Jeff Raggett

Cultural Development Manager. Housing, Communities and Environment, London Borough of Lambeth

Jeff Ragget has been a stalwart of Lambeth Council for the best part of thirty years.  A tireless worker and a man of vivacity and courage when fighting for the improvement of all Lambeth Parks and services within the parks.He has executed these duties with incredible warmth, understanding, and a marvellous sense of humour. Always a staunch supporter of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, he has  been of immeasurable help to the Friends since their formation in 1996. It has been our great fortune that he has been our Liaison Officer and has done an incredible amount of work to guide the committee through the formation of our Urban Framework Plan which was executed by Deborah Sant of DSDHA Architects in 2006 .  That document has been the guiding light and mantra for the Friends and we continue to adhere to it's brilliant design in all our decision making for the Park.  The projects that have materialised from , this master plan, in the last few years have been the repositioning and improvement of the Multi Use Games Area; the re-design of the main entrance of the park on Kennington Lane with it's two landmark columns, and at the moment the new landscaping at Goding Street. These particular works will see tremendous changes to the overall safety within the park and will revitalise old planting schemes with new 'Earth Sculpture Formations' that will create more user-friendly spaces and encourage 'Performance" "Sport" and "Play". Many people have helped to contribute to the execution and realisation of these projects but only one person has, with steady-hand and soothing words, guided the committee and Friends through all the trials and tribulations between Lambeth Council, contractors, consultations and the public at large to make us all understand the vital importance of our precious 'Green-Space'…  that person has been Jeff Ragget. We as a community owe him an incredible debt of gratitude.As he leaves Lambeth Council to pursue his other dream of 'life-in-the-theatre', we salute him and wish him well in all his endeavours which will I'm sure lead to fantastic success, contentment and happiness. 

Thank you Jeff and good luck, your efforts will always be deeply appreciated here in Vauxhall.