Saturday 6th June
Report written by Hilary (she/her)
What can a small team of GoodGymmers achieve in a couple of hours? Quite a lot, as it turns out.
This Saturday, we headed over to Little Ilford Community Garden with a task: build some new planters to help this growing community space. Armed with enthusiasm, a few tools (thanks Peter!) and a healthy willingness to work things out as we went along.
With a couple of pallets, reclaimed timber and assorted bits and pieces that our host, Ray, had set aside, we had to channel our inner engineers... Thanks to a combination of innovation, initiative and teamwork, two "new" planters gradually emerged from what had previously looked like a pile of wood.
Once assembled, the planters were lined and filled with soil, leaving them ready for future food and flower-growing. Seeing them completed in such a short space of time was a great reminder of just how much impact a small team of GoodGymmers can have.
A huge welcome and thank you to first-timer Lekbira, whose project management skills quickly became apparent - no descending into organised chaos on her watch... Massive kudos also to fellow first-timer Ryan, who threw himself into trying something completely new, picking up a host of practical skills along the way.
Big thanks also our host Ray. It was inspiring to see everything he's already achieved with this little patch of land. What would otherwise be an overgrown and forgotten space is becoming a valuable community asset where local residents can grow food, connect with neighbours and enjoy a greener environment.
Well done to everyone who came along and contributed. The garden is making fantastic progress, and we're delighted to have played a small part in its journey. Something tells me we'll be back before too long.
Little Ilford Community Garden is a welcoming green space in Newham where local residents come together to grow plants, share skills, and enjoy time outdoors. Run by the community, the garden provides space for growing food and flowers, learning about gardening, and creating a calmer, greener environment in a busy urban area. It’s more than just a garden — it’s a place for connection, bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together to build relationships, support wellbeing, and take pride in their local neighbourhood 🌱
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