2021 Here we come!

January 2021

PAUSED for a while

COVID-19 has really challenged us all.  After Lockdown 1, the trustees worked on a plan to re-open. WE DID IT, for a short while with the Takeout, then a semi-normal cafe service. We were on the cusp of offering our clubs the use of our back room for groups of 6. Then crash, bang, wallop, Lockdown 2 then Lockdown 3 close on its heels.

We miss your company, we miss the buzz of community life. As soon as we are able, the plan will come together again. Let's keep safe, be patient, stay connected and good things will come. 

One positive announcement this week is that the pop-up shop will now be operating from the park. Yay, a focus for our volunteers and a semblance of normality for our much loved operation.

All change for pop-up

Friends of Hardie Park pop-up shop changed location this month. The community food project which has been set up in Scratton Road since the first lockdown will continue to run from the park between 12pm and 3pm daily.

The Hardie Park little green van, driven by volunteer James, picks up supermarket surplus, daily from M & S and Lidl, saving a mountain of food from being wasted and ending up in landfill. The food is available to the community to take if they need, although many users choose to donate with proceeds going to the park. The funds certainly help to keep the van on the road, maintained and filled with fuel to make the daily journeys needed to collect the food supplies.

Huge gratitude to Mandie Groves for enabling this service come rain or shine throughout Lockdown 1 / 2 / 3 and everything in between. Mandie has ensured the service has been open all hours in Scratton Road for the benefit of the local community. That has been a huge commitment and we thank you on behalf of the park and those who have benefited in these unusually difficult times. Mandie deserves a very well earned rest.

Click and Collect

The Cycle Hub are currently able to offer a limited click and collect service. 

Please phone or direct message the Hub to discuss your needs and arrangements can be made where possible. Service or repair by appointment only.

During lockdown we have been creating some funkier signage to explain the full offer of services available to the community in normal times. Watch this space...

Community Corner

It's important to keep busy and engaged with life throughout lockdown. Being isolated, working from home, or on furlough has given everyone their own personal challenges. We've recently reposted helpful community information on our social media page to share some tips, information and offers of support.

Howgates will print any homeschooling paperwork for free during this lockdown - all you have to do is email what you would like printed, along with a contact name and telephone number and they’ll have it ready for collection. Send the email to: Printforkids@howgates.com - located in King Street Stanford le Hope.

Thurrock Adult Education are offering a wide range of free courses and events mostly being delivered online. Search and book from the Find A Course link at www.tacc.ac.uk.

Thurrock Carers Service recently highlighted some Transport Options:  'If you need transport to a Thurrock Vaccination Hub, Transvol are offering transport for £2.00 from anywhere in Thurrock. As soon as you have booked your vaccine and know the date and time, call Transvol on 01375 391 444

Our community taking action and being pro-active in these difficult times is simply amazing. Well done all!

Wow 5 years...

Well who knew, time flies when you are having fun. On March 5th this year it will be our 5th Anniversary. So many good memories, so many smiles, so many lovely people have been part of our journey. If you have any memories you would like to share with us please let us know. 

Photographs welcome of your special times at the park. Email to : communications@friendsofhardiepark.co.uk

Maybe we can put together a little video of YOUR (our community) images.