Saturday 22nd July 2023
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Report written by Madhan
The task was to help set up the community event at Hollybush Estate. The event starts at 2 pm so we were asked to come by 1:30 to prep the tables and other stuff.
After throwing wood and branches at Grove farm in West London, I traveled to the other end of London. But I made a quick stop at sports direct to buy myself a cap to tackle the rain later. As I left the shop at 12:00 pm it started drizzling. I got a tube and reached Bethnal Green at 1:15 pm. I had the chocolate chip cookie which Martene, a Grove farm volunteer, baked for us.
Margret, the event organizer, took the weather into account and started setting up earlier. By the time I reached there, they have completed 95% of the setup. Margret said they might need someone to look after the food stalls.
It was raining when I reached there and the rain picked up the pace when John arrived. As there was not much setup to do, he left after 5 minutes.
I stayed back and everyone camped inside the gazebos.
My first task was to taste-test the samosas
In the food section, they had three types of sandwiches. Cheese, egg mayo, and ham. Two slushies, sweet popcorn, and cupcakes.
They were waiting for the hot food to arrive. We then covered the area where the music band will perform later with some tent clothes.
It was 2 pm and slowly people started showing up as the rain has calmed down a bit. 10 minutes later the main course of the day arrived. A batch of Chickpea curry and Lamb pilaf arrived first. Then chicken biriyani and salad came in so did the crowd.
Last year around 400 people showed up to the event. But this year, they thought the number might reduce due to bad weather.
I decided to leave around 2:30 to do some gardening near Bow. Margret and the community were lovely and they packed me a box of Chicken Biriyani and salad.
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 moreSun 23rd Jul 2023 at 12:01pm
Good to meet you Madhan. Glad to see the event went well
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