The Henge
In 2014 Friends of Princes Park worked with local
young people, including from Unity Youth Centre, to create a wooden Henge in
Princes Park. This was a direct result of young people telling the Friends that
they needed somewhere to hang out and chill out in the park. Working with Dave Cornick from FOPP and other FOPP members, the
construction and installation were done by sculptor
John Merrill working
with potter and artist John Ayling to a design which was
created by the young people.
It is a unique installation, with nothing similar
anywhere in Merseyside. See Liverpool Echo article here
Rebuilding Princes Park
Henge platform
The Henge has been a great asset to the park and
generally lasted very well, but parts of the platform have recently started to
rot and have been declared unsafe. FOPP are working closely with the Council
and with support from local councillors, to replace it. The existing platform
will be removed, and John Merrill will rebuild the platform out of oak, which
will be long lasting.
Since its creation, the Henge has been used by many
young people who particularly enjoy the platform, by drumming groups, yoga
groups and people celebrating Eid. Families and groups have picnics at the
Henge, and people with young children meet up to chat while their children
play. It has been part of several celebrations for the summer solstice. A local
wedding is taking place there this summer. These are just some of the groups
using the Henge. In addition people come from other parts of Liverpool and beyond
to enjoy it. The platform, which faces the sunrise at the summer solstice, is a
focal point, as it is raised up (as specifically requested by the young
people). It was also a focal point during the visit of the giants to Princes
Park in 2018, with dream catchers made by FOPP and Unity hung from the Henge.
The
design of the Henge facilitates meeting up and also creates a space for small
events and a focal point for larger events. It creates a uniquely cosy but
visible space. The platform has a beautiful view of the park for people to
relax, unwind and enjoy. It is, and will continue to be, enjoyed by people from all
of Liverpool 8’s diverse groups and communities as well as visitors from afar.
Rebuilding the platform will allow local people and visitors to enjoy
this unique structure for many years to come. John Merrill will work with FOPP
volunteers to rebuild the platform and FOPP is fundraising for the rebuilding. We can keep costs down if a few people can volunteer time when
he is on site to help, but, we do need to raise in the region of £4,000, so we are launching our HENGE 24 appeal.
Update
Thank you! With your generous support, we have reached our target and work to repair the Henge will begin on Monday 20th May. With over £2000 pledged by our supporters we are grateful to everyone who has helped us achieve our target and look forward to our Henge being ready for everyone to enjoy once more!
