Today we remember one of the Fleet’s true heroes, Paul McCarthy. If you are in a reflective mood and want to take time to stop and think, then I can recommend a place less than a mile from Stonebridge Road, off Northfleet High Street and to the side of St Botolph’s Church. The volunteers of Fleet Community Partner, No Walls Gardens, have created an oasis of calm by transforming a piece of wasteland into an Enchanted Garden.
No Walls Gardens is a social enterprise, based in Northfleet, that specialises in providing skills training with a focus on wellbeing by carrying out gardening initiatives throughout the Gravesham area. Volunteers include long-term unemployed, ex-offenders, people with substance abuse issues, young adults with learning difficulties and those suffering mental health issues.
I was approached by directors of No Walls Gardens, Pete Scollard and Gary May, in my capacity as a director of Kent-based, Waste Management & Recycling Company, Countrystyle Recycling Limited, to source some compost for the Enchanted Garden project. I was delighted to help and the pictures below show the transformation of an area of neglected and overgrown land into a tranquil and well-designed garden that can operate as a multi-functional space for outdoor concerts, community fairs and events – and as a space for quiet reflection. Congratulations to Peter, Gary and all the volunteers of No Walls Garden for such a fantastic local project that will make a difference to the people of Northfleet.
Having seen first-hand the fitness and conditioning regime that Macca and his coaching staff put the squad through in Portugal, keeping or even getting moving is important for everyone, not just Fleet players.
EUFC has joined forces with Ebbsfleet Garden City to offer Fleet fans the chance to participate in a Digital Movement Project and to get a free Fitbit! Community Programme Manager, Lorna Hughes is looking for up to 10 volunteers (young and old) to gather data on fitness and activity levels to help shape the design of the future City Parks and greenspace that will be at the heart of the new Ebbsfleet Garden City. If you are interested in taking part please email me your details to info@eufc.co.uk and I will make sure Lorna gets your details to contact you to take part on a first come, first served basis.
