Park of Hoop and Glory

Memorial Park Chingford is a little gem of a park, tucked away from the main road, you would hardly know it is there unless you happened to notice the lovely iron gates leading up a little stone path to the memorial and then the park opens up to an expansive patch of ground with a wide variety of trees, a sizable children's playground, tennis courts and a pond. I recommend a visit if you are ever in the area.

The park is obviously much loved by locals as about 100+ people were using it on Wednesday night when six volunteers arrived after a brisk 4 km run to give the park a bit of much needed TLC. Some military fitness session was going down with families taking part to a booming soundtrack which made for a lively time as the GG crew grabbed their litter pickers, bags, gloves and amazing homemade hoops - all plogging tasks should include these simple but effective accessories!

As we fanned out to rid the park of fag buts, beer cans, carrier bags, plastics and cans, we were warmly thanked but many of the folks who were taking their ease on this balmy July evening. As much as anything it made me realise that being seen completing these tasks if as good as actually doing them as the selfless kindness of our dedicated volunteers helps to restore peoples faith in humanity.

We welcomed Walthamstow homeboy, Ruthiran to the crew last night. Great to see you Ruthiran, hoping you can join us again when you are back from San Diago. All the volunteers filled their bags, and as I surveyed the park, I could almost hear the wind on the willow tree whispering a big thank you to our hard-working crew.

After a brief photo call - thanks to Kirsty for the Olympic Rings idea, we hit the road for the return journey retaking the scenic route to bring our total distance to a whopping 8km altogether.

Well done to everyone who came along.

Peace,