Come and chat to Nimble Fish after school on Thursday at the library.
All posts by gardens
Last Session of September
Freecycle is a wonderful resource. It put us in touch with someone who wanted to get rid of some top soil as he was completely restyling his neighbour’s garden, just over the canal. He kindly delivered about ten bags to us.
We had to sift it carefully to get rid of all the stones and unwanted vegetation but we split ourselves into two teams so that the others could be getting as much grass out of the area in the meadow where we wanted to spread the soil. Wildflowers thrive in poor quality soil but the end patches are full of stones where grass loves to grow and chokes some of the prettier flowers, if left unchecked.
On our way out of the park, we noticed a lot of cardboard packaging had been dumped in the general waste bin so we cleared the plastic and polystyrene elements back into that bin, then flattened the card and put it in the correct, recycling bin.
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Late Summer Chores
As the plants and flowers are dying off, it gives us a chance to tidy up and think about some of the more practical chores.
The wooden shuttering which borders the meadow as been rotting away over the last few years so with the welcome return of John, we were able to use some of the logs to reinstate it.
There was still a lot of weeding to do, to prepare the meadow for next summer.
We were thrilled to see a local resident arrive with his paints and easel. One of the many relaxing things you can do in the Wildlife Area, if gardening seems too strenuous.
Ray took some great photos. My favourite is the mushroom.
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Summer’s End
We’ve been very busy since the Summer Festival.
The Wildlife Area always gets full of domestic grass and more dominant weeds. There’s also a lot of bindweed in the Rose Garden and the triangular bed outside.
Removing the dead heads from roses gives them a chance for a second bloom so they’ve thrived this year. We’ve also weeded the circular shrub bed near the Third Avenue entrance.
A couple of donations of wood chip have been spread to help keep the weeds down and also make the paths better to walk on.
We’ve had to keep an eye on the roof terrace of the Grand Marigold Bug Hotel and netted the front so that any bugs nesting there will be safe and undisturbed. We made the area around the hotel safer to walk on by levelling it with the wood chip.
The Willow Dome needs trimming & weaving each year so we got the ladder & ties out.
In the Wildlife Meadow this year, we had some fantastic teasels. Did you see them? The Echinacea, planted in the side bed last year, multiplied and gave us many wonderful blooms.
We spent some time clearing the weeds from the awkward bank near the boundary hedge. The ground drops away quite sharply there so many of our original plants did not survive. We were kindly given some lovely specimens from the Head Gardener at the Royal College of Physicians which we planted during our last session.
September is also the time for us to let the Wildlife Meadow return to seed. The park attendants let us use their strimmer last session and the Head Gardener of the Royal College of Physicians gave us some more lovely plants to put in the bank by the hedge.
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The Wildlife Area – opening times
The Wildlife Area in Queen’s Park Gardens will now be open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s a great area for children and adults alike.
Please do come and enjoy the peace and greenery, and visit our new bug hotel. For the comfort of others, we ask that no dogs are brought into this area.
The area is also available free of charge for community groups during the week. Contact us for more information and booking.
Volunteers are always welcome to come and help. Check the side-bar for dates.
Come for as little or as long as you like and receive time credits in exchange for your work. There’s more information here.
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Alternative Open House
London Community Neighbourhood Co-operative (LCNC) are inviting us to their
ALTERNATIVE OPEN HOUSE
SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER anytime between 1pm-4pm,
SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER anytime between 1pm-4pm,
1 Croxley Road London, W9 3HH
Come see the ‘Old Girl’, their straw bale office, SELF DESIGNED and SELF BUILT in north Westminster.
They will explain how they made her, the benefits of alternative buildings and some of their future plans. They will have information about straw bale building and light refreshments.
Spaces are Limited. Please RSVP by email, website or phone! 07952 616 352
They will explain how they made her, the benefits of alternative buildings and some of their future plans. They will have information about straw bale building and light refreshments.
