A Hammersmith charity has blossomed to mark four decades of promoting sustainable gardening in the borough.
Family gardening sessions, nature clubs and even beekeeping are just some of the green activities HCGA has brought to H&F over the past 40 years.
More than 100 volunteers, trustees, artists and young people joined this month to celebrate the significant milestone for the charity, originally known as Hammersmith Community Gardens Association.
Since launching in 1984 at Loris Community Garden in Loris Road, Hammersmith, HCGA now manages green spaces across H&F, as well as an urban farm and the glasshouses in Ravenscourt Park.
Director Cathy Maund explained: "Our work has grown and expanded but we have always kept our volunteers and users at the heart of what we do. We've got fantastic staff and trustees and of course all the local residents."
Having worked with the charity for almost 35 years, Cathy added that the community gardens and nature-based projects "really make a difference to local residents".
Gardening clubs
Community spaces and gardening clubs run by the charity include Aisgill Community Hub in West Kensington, Godolphin Community Garden in Shepherds Bush, and Phoenix Farm in White City.
Its newest green project – at Frank Banfield Park in Hammersmith – includes garden volunteering sessions every Thursday morning and regular family gardening workshops on the first Saturday of the month.
"I think people are understanding why it's important to be green and value the environment," said Cathy.
"It's important for us to work at a small, local level, where people can actually engage and make a difference. If you can change things locally then that's great."
Anniversary celebrations
During the dual-location anniversary celebration event, held at Godolphin Garden and Phoenix Farm in W12, guests were treated to home-cooked goodies using locally-sourced ingredients, including homemade soup, chocolate and beetroot cake, and apple and blackberry cake.
At Godolphin Garden, artist Amanda Lebus unveiled a new metalwork motif in the shape of a bird for the gate, to replace the wooden design that had been created 25 years ago.
A photographic display at Phoenix Farm showcased the highlights of the charity's past four decades in the borough, while guests could take home jars of honey and chutney produced on the farm.
"We were blessed with a very lovely day, which was important as all the events planned were outside," said Cathy.
Autumn events
The charity is looking forward to its next community events.
Halloween events are planned during the school half term break, along with tree and bulb planting across its community gardens.
Cobweb weaving, creating apple bird feeders and magic potions are some of the activities planned at an annual harvest festival at Phoenix Farm on Wednesday 30 October, 1pm to 4pm.
The following day, on Thursday 31 October, Halloween crafts and play activities will bring spooky fun to Frank Banfield Park from 11am to 3pm.
Meanwhile, adults can join the fun at a fundraising pub quiz at the Thatched House, in Dalling Road, on Wednesday 13 November from 7pm, with tickets at £15 including food.
Find out more about HCGA's volunteering and other activities at hcga.org.uk or email volunteering@hcga.org.uk
