Monday 18th November
Find out about GoodGym TaskForce
Report written by Laura Williams
The rain started during the afternoon, so it wasn't unreasonable to think it might have fizzled out by 7.
No such luck.
But a great-sized group of GoodGymers nonetheless donned waterproofs and head torches and headed out to Rocky Park, in the heart of the Hollybush Estate, to join Margaret and Ash in the big garden makeover.
Why were we here?
Margaret and Ash are are part of the Teesdale and Hollybush TRA, an active, productive Tenants and Residents Association working across the two estates. Since 2008, the TRA have transformed 13 disused sites, with the help of volunteers, 'creating a mini Eden where local nature can thrive.'
There's a big project underway at the moment: the redevelopment of the planters in the communal garden areas, park and allotments. Over the last few months, GG TH Task Force and Margaret and Ash have worked hard to redistribute a whopping 96 tonnes of soil!
Tonight we were carrying on that tough task - emptying old planters of soil, redistributing the soil, and demolishing the planters (as fun as it sounds).
The teams were divided into four initially, which then became five, spread out all over Rocky Park emptying planter after planter with the rain not taking a break. The bags were filled, to be moved another day ("That's something to worry about another time.") and a lot was achieved in a mere 45 minutes.
With just a small corner of a planter remaining at 7:45, we called it a day, making our way back to the centre to grab bags and leave gloves to dry.
Posing for that all-important final pic, we said our cheerios to Margaret and Ash, tentatively making a plan for a December visit.
The shout-outs
A big shout-out to the whole team tonight, who showed up ready for a big physical task, despite the wet night. And a huge shout-out to Vanessa, who joined for her first ever GoodGym! Amazing work, and we hope to see you again soon.
Next week we're Limehouse-bound, ready to crack on with the painting and leaf-clearing with Kamal down at Ocean Youth HQ.
Until then.
The Hollybush and Teesdale Estate Urban Growers project began in April 2009 in Rocky Park – a disused children’s play area. Now enjoyed by the whole community, the area includes seats and communal herb beds for all to use.
See moreTue 19th Nov at 4:05pm
fantastic work
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