Spaces are Limited. Please RSVP by email, website or phone! 07952 616 352
London Community Neighbourhood Co-operative (LCNC)
Pioneering Urban Living
www.lcnc.org.uk
LCNC Blog: hittingthenailonthehead.wordpress.com
Follow! @LCHCUK
LCNC is a Co-operative Society registered with the FCA No 31888R.
Email or Telephone: leslie@nulllcnc.org.uk
Further Recitals at the Church
The St John’s Music programme is beginning to take shape.
Free to enjoy but donations gratefully received
There are lunchtime recitals at 1pm on the following dates:
24th September – Aeon Duo: Rhythms of Mexico
8th October – Fatima Lahham (recorders) and Laura Peh (harp)
and the previously mentioned evening concert on 19th September at 6pm – Silk Street Synfonia in aid of Cancer Research.
More details and updates here.
St John’s Music – New Season
Amendment!
Please note that there has been a time change for the concert with the Silk Street Sinfonia on Saturday 19th September. The concert will now start at 6pm NOT 7.30pm as advertised. We have only just been informed about the change and the organisers apologise for the late notice. If you know anyone who may be planning to attend – could you please pass this information on.
St John the Evangelist has been hosting a series of concerts and recitals through the Spring and early Summer.
It is a beautiful setting to enjoy music and the acoustics are marvellous.
After a short rest, the new season begins on Saturday, 19th September at 6:00pm with the Silk Street Synfonia in aid of Cancer Research.
Admission is free but donations are welcome.
More details here.
Wildlife Area Weekend Opening
The Wildlife Area in Queen’s Park Gardens will now be open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s a great area for children and adults alike.
Please do come and enjoy the peace and greenery, and visit our new bug hotel. For the comfort of others, we ask that no dogs are brought into this area.
The area is also available free of charge for community groups during the week. Contact us for more information and booking.
Volunteers are always welcome to come and help. Check the side-bar for dates. Our next session is on Saturday 31st October between 10am and 1pm.
Come for as little or as long as you like and receive time credits in exchange for your work. There’s more information here.
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Spending Time Credits: Activities
By volunteering in your community, with us in the Wildlife Area for instance, you can earn Time Credits to spend in a variety of outlets. We give one Time Credit for every hour volunteered. They’re like community bank notes and there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the activities:
Alexandra Park first opened in 1863 and has a rich history of extraordinary milestones. Alexandra Palace opened in 1873, has survived two fires, hosted the first ever television broadcast and has seen millions of people experience extraordinary events for over the last 140 years! Ally Pally, as it is lovingly known, has an ambitious regeneration programme in progress to restore the Palace and open currently derelict areas of the site such as the Victorian theatre for the public to enjoy. You can use two Time Credits for Ice Skating (including skate hire) during term time, Mon-Fri (11:00-13:30 or 14:00-17:30 sessions). Email in advance to check that sessions are on as normal. Wear Layers and thick socks! They sometimes do History Tours so check their website for opportunities costing one Time Credit.
Artizan Street Community Centre in Aldgate: Both a library and a community centre there is something for everyone at Artizan Street. You can borrow a book or CD, attend classes in their state of the art dance studio, or take your kids to one of their under fives sessions. Phone the Artizan Street Community Centre and ask their friendly staff about what is on offer – e.g. CD hire, Pilates or Chair Massage Dance lesson, One hour ‘Pilates for Seniors’ class Tuesday’s 11am – 12pm, One hour ‘Backcare Pilates’ class. Wednesday’s 11am – 12pm for one Time Credit – 020 7332 3810.
DVD hire and London drawing classes (Mondays 7-9pm – one place per class, just show up on first come, first served) for two Time Credits.
