The Earlham Grove Gathering

@Jay Smith I would still like to know these answers. I'm not going to give my vote to anyone who can't or won't explain how my money will be spent, or anwer these questions about what the project actually is.

@Jay Smith @Jay Smith sincere apologies for this delayed reply. I’m glad I still have the opportunity to get your vote! Anyone is welcome to join this event, and not just residents. My original plan incorporated paying for at least one road closure which would have consumed almost the whole budget. Since submitting my application, I’ve been told about alternative options for closing the road through a scheme called Play Streets and also as part of Car Free Day which I believe is in September. So this money will be used to run 4 ‘gatherings’ over the year based around the play streets idea. You’ll note that works out at just £1250 for each gathering. Rather than being a party (although I hope there’ll be a party spirit), each event will be a range of activities for people across different age groups, not just for children. I’ve got a questionnaire ready to go to find out what local people would be most interested in seeing / participating in as part of this project, whether that’s some art / craft, entertainment to watch, food to eat, physical activity or some kind of opportunity to socialise, like a book club or board games or for children, stuff to play with. Or anything else. I think it’s really important that whatever is arranged, that I am able to pay for local goods, services or artists so most of the money would be used for that. Also, note this is an outdoor project and we would need some shelter so would be calling on the services of @Susanne Rauprich who is applying for funding community gazebos, assuming her project gets through. I’d also like to collaborate with some of the other projects in this funding pot, like the Forest Gate Community Garden so that adds another layer of collaboration. As well as the gatherings themselves, the planning of these gatherings will bring the community together in another shape or form!

@Jay Smith i hope that answers all your queries.

@Zahra Jones Thanks for explaining the plans and thanks @Jay Smith for asking the questions. I'd very much like to help you in organising where I can! I am sure others in our neighbourhood would like to too! You have put on a couple of great street events and it's been such a nice way to get to know others in the community and feel like we are building a community.