February 2022

Maybe it's time to stop by and say hi?

As we are sure you will be aware, Hardie Park is heavily reliant on the fantastic work of a team of dedicated volunteers who very kindly give their time to ensure that we can continue to do what we do best. We’re always on the lookout for more help – whether that’s as part of our friendly café and community pop-up team, our hard-working gardeners, our bustling cycle-hub or helping us out with the all-important office-based side of things (admin, finance etc.)

Are you interested or know someone that might be? Please do get in touch. Register your details in the first instance on our weblink and we'll give you a call back asap.

If you need any more inspiration, check out this article which looks at the MANY benefits of volunteering

In the meantime, we hope you enjoy the February news update from the park. 

Hardie Park Trustees

'Wheelie' great funding from Active Essex

Hardie Cycle Hub recently received Active Essex funding to help get 40 young people more active through cycling. The scheme provides access to a free second-hand bike (turned around by the hub) or a free service on a bike that is already owned. Using either route, Ross our bike mechanic, repairs and safety checks the cycles giving them a new lease of life and gets the lucky recipients back on two wheels.

Matt Hill, Manager of the Cycle Hub has been working with local school’s Active Travel Coordinators to identify the most disadvantaged young people in each school. Our hope is that these young people will experience the freedom of a bicycle and that it will encourage them to be more active.

If you would like to speak with Matt regarding the possible donation of a bike to a local young person in need please call 07956 223353 or email: info@hardiecyclehub.co.uk 

Pictured: Mr Doyle from Woodside Academy collecting bikes, all on their way to good homes.

Co-op Community Fund now tops £100

One of our customers took a snap of the screen in store capturing the £100 marker earlier in the month.

Thanks Co-op shoppers, we currently have £125.35 in the pot! You too can sign up and download the Co-op app on your phone for quick and easy zapping at the till or shop with a fob. Every penny counts and will help the Hardie Cycle Hub cause.

Expanding our audience and reaching more people in the community

• SS17 0PB
• Bottom of Scratton Road
• Behind St Jo’s Primary School
• At the heart of SLH

If you use Hardie Park Cafe or maybe attend one of the community clubs at the park can we ask that you share the idea of visiting us with your friends, family and neighbours.  Maybe someone you know would like to join the team?  We are open daily 10am to 3pm and we are at the centre of the community in Stanford le hope. Even with social media, posters, clubs etc there are many people who still don't know we are nestled in the park. The pop-up community food project has brought new people to us over the past two years during covid, however there are lots more people who could benefit from the services, friendship and volunteering opportunities we offer. Word of mouth and personal recommendation is key, it's good to talk! 

Community food, seven days a week!

By all accounts, we are the only 7 day a week, community food point in Thurrock.  Vegetables, pastries, ready meals, who knows what we are going to get. Our volunteers do a fantastic job daily collecting, sorting and manning the pop-up. 

We actively support many families in the area and encourage customers to take what they need. If you can donate, the funds help put fuel in our little green van and allows us to provide this service for the wider community.

Please make a point of popping in to the pop-up when you are next passing! We often have beautiful bunches of flowers too to brighten your day! 

Under a week away and it's Pancake Day

Why not plan to spend it with us. Just £2.50 for your pancake including a choice of topping.

One price fits all.

Our volunteers have been trying out some pancake options. They certainly looked scrumptious!  Make it a date!

Looking for space?

• Do you have a need to meet clients in the community?
• Do you work from home and need a neutral space to liaise with business colleagues?

We have a great little 1-2-1 room available for hire in the cafe building. Email: info@friendsofhardiepark.co.uk to secure your spot and discuss your needs. Our cafe menu is available from 10-3  so we can cover your lunch/coffee breaks too all in one place.