Tuesday 9th April 2019
Report written by Richmond runner
We may have been small but tonight we were mighty. Just 7 GG Kingston runners came tonight (one can only imagine that the others were already unwrapping the foil on their easter eggs and getting into the holiday spirit - who can blame them!)
But it's ok! We made it work, we paired up for a fitness warm up with a plank challenge that would make your eyes water!
Then we set out for a 4km run through Surbiton, drooling over the twlight lit pubs and restaurants as we passed. Our destination was Queens Promenade where we met Andrew (idverde) and Elliott (Citizen Zoo). These guys do so much for a local community green spaces but unfortunately there isn't always enough money or hands to help make the most of these areas. With hard work, Elliott has been able to secure funding from Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to work with the Friends of Queens Promenade to build a new pocket project creating a thriving community garden by the river, which will include fauna, a bug zoo and a great area for locals to enjoy watching the wildlife, boats and rowers along the river!
Tonight in order to start shaping this wonderful project we had to first remove green alkanet, and although it looks harmless , sporting pretty blue flowers it can be a troublesome weed. So we needed to shift it and forget it. Once we cleared an area it was time to lay down some fresh soil
This was a real physical task and for a small group we had our work cut out but with keen hands, rakes, forks, spades (and even a little physical labour from the run trainer ....sssshh) we got lots done!
We ended the night with a 2km run back to Kingston along the river, a wonderful backdrop for our task, we even had geese flying overhead singing our praises for tonights efforts
Great run everyone!
Wed 10th Apr 2019 at 9:32am
A huge thank you to everybody who took part last night on the GG clear up last night on Queen's Promenade and I'm sorry I wasn't available to tear up the green alkanet with you, a plant that is dangerously invading towards the garden we're developing. You did amazing job in the time you had and really made a difference down there. Big thanks to Mark, Elliot and Andy for organising such a successful evening. High fives all round for such fabulous community spirit! Julian Meers - Chair of Queen's Promenade Friends
Wed 10th Apr 2019 at 9:42am
Super to hear Julian. We loved helping out there and hope to again as it's a great project! Hopefully see you on the next one and thanks again as it's wonderful to hear the difference the help makes ; - )
Kingston upon Thames
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