EFOG's 2015 Rodings Rally Donation

As many of you will know, Epping Forest Outdoor Group includes 50p in its entry fee for the annual Rodings Rally (our November all night map and compass event in Epping Forest) The proceeds from this 'levy' are then given to one or more deserving causes decided by members at our January AGM.

This year the money is being given to The Gasworks Dock Partnership (GDP) in Canning Town.

Some of you will remember that Paul Ferris and I were drumming up votes last year for that part of the GDP project known as Cody Wilds, the greening of a kilometre stretch of the lower River Lea's bank, with the creation of reed beds and meadow. Some of our members also visited the Dock during one of Paul's walks in that direction last year. (see here)

The Gasworks Dock Partnership was started up, for public benefit, to help regenerate the area alongside the east bank of the lower Lea. It aims to do this by setting up a thriving cultural quarter around the Dock with community centre and arts and crafts studios. It also hopes to provide education, training and work experience for unemployed people.

Val presenting the cheque to Simon MyersThe area will also provide accessible, affordable, recreational facilities, especially for those who, for whatever reason, are unable to enjoy these elsewhere.

Future income for GDP will come from the letting of moorings in the Dock to the boat community and studio space to artists. There is a great dearth of such moorings and affordable small studio space in London.

There are plans for a future museum to showcase the area's wealth of industrial heritage. Contacts are already being made with local schools to further GDP's educational objectives.

Val, Paul and I visited on Saturday 31 January to present the Club's cheque for £200 to Simon Myers, CEO of GDP, and came away even more convinced of the value of this project (see photos)

For more information, visit The Gasworks Dock Partnership website at http://www.gasworksdock.org.uk/

Duncan 31 January 2015