Fierce Grace Hot Yoga in Kilburn Lane: Fierce Grace is a new yoga system, and brand. They led the UK in the Hot Yoga revolution, by bringing Bikram Yoga to London in 1994. Fierce Grace yoga takes place in a specifically heated room to ease muscles, prevent injury and promote detoxification. Available Mon & Wed at 6.45am, 10am, 12pm & 5pm and on Tues & Fri 8am, 10am & 4pm. Just email in advance if you’ve never been before, their friendly staff will be happy to help. Two Time Credits for a place at a 90 minute yoga class + chill out session in relaxation area.
Haringey Shed is an inclusive theatre and performing arts company for children and young people aged between 7-16 years old. They provide a range of term time after school activities and holiday programmes as well as outreach work in the community, working in local schools, nurseries and community centres. Taster sessions are available on all evenings. To book with one Time Credit, get in touch with Ashling on the numbers below. Haringey Shed also have half term and holiday programmes, speak to Ashling to find out more – 020 8801 7209/07850 617 169. Children’s Theatre (7-10 years) Monday 5pm-6.30pm, Youth Theatre (11-16 years) Monday 7pm-8.30pm, Training Band (7-16years) Tuesday 4.30pm-5.30pm, Shed Band (7 -16 years) Tuesday 5.30pm-7.00pm, Shed Moves Dance 1 (7-10 years) Wednesday 4.30pm-5.30pm, Shed Moves Dance 2 (11-16 years) Wednesday 5.30pm-6.30pm, Big Noise Choir (7-16 years) Thursday 5.30pm-6.30pm
Upswing Circus in Haringey is one of the UK’s lead aerial and circus companies with a busy program of classes and workshops. Upswing have swung and spun their way through a stunning array of multi-disciplinary performances: from old skool hip hop through to African mythology and an Olympic descent of Nelson’s Column. On Thursday evenings Upswing’s instructors teach Hoop and Silks classes for beginner and intermediate students at Whit Hart Lane Studios (Haringey 6th Form Centre). Classes are run in blocks of 6, but can also be attended on an individual drop in basis. Please book your place in advance for two Time Credits by contacting Upswing on 020 7613 4843
The AHOY Centre is a charity working with young people and disabled people through sailing and rowing activities to build self-confidence and deliver qualifications. The AHOY Centre’s indoor rowing gym has 18 Concept2 rowing machines, a full induction is given on the first visit. You can book in advance by emailing the above address. The AHOY Centre has full disabled access, showers, lockers and changing facilities. Car parking is available in the surrounding streets. One Time Credit gives you one hour in the Rowing Gym.
All Stars Boxing Gym on Harrow Road: All Stars Boxing Gym is a local landmark, established nearly 40 years ago and offering training and exercise to the community ever since. Suitable for all ages and abilities, give it a try! Contact Raman Akay at All Stars Gym directly if you are already a member. If you’re interested in becoming a member or using your Time Credits at All Stars Boxing Gym, contact Sami. Two Time Credits entitles you to a “Knock Out” session.
The Castle Climbing Centre is run by climbers for climbers and as the premier indoor climbing centre in South East England, it receives more annual visits than any other climbing centre in the U.K. It is constructed within a magnificent Victorian building, formerly a water pumping station. Taster sessions are for individuals who are 16 years and over. A minimum of four people are needed for a session to take place, Sami will manage the sign up process, all you have to do is email him on the above email. One hour instructor-led climbing ‘taster’ session, including boot hire for two Time Credits.
