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The Great British Brick Off (GBBO) is underway, running through to Summer 2023, to support the restoration and development of the walled market garden.
GBBO will see traditional bricklaying skills & pointing with lime mortar taught under the supervision of skilled bricklayers, utilising volunteer support from retired bricklayers as well as wider members of the community who are interested in acquiring this skill.
By restoring the Edwardian wall, the project’s legacy will be the preservation and restoration of an historical space whilst creating a new community hub for marginalised groups to attend.
These groups will be able to learn about horticulture and nature-based activities, and their attendance to Hope Farm Community Garden will encourage them to get outside, get active, get skilled and get connected.
Do you have time to spare and would like to learn some new skills such as traditional bricklaying? Or pointing with lime mortar? Or help to refurbish old bricks ready for the wall? All taught under the supervision of a skilled bricklayer? All in all it’s just another brick in the wall, and we have approximately 12,000 to put into place!
If you can volunteer your time to this project please email our brilliant Volunteer Coordinator and put your name down! Email louise.brangwin@hohcharity.co.uk
All volunteers will have their names on our virtual brick wall, which is being built alongside the physical one, and will also be invited to the Grand Opening event when the wall is complete.
All brick donors will have their names on our virtual brick wall which will be built alongside the physical one and will also be invited to the Grand Opening event when the wall is complete.
The wall was built in 1910 and the Edwardians really knew how to incorporate beauty alongside function. This is definitely not ‘just’ a wall! You also have the chance to sponsor some of the essential component parts…
The wall has magnificent pillars! But some are missing or they are in serious need of repair. The pillars are key to supporting the walls.
The gates are key to making Hope Farm Community Garden a secure space for all our visitors. There will be four gates in total:
The arches, pillars and gates will all have dedicated name plates to acknowledge their donors. Donors will also be invited to the Grand Opening as well as a private unveiling with dinner in the walled garden, curated by a top chef. If you’re thinking about becoming a Pillar of the Community, Arch Angel or Gate Keeper and want to find out more please email james.doran@hohcharity.co.uk
To make this happen we need bricks and a lot of them – around 12,000! And a fair bit of sand and lime mortar. Are you a construction company who could support us by donating the materials and equipment we need to restore our wall? Or maybe you have been doing some of your own building work and have left over materials we might be able to use?
The legacy of your donations will be both the preservation and restoration of a historical space and creation of community hub for marginalised groups to attend.
If you can help us with materials please email james.doran@hohcharity.co.uk
Everyone who donates materials will have their names on our virtual brick wall which will be built alongside the physical one and will also be invited to the Grand Opening event when the wall is complete.
Could you give a day of your time to help your local community? To make this restoration happen we need your skills. We need hod carriers, joiners, metalworkers and bricklayers to restore the wall. Could you do No Pay For Just One Day and help secure the future of this incredible community resource?
If you can help please email james.doran@hohcharity.co.uk
All our skilled workspeople will have their names on our virtual brick wall which will be built alongside the physical one and will also be invited to the Grand Opening event when the wall is complete.
Our focus is getting people out, active, skilled, and connected.
“Over the last couple of years, we have undertaken extensive community consultations to ensure we’re providing our community with exactly what they want. We are currently developing Hope Farm Community Garden as an inclusive space where participation in our programmes can help improve wellbeing through increased social contact, culturally valued activities, and mitigation of food poverty. Our focus is getting people out, active, skilled, and connected. Additionally, our site provides spaces for community connections between people from different demographics, including people of all ages, families, people who are isolated, disabled, in poor health and are experiencing mental health issues”.
James Doran, founder – Hands of Hope
Watch as Hands of Hope and the Great British Brick Off were featured on BBC South East Today’s ‘On The Map’ series.
We are very grateful for all the support we receive. We would like to recognise all donors who give to GBBO on our virtual donor wall that will be on our website. We will be holding open days while the wall is being restored for you to visit and see the work in progress and learn more about our work. When the wall is complete we will have a Grand Opening to which all our donors will be warmly invited.
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Hope Farm Community Garden
Moor Hill
Hawkhurst
Kent
TN18 4QB
