On 1st May 2013 The Conservation Volunteers are hosting an event to celebrate the successful launch of Penge Green Gym, a community group offering free green exercise sessions for volunteers to get involved with transforming a neglected local park.
Penge Green Gym was founded by The Conservation Volunteers in partnership with intu Bromley and London Borough of Bromley in May 2011. The support and funding from intu Bromley, London Borough of Bromley and Ecominds made it possible to transform Winsford Gardens, a public park in Penge that was previously sadly neglected. Local resident, Wendie Roche, said “Over the past two years I have watched with interest as this dedicated group of volunteers has transformed Winsford Gardens into a haven for wildlife and a safe and beautiful place which can be enjoyed by all local residents. Their diligence and commitment has to be commended.”
To celebrate this success Penge Green Gym volunteers will be joined by supporters and referral partners in Winsford Gardens on Wednesday 1st May from 11am until 2pm for a day of practical wildlife gardening activities, a guided tour of the gardens lead by the volunteers, and an official hand-over to the volunteers.
Alexander Nicoll, Intu Properties plc CR Director, noted "We are proud of our long-term partnership with The Conservation Volunteers which has delivered successful Green Gyms in several UK locations. The Penge Green Gym is, however, unique as it is the first of the Green Gyms which Intu has supported which will now go forward as a fully-fledged Green Gym Community Group. This achievement in creating a truly sustainable community group to look after and develop the Green Gym projects already delivered at Winsford Gardens is the result of the hard work of many local volunteers and we and TCV are delighted to celebrate their valuable community work to date and wish them all the very best for a green and sustainable future."
If you want to get involved with Penge Green Gym, the group will henceforth be holding free wildlife gardening sessions in Winsford Gardens every Wednesday from 11am to 2pm. Sessions are open to all regardless of experience, ability or fitness, giving volunteers the chance to help transform Winsford Gardens, learn new skills and improve their health and fitness. Contact pengegreengym@hotmail.com or visit www.pengegreengym.org.uk