Monday 3rd February
Report written by Laura Williams
A group of dedicated community GoodGymers gathered at the Cranbrook Community Centre this evening to help clear the borders of this well used garden of fallen leaves.
Our group of 10 slowly gathered inside and outside the centre, where we collected bin liners, gloves and rakes.
After saying hello to task owners Janet and Eileen, and welcoming first time GoodGymer, Liz, we divided into four teams, spread out over all four borders.
What’s with the leaves?
Good question, given the number of tasks that currently include leaves.
Fallen leaves may look attractive, but leaving too many on the ground can cause problems. Wet leaves can become slippery, and if left in too dense a layer, they can also block sunlight and air from reaching grass and plants beneath, affecting their growth. Decomposing leaves also create the perfect conditions for mould and unwanted pests.
By carefully clearing the borders and some of the grass areas, we’re helping to keep the garden both safe and healthy.
While the leaves were bagged up and carried away in multiple trips to the bin, the gathered sticks were put to good use. Rather than them meeting the same fate as the leaves, Ivo and Rohan set them aside in a quiet corner of the garden, where they’ll hopefully provide shelter for insects, and useful materials for birds building nests.
By the time the last bag of leaves, meanwhile, was taken to the bin, the evening chill appeared to have set in.
After our obligatory final pic, and a cheerio to Janet and Eileen, we rounded things off with a short stretching session, focusing on upper body stretches to help ease us into the week.
With the borders now looking a bit tidier, we headed home, pleased to have seen Janet and Eileen, cleared a bit of the garden and helped to support the wildlife that calls it home.
Next week, we’re back to the Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, for another fun-filled evening with Ken.
Until then.
Tucked behind Roman Road, this vibrant Community Centre is a lively hub of connection, creativity, and care. Run by two longstanding local residents, the centre is a welcoming environment for all, offering a wide range of free-to-access events and activities that help to bring people together from all walks of life. From music and parties to fitness classes and prayer groups, there's something for everyone. With a strong focus on inclusion and affordability, the centre also provides low-cost hall hire to support local groups and initiatives. This is more than just a building - Cranbrook is a place where community grows.
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It's the first of our February Felix Project sessions!