Jul/Aug 2023

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14 South Woodford Village Gazette How many of us have felt uplifted at the sight of that first daffodil or snowdrop peeking through after a long, dark, dreary winter? Perhaps it signifies hope, that life and beauty can thrive despite harshness? Or how about the roses that bloom heralding the arrival of summer? For some, these blooms awaken something almost innate; an internal drive to start planting, nurturing, watching and awaiting the eventual reward of a healthy leaf or a beautiful bloom. It turns out though, that gardening may be nurturing us in return! Of course, digging and weeding are beneficial in terms of exercise; it’s easy to meet the guidelines of 20 minutes of daily activity when there is grass to mow, shrubs to trim and watering to be done! But are you aware research proves gardening has a positive impact on our mental health also? Researchers from Essex University use the term ‘green exercise’. Recent studies have demonstrated that green exercise benefits mental wellness with reductions in stress and depression alongside increases in mood and self-esteem. It appears even small doses of a few minutes can have an immediate impact, while regular gardening has been found to reduce stress and increase life satisfaction, including feelings of mastery and accomplishment. In fact, horticultural therapy is now offered within many NHS trusts. When it comes to community gardening, there are benefits for the gardeners and the non-gardeners alike. The Royal Horticultural Society says community gardening leads to an increased sense of ownership of local spaces, a healthier environment, lower crime rates and reduced antisocial behaviour, and a boost to the local economy. Gardening in a group encourages people to develop relationships, reduces isolation and provides social opportunities to the large numbers of people now working from home. So many of us enjoy looking at the plants and flowers around us in South Woodford throughout the seasons. But did you ever wonder how these flower beds came about? We are an area rich with community gardening initiatives. South Woodford Gardeners These trailblazing gardeners commenced their work in 2014. Having transformed the flower beds along George Lane, they moved onto the six flower beds on the A406 bridge opposite Waitrose. Expanding further, they adopted the bed outside Regency Court, and this past year, they have taken over the pavement railing flower boxes around the area. Footpath No. 60 Community Garden A new community garden along the length of public footpath number 60, linking Woodford High Road to the Laings Estate. The flower beds along this popular shortcut next to Priory Close had become barren stretches, making this alleyway appear unsafe and uninviting. Spurred on by increased use during lockdown walks, this new community group started clearing and planting. The group is keen to promote the use of drought-resistant, native plants that will support wildlife. South Woodford Society The South Woodford Society has adopted three grow zones: Eastwood Green (at the corner of Eastwood Green and George To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
Regency Court July /August 2023 15 A Path to well being - George Lane Psychologist Niamh Moriarty invites you to experience the positive physical and mental health impacts of South Woodford’s community gardening initiatives. Photos by Geoff Wilkinson Footpath No 60 Lane roundabout), the Community Orchard (on the corner of Primrose Road and Mulberry Way) and Bell Green (outside South Woodford station). Get involved in community gardening • Donate your time: one hour a week makes a huge difference. You can also offer to refill watering cans during gardening sessions. • Funding: most of these community gardening projects have been supported by crowdfunding, funding from the council or other initiatives. If your skill set lies in this area rather than as a gardener, do get in touch. • Share spare plants from your garden. • If you live near a community garden, take a walk in the evening to water it, or empty your water bottle as you pass by. For more information on the various community gardening groups in South Woodford, visit swvg.co.uk/comgdn Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
Page 1 and 2: ISSN 2632-8224 Est. 1992 July /Augu
Page 3 and 4: Contents Features A path to well-be
Page 5 and 6: July /August 2023 5 Independent Co-
Page 7 and 8: July /August 2023 7 Sparkle Walk ra
Page 9 and 10: July /August 2023 9 NOIR represents
Page 11 and 12: July /August 2023 11 AVON HOUSE PRE
Page 13: July /August 2023 13 Valentines Man
Page 17 and 18: July /August 2023 17 Meet your loca
Page 19 and 20: July /August 2023 19 CHARLES CROWN
Page 21 and 22: July /August 2023 21 WOODBRIDGE AUT
Page 23 and 24: July /August 2023 23 For ages 2-12
Page 25 and 26: July /August 2023 25 northlondonlof
Page 27 and 28: July /August 2023 27 Kieran’s wor
Page 29 and 30: St Aubyn's School - Savills Essex M
Page 31 and 32: July /August 2023 31 Your ambition.
Page 33 and 34: July /August 2023 33 GET READY FOR
Page 35 and 36: FOREST WAY, WOODFORD GREEN £1,100,
Page 37 and 38: July /August 2023 37 Please mention
Page 39 and 40: July /August 2023 39 lunchtime walk
Page 41 and 42: s July /August 2023 41 Crescendo Mu
Page 43 and 44: July /August 2023 43 Phlebotomy H
Page 45 and 46: July /August 2023 45 WVD_Toothache-
Page 47 and 48: July /August 2023 47 “Was the rol
Page 49 and 50: July /August 2023 49
Page 51 and 52: July /August 2023 51 McCarty & Smit
Page 53 and 54: July /August 2023 53 Open and welco
Page 55 and 56: July /August 2023 55 Community even
Page 57 and 58: July /August 2023 57 FUN DAY AT WAN
Page 59 and 60: July /August 2023 59 TASTER SESSION
Page 61 and 62: at Wanstead House FROM 4+ 21 The Gr
Page 63 and 64: July /August 2023 63 Smilein London
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July /August 2023 65 Please mention
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July /August 2023 67 CONTACT US NOW
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