Colfe’s Leisure Centre offers a welcoming atmosphere for all of its members and their guests. The Centre includes a 25 metre six lane Swimming Pool, two Fitness Suites, a large Sports Hall which accommodates six badminton courts and three Tennis Courts. They also have hiring facilities for indoor cricket nets and outdoor activities on the AstroTurf pitch. What do I need to know? All courses and classes are open to both members and non-members so you don’t even have to join the Centre to take part in activities, just come along by yourself or with your friends to enjoy the fun and active atmosphere. For one Time Credit: Powerhoop Monday 9.30am, Bodytone Monday 10am, Pilates Tue 6pm, Zumba Tue 6.30pm, Powerhoop Tue 9.30pm, Boxfit Tue 8pm, Aquarobics Thu 7.15pm / Sat 2pm, Zumba Thu 7.30pm, Table Tennis Fri 6.30pm, Badminton Fri 7.30pm. No partner, no problem – just turn up and play with other participants or Colfe’s friendly staff! 020 8297 9110
Downham Health & Leisure Centre is one of the best gyms in Lewisham, offering the entire community an amazing range of sports facilities. All of the activities are available off peak (9-4pm). Contact the reception in advance of travelling to the centre to check availability and avoid a wasted journey! 020 8461 9200
Gym induction (group inductions only), 1 hour in the gym, 1 hour in the Swimming pool, 1 hour use of the Community Hall (subject to availability) for one Time Credit. 2 hour use of tennis courts including equipment for two Time Credits.
Docklands Sailing & Watersports Centre: Located in the heart of London’s Docklands at the west end of Millwall outer dock, the Centre is based in an award winning purpose built facility with great views from the upstairs bar over the dock, and changing facilities downstairs. What’s on offer When Time Credits Evening Taster sessions Monday’s (Apr-Sept) at DSWC Fridays 10am-6pm (May-Oct) at Moo Canoes . DSWC is offering spaces to Time Credits Members on their open Kayaking Sessions, 6:00pm to Dusk on Mondays between April and September. 2 hour Kayak Hire sessions are available between 10am-6pm on Fridays between May – October. Subject to availability. To book, please call 0787 990 9423 for two Time Credits.
City of London Parks: Open air swimming is internationally famous on Hampstead Heath. The Parliament Hill Lido is a 60 x 28 metre uncovered, unheated swimming pool. Also take advantage of Tennis and Petanque facilities offered at Golders Hill and Parliament Hill. The swimming season is generally from early May until late September. Please call corresponding numbers above to make sure that respective facilities are open.
Parliament Hill: 0207 284 3779, Golders Hill Park: 0208 201 8182 (West Heath Rd entrance), Parliament Hill Lido: 0207 482 5757 (Golders Green, NW5 1LP), Queen’s Park: 0208 969 5661 (Queen’s Park, NW6 6SG), West Ham Park: 020 8472 3584 (West Ham Park, Upton Lane, London E7 9PU).
Parliament Hill: Tennis Mon – Fri 10-6pm, Golders Hill Park: Petanque & Tennis Mon – Fri 10-12pm, Parliament Hill Lido: Swimming Mon – Fri 10-6pm, One hour court booking (West Ham Park) Queen’s Park: Pitch and Putt & Tennis (off-peak hours) for one Time Credit.
MFA Bowl Lewisham caters for parties of all ages, fully air conditioned throughout the summer time. Other leisure activities include pool tables, arcade machines, air hockey and lots more. You can bowl Mondays to Thursday between 10am-11pm, Fridays and Saturdays between 10am-12am and Sundays 10am-11pm for one Time Credit.
Fancy Dress Booth: For the right occasion the booth comes out at the Time Credits headquarters – Spice Innovations Ltd, 15 Old Ford Road, London E2 9PJ Tel: 0208 980 2691. The Fancy Dress booth comes in elements and you can hire one, or all of them, depending on your event. It is one Time Credit for each element. To book, please email Kinga she’ll be able to help you. You’ll need to pick up and return the kit. Element 1: Photo Printer (+£10 to cover photo paper, please supply your own camera) Element 2: Lights Element 3: Fancy Dress & Fabric Backdrop.
We will soon have news of Better Leisure sports facilities joining the scheme.
This is just a sample of everything available in London. Download the current Time Credits Brochure here (Right Click/Save) where you will also learn more about opportunities to earn credits. Furthermore, you can spend your Time Credits in other parts of the country. Check the Just Add Spice website for more information.
Other Time Credit Spending Opportunity Summaries: