Four St Albans Soroptimists enjoyed a relaxed and informative Summer walk at Leavesden Park Country park on Thursday 18 August. After the torrential rains of the previous two days the sun shone for Soroptimists!
Barbara led us on the heritage trail. There are many art installations set against the backdrop of the park. The sculptures and their themes carry a significance to the community and local history – including Leavesden Mental Hospital/Asylum, Leavesden Aerodrome and the aircraft industry and Warner Studios located just around the corner. As you walk through the park there are lots of maps and information boards so self-guided walks work well too. The first photo is of Joan Williams, Barbara Saunders and Jean Eaton with the carved wooden sculpture “Ghosts in the Machine” — local factory workers were proud of their work on engines which carried mystical names like Ghost, Goblin, Gnome and Gipsy. The artist imagined these unique characters hiding amongst the cogs and pistons in the engine and felt 
that a sculpture containing these features would be exciting and evocative. The second photo is of Jane Slatter, Jean Eaton, Barbara Saunders (in the cockpit) and Joan Williams sitting on “The Wooden Wonder” – inspired by the important historical heritage of Leavesden this carving embraces the machines which were built in the area. The Mosquito plane includes a cockpit in which you can sit in and listen to the audio stories from people who have worked at the site.
For more information please see the website www.threeriversleisure.co.uk/leavesden-country-park1
Leavesden Country Park has great parking and a nice cafe which meant that we were able to meet for a coffee first and enjoy lunch afterwards – perfect! There is still more to explore so we may just have to do it again…