Page 10 - HGS Suburb News 143 - Summer 2020
P. 10
Suburb U3A – learning online Allotments update
n the last edition we wrote crafters are also busy knitting, and develop groups with a diverse ears that the emergency are being worked more intensely be called to arrange the
I about how our U3A had faced crocheting, sewing, and sharing range of topics. Many U3As Fmeasures introduced to cope than for a long time” and reinstatement of its activities.
the challenges of the lockdown what we have achieved. have successfully transferred to with the virus crisis would have “everyone has relished getting Other points:
with an incredible response from In recognition of the Online learning and we are part a restrictive impact on the use out and tending their plants.” • A number of street sales of
our Group Leaders and members incredible work and dedication, of that cohort. Members have of the allotments turned out to There has also been a steady allotment produce have been
to ensure that we continued all our Group Leaders have acknowledged that this is the be unfounded. Instead of closure, flow of inquiries from potential held, in one case raising £370 for
with our Summer Programme. been awarded a ‘Certificate of new norm. We do hope that at the Trust, following indications tenants and most locations are the Royal Free charity appeal.
We are delighted to report Recognition’. Although we were some point in the future we will from the Government that either fully occupied or have • The Fellowship and Chatham
that we have now progressed not able to enjoy our usual be able to meet in a more allotments could remain open, waiting lists. The general social Close sites have new site
from 26 online groups to almost Group Leaders tea, we had a personal way, rather than just prepared a list of guidelines for restrictions have prompted an secretaries, Adrienne Letay and
40. A remarkable achievement virtual awards ceremony. virtually. Nevertheless, we are the 100 or so plotholders. interest in home-growing by those Nancy Hadden respectively.
given the size our U3A. Some We were also extremely filling the void by staying As well as reiterating the with no previous experience of • Seating areas are being
groups that could only hold a fortunate to invite Baroness connected, which is the most general requirement of social horticultural matters. provided at Big Site.
limited number of members in Altmann, CBE to talk to our important aspect. At its heart, distancing, this list of do’s and While one might assume • Rents in future are to be
their homes now have a much members about ‘The Future of the U3A believes that continuing don’ts introduced such cautions that the allotments themselves charged according to plot sizes.
higher proportion of members Social Care’. This again had a to learn, developing your interests, as those needed in the shared are in fine shape, the more PETER HODGSON, CHAIRMAN
that attend, especially Current high attendance with a very making friends and trying some- use of tools, the washing of formal affairs of the Allotments
Affairs. Play reading has increased pertinent and thought-provoking thing new, is a life-long passion, hands in water tanks and the Committee have become victim
their ‘cast’ having great fun topic for our members. Further and we are doing our very best application of sanitisers on metal of the times. The spring and
acting in The Importance of Being talks have been arranged which to ensure that we are fulfilling parts such as gate locks. summer walkabouts, when
Earnest, Divine Laughter and link in with our ‘Crime Club’ this for our members. The impact of these directions members of the committee visit
Pygmalion. Crafting has taken on (nothing criminal I hasten to add). We also welcome new has led to the sites as a whole the various sites to make
a new impetus with our talented Online learning is not members and new ideas. A virtual becoming not just safe retreats recommendations to the Trust
and dedicated group leaders. Liz impeding the continuation of Open Day is planned for the but more productive and more about maintenance, have been
has made masks and is making our U3A. Indeed, it is in many Autumn, so please do check us ordered. Examples of reported cancelled; arrangements for
scrubs. Ellen has also made ways enhancing the opportunity out at hgsu3a.uk/. comments are “the site has choosing the two annual awards
masks, as well as Toni. The to have larger group meetings DAPHNE BERKOVI never looked better”, “the plots for best allotment and best
newcomer, have yet to be made;
Record numbers visit Suburb Library and no meetings have taken
place since the beginning of the
HGS heritage online year. However, there is optimism
that the prevailing conditions
will permit the harvest supper
s we were all locked down, different sources, including the to be held on September 26 and
A unable to visit anywhere, archives of Garden Suburb School, an open-air informal meeting
HGS Heritage launched its new Henrietta Barnett School and of the committee members is to
WW2 Collection just in time for written memoirs of residents. lthough we will not be opening or pick up a form from the
the VE 75th Anniversary. They were also able to draw A yet, we have been operating library porch.
This Collection is packed parallels between the lives of a very successful ‘Click & Collect’ And finally, the nationwide King Alfred School
full of the unique history of the young people during the War scheme which has been providing Summer Reading Challenge
Suburb during WW2 and also and the current situation of books to our readers throughout which started in mid-July, will ike all schools, King Alfred’s looking forward to running at
proves to be a popular local uncertainty during Covid. lockdown and beyond. run until the end of September L School in North End Road full capacity making all adjust-
collection point for residents’ Visitor numbers shot up The Click & Collect service with lots of prizes to be won, so had to make huge adjustments ments to meet new Government
WW2 memories. during May to more than 1,500 is open to everyone, even if you you can still join up online at: for the Covid-19 lockdown and requirements.
The Personal Memories unique users. are not currently a library summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/. swiftly took teaching at lower In the meantime, construction
Collection, which is still open In the coming months the member and all our books are JEREMY CLYNES and upper school levels onto on- of a fabulous new Sixth Form
for new memories, received Museum is planning several new available to borrow. As well as an line platforms with great success. Centre is progressing well, needed
many different contributions projects, including HGS Heritage up-to-date adult fiction section, Children from Reception right to house the ever expanding
which are now stored for Bitesize for kids under 12 and we have a comprehensive non- through to Year 6 (and their numbers joining to take A Levels
posterity in our Virtual Museum. also a 1911 Census Collection fiction section including lots of parents!) were delighted to return at the school. Parents and children
New contributions can be sent looking into the lives of the biographies and a well-stocked full-time to the campus over the interested in viewing the school
to info@hgsheritage.org.uk. Suburb’s first residents. travel section. We also have a last half-term. The classes were are welcome to visit the site and
Our hard working HBS So, do come and visit – any very comprehensive selection split into two groups or ‘pods’ see the farm and all the other
Interns, Lia Joffe and Zaynab time, any day, any hour – there’s of children’s books for all ages. using the facilities available wonderful facilities on various
Khan, created a wonderful just so much to see and learn. New books are bought every week. across the entire site, which was dates, depending on the age of
collection of WW2 history as it You will always find us open Full details, including a list fortunately very feasible given entry. Please visit: kingalfred.
relates to the young people of at hgsheritage.org.uk. of all our books can be found at: the spacious accommodation. org.uk/admissions/open-days/
the Suburb, drawing on many JUDY SMITH gardensuburblibrary.org.uk/gscl/ From September, the school is for details.
Specialists in returning historic wooden sash and
bay windows to their former glory
07904 582816 | www.repaircarelondon.com
10 SUBURB NEWS IS PRODUCED AND DELIVERED TO YOU BY RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEERS
