Monday 22nd May 2023
Find out about GoodGym TaskForce
Report written by Laura Williams
11 runners gathered together in the pretty St Leonard's Priory Park this evening, ready for a good Monday night workout.
After a short workout consisting of the obligatory balancing exercises and some planter push-ups, we were briefed by task owner Larry as to what we would be doing this evening.
A little bit about the park
St Leonard's Priory Park is 'a community led project with Bow Church in Bromley-by-Bow. Boasting a 1000 years of history, this area is being revitalised by local people for local people.' With weekly gardening sessions, picnics and coffee mornings, the idea is to create a beautiful, useful, well-used little park in this corner of East London, that will appeal to local residents and visitors of all ages.
In preparation for the community gardening session on Saturday, space needed making for the new beds. As we wandered around to the back of the garden, we were surprised to see how much the weeds had grown since our last visit. A larger team proceeded to get stuck into trimming and digging high nettles and grass, ready to be bagged.
Meanwhile another team helped Larry carry railway sleepers around to the pallets, stacking as they went, leaving them ready for Saturday's work.
They then came on board the weeding task, while a small team of two proceeded to tackle the lawn.
It was a good workout for both upper and lower body, but the time still flew.
After gathering for one final picture, sharing the last of the celebratory Raleigh launch chocolates, Larry took runners over to the vegetable beds, offering spinach, herbs and other green goodies to take home.
What a haul!
Great work team. (And a big shout-out to Fiona who came up with tonight's terrific pun).
Next week we're heading to the heart of Bethnal Green to Hollybush Gardens, where Margaret will be leading another great gardening task.
Until then.
Bow Church parishioners, residents and small, local community organisations are gradually developing what was the Cemetery at St Leonard’s Priory into a small park. It is hoped that an increasing number of local residents will be encouraged to not only enjoy the open space, along with the history of the site, throughout the year, but also explore volunteering opportunities too. Garden volunteers from the local church community have been working with Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park to tidy up the space and make it more accessible. Part of the regeneration plan will involve the inclusion picnic benches to establish a seating area for community activities, as well as for people to sit and enjoy the garden.
See moreTower Hamlets
We're back to see Janet at the Cranbrook Community Food Garden!