Phoenix Festival update

A jolly time was had by all at yesterday's Phoenix Festival, Phoenix Community Housing's fifth annual event in Forster Park, Whitefoot Lane SE6. Bigger and better than ever, and with the sun shining, there was a great turnout from the local community and beyond - and something for everyone.  I was there to contact organisations and promote the benefits of sharing their information about local events, courses and activities. There is so much to do in the local area, much of it low cost or free. I may live to regret this but I've entered the Goldsmiths Community Garden into a competition! (I did get some free bulbs and seeds though).

Free seeds and bulbs in return for entering 'Best Community Garden' (better get cracking)

The Downham Nutrition Partnership Go for Gold area was enthusiastically assisted by a team of hospital doctors and their colleagues from the London Deanery Team Up programme who helped with everything - the smoothie bikes, tomato planting and supporting general health checks.

London Deanery Team Up members help set up the Go for Gold marquee

Planting tomatoes, with the Assembly Lion in the background

Children choose the fruit, ready to pedal into a drink

After some furious pedalling, a smoothie is produced!

Colin and Kate from EnviroLewisham were there promoting composting courses and general awareness about the changes to what can be recycled, free mattress removal and other initiatives. They had some great fridge magnets Bin Your Gum - chewing gum is banned in Singapore!

Colin, environment champion from EnviroLewisham

Colin and his team have been really helpful to Goldsmiths, last year he organised a Capital Clean Up of Castillon Road and the alleyway by the community centre and only a couple of weeks' ago they donated three compost caddies for our new compost heap. Local people were amazed that we were volunteering to clean up the mess, and it was good to talk to them about initiatives. We aim to run some composting and Love Food Hate Waste workshops during the summer - watch this space.

The Assembly Lion - who is in the suit?

Jason from Whitefoot and Downham Local Assemblies and his colleague from Bellingham promoted the assemblies and did a mapping exercise to find out their concerns about their environment. They also held a competition to name the Assembly Lion, with a lucky dip for the children!

Ray from Goldsmiths Musical Theatre, on a recruitment drive

Here is Ray from Goldsmiths Musical Theatre. The theatre company, then called Goldsmiths Amateur Dramatic Society, was formed in 1939 when the community centre opened and teaches children and adults stagecraft and acting. All this for only £1 a week! They are looking for new members and are auditioning for their new production Scrooge today 13th May and next Sunday 20th May. Registration is at 10.30 and auditions start at 11. More on this wonderful local resource soon.

Farmstead Road Community Garden

A good day all round, thanks to all who came and supported the event!