The sun always shines on the Gardening Club!

Over the last ten years, the Gardening Club has grown into a dedicated team of volunteers committed to maintaining the Church garden for the benefit and beauty of the Parish and community of Wanstead, building on the success of the late John Weaver. The Gardening Club was formalised when Geoff Brunell was elected to chair, and his enthusiasm, effort and artistic flair proved invaluable. The Gardening Club soon grew with its members appreciating what an enormous undertaking it was to maintain the gardens. Apart from maintaining the lawns and flower beds, there is a considerable perimeter fence, hedges and trees that need looking after. However there continues to be room for creativity, as has been demonstrated by the Memorial Garden, designed by the late Linda Brunell. For many years, the members have happily and with good humour tended the gardens at Christ Church. Without their skill, energy and commitment the gardens would soon have lost their charming appearance.

The kiss of the sun for pardon

The song of the birds for mirth

One is nearer God’s heart in a garden

Than anywhere else on earth

God's Garden by Dorothy Gurney

More recently we have become a more structured team, aiming to work more effectively and efficiently, with an emphasis on not only maintenance but also project based work. The Gardening Club continues to use the skills, interests and experience of its members, who range in age and come from all walks of life. We aim to accommodate the attributes of each individual, be it composting, planting, mowing, pruning, raking, weeding or even coffee making! There is a job for everyone. The membership is very much open and is not exclusive by any means, and there is certainly no obligation to attend every session. We even have our own mascot, Jess the dog.! We meet from 9.30am to 12pm on the dates set out below. The club is proving for many to be a rewarding, positive, sociable club invoking an energetic and satisfying feel-good factor. So why not come along and see for yourself!

Gardening Club dates for 2012: