As 2024 ends we celebrate another wonderful year in the Pavilion.

Another twelve months filled with creativity – a full calendar of exhibitions on the wall. Upcoming and established artists have been side by side in the wonderful Woodfield group shows; and we’ve had solo shows from several artists that were new to Woodfield. It’s a real pleasure having the main hall filled with such a variety of works; photographers, printers, portraitists and painters open the pavilion for all to see.  Many more are planned for the coming year so please keep visiting. We host a regular portrait drawing session, and many other creative workshops have been held to give everyone the chance to express themselves. And not to forget the creation of our wonderful ‘lid’ art on a Wednesday.

A year filled with wellbeing – more regular classes have started, and new workshops have brought opportunities for many more people to find benefits of a little self-care. From Tai Chi and yoga to Pilates and Qi Gong, whether a regular weekly class or a Sunday evening monthly session, it’s all happening at the Pavilion.

We’ve had a year of performance – Words @ the Woodfield has continued to grow from strength to strength; the South London Storytellers have started their storytelling club and have brought us some amazing evenings of tall tales, not forgetting their wonderful ‘Festival of the Dead’ in October, with the finale of a silent disco on the field from the South London Soul Lovers DJs. We had shows as part of Wandsworth Arts Fringe, and Solo shows to entertain every age group.

We’ve opened our doors to work with other community groups. We had our refugee youth day in the summer, alongside community lunches, drop in family days and workshops. The Walk and Talk movement often come by on a Saturday morning, and helping the more vulnerable local residents to come to the pavilion and enjoy the space is really special – everyone deserves the opportunity to be somewhere lovely.

We held our first fundraiser in May – a sale of beautiful miniature works of art donated by all of the Woodfield artists – and, with the help of music from Amaia Quartet and Swing Driven Thing we raised almost £2000. Thank you – every penny raised really does help.

We’ve also spread onto the field outside with the start of the Woodfield Orchard project. Seven fruit trees have been planted so far, soon to be joined by seven more and by spring 2026 there will be 30 different new trees for everyone to care for and enjoy.

This little building on the edge of the common has a lot going on. It takes a team. Supporting me is Susanna, who joined as the Woodfield’s admin assistant in August, and we have three new trustees on the board – so they are now a ten strong board, sharing their knowledge and experience to help the Woodfield Pavilion stay open and available for all.  We also have more members than ever – there are almost 350 of you wonderful supporters and your connection is important, not only to let you know what you can come and see, but to find out how you want to use the pavilion, and what you would like to do here.

The Pavilion is for everyone. The more that people do here, the more it will continue to be a success and stay open. We have lots of things planned for next year already. Please come and join in, whether visiting the exhibitions, coming to a talk or workshop, or a class. But especially, by spreading the word. Tell your friends and neighbours.

We like being a wonderful surprise when people find us, but it’s better to be even more popular.

Wishing you peace and love over the festive period. See you in the new year.

Janet

Pavilion Manager