends of Harrow Rec” Facebook group, as events may be rescheduled or cancelled.
Sunday 7th Dec.
3 to 4pm
HRUA AGM
The association's AGM will be held on Sunday 7th December, in the HRUA Green Pavilion, opposite the bowling green. The meeting will start at about 3pm, following the Tree Dressing and refreshments.
All are welcome, whether members or not, to hear reports from our officers, and to participate in the discussion following the formal meeting, where members and representatives of member organisations can raise issues of concern.
Nominations for the Officers and Management Committee members can be made in advance by email to info@harrowrec.org.uk or at the meeting. Two members should support each nomination.
Sunday 7th Dec.
2 to 3pm
Tree Dressing
Join us in decorating a tree, then come back to the Green Pavilion for refreshments and, if you wish, stay for the AGM.
Regular Events, Groups, & Team Activities
Here are some events and activities that take place in our park, every week "come rain, come shine". Why not come along and join in, no invitation necessary. Send us an email, or check our “Friends of Harrow Rec” Facebook group for more details.
Monthly, on first Monday and fourth Friday
From April 'til Nov 2-4 pm
Garden Team
Calling all gardeners! Never mind the weather or the season, we meet for digging, planting, tidying, taming, sweeping and litter-picking.
Whether you are green-fingered or all thumbs you will be welcomed, there are jobs to suit everyone, and fun and companionship besides.
Find us either at the "Green Pavilion" (near to the Cafe and Bowling Green), in the Ahimsa Peace Garden (near the basket ball courts), or out and about in the park with spade, secateurs and broom!
Monthly, on last Wednesday
11:30 am-1:00 pm
Good Neighbour Reconnection Club
Join Age UK at the park cafe, every last Wednesday of the month for some fun, chat and activities as we reconnect with each other and the community!
Please feel free to get in touch with us on 020 8756 4391 or email
Each Friday,
9.30 until 10.30
Harrow Tai Chi for Health
We are a community group who are actively promoting the joy of practising tai chi in the open parks for health and general well being.
Our Harrow Rec sessions are 9.30am to 10.30am every Friday morning and they are free and full of fun. Hope you will make new friends and have an enjoyable one hour of fresh air, gentle exercise, tranquility and mindfulness with us.
We meet near the green canopy by the cafe or in the basket ball at 9.30am. We look forward to seeing you.
As advertised on LTA website
Tennis Sessions
Please see the Emma Wells Tennis pages on the LTA "clubspark" website for news of upcoming free tennis sessions and coaching programmes in our park
https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/HarrowRec/Coaching
Each Saturday, 09.00
Harrow Rec parkrun
parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event that takes place at thousands of venues across the world.
Parkrunners run, jog or walk our 5k course at their own pace.
More information can be found on the Harrow parkrun website
Each Tuesday,
9.45 to 10:45
Group Exercise
aka "bootcamp". Join our exercise group out in the fresh air every Tuesday morning. And then, maybe stay on for a friendly chat in the cafe afterwards.
Meet on grass, near to the tennis courts - or the basketball court.
All Welcome:
Each Friday,
10.45 to 11.15 am
Women of all ages:
Each Wednesday,
12.55 pm
1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month (March-Oct), 11 am
Harrow Health Walks
Want to get active and meet new people? Join one of our friendly walking groups in Harrow Recreation Ground
Walking has numerous health benefits. Walking in nature is self care and excellent for the mind, body & spirit.
Enjoy an easy-paced walk around our beautiful park with a friendly and supportive group. Bring a friend or make new ones as it’s a great way to catch up and stay active.
Supported by Harrow Council and Harrow Recreation Ground Users Association.
No need to book, just turn up and meet the group at the park cafe. For more information, see posters in the park, or email us at info@harrowrec.org
