Thursday, October 25, 2007

Dig for Victory


Grove Park School was evacuated to the country two weeks ago – and came to the Kitchen Garden dressed up to the nines (or rather the 1940s), gas masks at the ready to Dig for Victory. We were particularly impressed by the teachers, all lipstick and seamed stockings. Our session was punctuated by having to dive for cover as the aeroplanes went by… Huge fun and very educational. In some pile of research papers there is proof that when children have fun they learn more, and this was clearly demonstrated.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

An extra bed

We managed to bring an extra slice of land into cultivation last week when a group of civil servants from the local government department came to prove their commitment to the local community by spending a day barrowing gravel and then digging over the compacted soil beneath. We would like to thank them and CSV for organising it, and ask them to send us some more like that please! We haven’t yet decided what to plant there.

Monday, October 01, 2007

Trees cause controversy

1. Tuesdays between 10 and 4pm
We are starting Tuesday drop-in work sessions, any time between 10am and 4pm.

Teenagers are welcome to our Duke of Edinburgh sessions. These are now switching to weekend sessions. You can join at any time of the year.

2. Planning applications for Chiswick House & Grounds major regeneration work – deadline extended
After some confusion, the deadline for comments is now stated to be 9th October. Unfortunately the tree plans have not been included in the paperwork at Chiswick Library, which is very annoying for all concerned, since some of the proposed work is controversial. Recent letters in the Times have given both sides of the argument. Google them at http://www.google.com/search?q=site:www.timesonline.co.uk+chiswick+house

The planning applications have been submitted for the long-awaited works to be carried out under the Heritage Lottery Fund grant. These include "Demolition of existing cafe and erection of a new cafe, temporary marquee area, children's play area, improved access and car parking with various tree and woodland management, erection and repair of built features (including walls and ornamental structures), repaving and replanting." Also for “Felling of and works to various trees within Chiswick House Conservation Area”
System Reference: P/2007/2738. Planning Reference: 00176/E/P13
System Reference: P/2007/2739. Planning Reference: 00176/E/L14
System Reference: P/2007/2773. Planning Reference: 00176/E/TA3
We could find no further details online, although we are assured there are some, but you can send in any comments by going to http://planning.hounslow.gov.uk/planningv2/planning_search.aspx and then typing in the postcode for Chiswick House, W4 2RP.

3. Open Day September
We opened on 16th September as part of the National Garden Scheme (Yellow Book) and raised lots of money for charity - £1,240 for various cancer charities and £310 to the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Thank you to everyone who came.