Southwark

Community mission

Tanks for the memories!

10 GoodGymers made their way to help the Stompie Garden in Southwark.

  • Michael Welsh
  • Emma
  • Michael Davies
  • Jae Bea
  • Sam Lefevre
  • Aine Hester
  • Jen G
  • Kaz Podstolski
  • Asad Kara
  • Dave L
 
Saturday, 15th of January 2022
 
Led by Sam Lefevre
he/him

Ten GoodGymers came to Peter's call when sadly about ten days ago, we received the news that Stompie the tank was taken away from Stompie Gardens for "renovations". This wasn't the only bombshell to drop as Peter explained to Sam that he was asked by the site owner to clear the site, which meant Stompie Gardens would no longer exist...Yet, where would all the plants that they have been planted over the years go?


End of a chapter, a beginning of a new one

Community spirit is very much alive, especially within GoodGym. Earlier in the week, this task had four people signed up to the task, but come Saturday morning (a few hours before the task) we had booked out the session. Ten hardy GoodGymers including the likes of first-timers: Asad, Jae and Dave coming out for a great cause to save the Stompie plants! GoodGymers from all parts of London (Bromley, Tower Hamlets, Lambeth, Wandsworth and Southwark) descended on a small street corner in Southwark.

Peter and his crew had already done most of the hard work by digging out almost all the plants and keeping their roots intact. As we arrived the majority of the plants were bagged and put on makeshift trolleys and wheelbarrows. We all chose our weapons (trolleys or wheelbarrows) as we dragged and pushed the plants amongst them; banana and bay trees to their new home. Like a freight train, we travelled from Mandela Way across the busy New Kent/Old Kent road roundabout and into Tabard Street as we zig-zagged our way to Kipling Estates. We carefully unloaded the plants side-by-side against a wall in their new garden and headed back with empty trolleys as we had a second round to do.

Upon arriving at Stompie Garden most of the remaining plants had to be bagged up, but there were one or two stubborn plants that didn't want to move homes. Kaz had a talk (and dig) with that spiky fern and sorted it out. 🙃 Whilst Dave and Jae took on a tougher plant. The rest of the team had already loaded the second lot of plants onto the trolley and were heading back to Kipling Estate. This time, we knew the route and it was more efficient. There were one or two times a plant fell (I know, it's emotional for them too), but overall, all plants made it safely to their new breeding grounds. One resident was happy to see these new plants, but slightly unhappy to hear none of the plants were cannabis...you can't please them all! 😂

Finally, we headed back to Stompie Gardens to collect our belongings and say goodbye to Peter, his crew and Stompie Gardens. It's been a pleasure and we can only say - Tanks for the memories! 🙏

Report written by Sam Lefevre


Discuss this report

sign in to add a comment

Sam Lefevre
Led by Sam Lefevre

Southwark Area Activator since Sept 2021 Ultra runner (when I'm crazy), otherwise I stick to anything under a marathon... 🏃🏻

GoodGymers helping out
  • Walk Leaders

    Lead a walking group to the task

    • Dave L
    • Asad Kara
    • Kaz Podstolski
    • Jen G
    • Aine Hester
    • Jae Bea
    • Michael Davies
    • Emma
    • Michael Welsh
  • Photographer

    Take photos for the session report

    • Michael Davies

Share the love

Join us on the next run

Group Run: Gardening @ Elmington Community Gardens + Monthly social (Social)

Wednesday 18:30 - 20:15
Led by Sam Lefevre


Old Spike Roastery

Find out more

Become a member

with an optional monthly donation

  • Run, walk, or cycle to help older people
  • Access sessions across the country
  • Claim your GoodGym t-shirt

Need help with a community project?

If you're a community organisation and have a physical task then we'd like to help.

Request a task

Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more