Sara  Ford, of 4D Dance, shares the details of a project she has been involved in.

When I say 'involved in', what I mean is… I had an idea about creating a community garden on Silver Street, mentioned it to a very productive neighbour of mine and he went full steam ahead with it. So, unfortunately, I can't take as much credit as I'd like to.

Ely Standard: Sara Ford writes on her involvement with a community garden in Ely.Sara Ford writes on her involvement with a community garden in Ely. (Image: Sara Ford)

After a visit to see my sister in Sheffield over the summer I was so enamoured with how many community gardens they have all over the city.

Someone has even made a map of them so you can spend the day visiting each one. 

I instantly thought of a little patch of overgrown garden down the road from my house which is seemingly abandoned.

After chatting with the lovely Stuart Northfield, a local legend around this end of town, he told me it was owned by Councillor Bill Hunt and promptly set up a meeting to discuss taking it on as a project.

Cllr Hunt gladly agreed and has given us free reign of the space, so we got to work.

We set up a JustGiving page and invited the local residents to get involved if they wished. Following some generous donations from other neighbours, financially and in plant-form, plus a beautiful memorial bench for a Silver Street resident, we're very nearly ready for the grand opening.

So if you happen to find yourself down our road, or you would like a moment of peace and quiet to enjoy the nature around you -

 

I would also encourage you to think about doing similar where you live... It really is a warming new addition to our street. I can't wait for it to be used by neighbour and strangers alike, a place to connect or contemplate.

Maybe one day there will be a map of the community gardens in Ely!

Sara Ford

@fresh.social

@4thdimensiondance.