Matt Ponting

Member since June 13, 2021

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Matt Ponting3 years ago Set of nature and heritage guided walks around Beckton and subsequent creation of a Beckton-themed co-produced community zine publication (printed at Newham-based Rabbits Road Press). In each walk the participants will have sketchbooks, to record their stories, and the area's history through discussions, notes and sketches. There will be 4 walks in total.Some of the topics could be:- Will Thorne with discussion about his national relevance- Stanley Kubrick in Beckton with locations from "Full Metal Jacket" film- The story of Simon Adams Beck, and the buildings around the gasworks (and railway line)- The Beckton Marshes and East Ham level: Exploring the nature of the marches and current nature- Building Beckton park: The history and background to the 1980s district park as well as the much older New Beckton Park- The Gallions railway: Follow the old railway path along the docks, and looking at the Vipers and Wagstaff designed buildings.The topics will be voted on via online survey and at the event, and new themes chosen by participants will be encouraged.The aim will be to create a publication which will be a record of the history and the community that is in Beckton, and to be listed in the British Library, with an ISSN number to keep it on record. The words and images will be a combination of the participants and experts, along with selected interviews.

Matt Ponting4 years ago As part of the greener travel priority I plan to design and produce fold-out cycle maps for journeys starting in Beckton and the Royal Docks, which take you on new adventures to the edge of the Newham and beyond.We live in one of the flattest greenest parts of London which has plenty of accessible traffic free paths for cycling. Outside of our local area, there are plenty of exciting local trips to be had over the Thames and A13. The map will encourage cycling along routes to the Olympic Park, Greenway, Lee valley and Roding Valley Way to the north, and along the Thames path to Greenwich and Thamesmead the south, using quiet, safe and flat routes.Estimated times will be provided as well as illustrations and photos of days out - For example the Olympic Park, Wanstead Park and Greenwich Park are less than 30 minutes by bicycle, often beating public transport or car times, with the added bonus of getting into nature, and getting fit. Along with the map itself, I’d like to include safe cycling tips and a directory of local cycle shops, workshops and training including such initiatives as Fix Your Ride and those of Newham Cycling Club.As the paths are traffic free and paved, these routes will encourage all skill levels to get the confidence to cycle and explore the borough and beyond. It will also complement the council’s Climate Change pledges.To launch the map, there will be a group cycling trip to encourage residents to try out some of the routes.

Matt Ponting5 years ago Local priority: Inclusive and Improved indoor and outdoor spacesMy project aims to improve the park signage in Royal Victoria Gardens, Beckton District Park and New Beckton Park, to make them feel safer, more accessible and appealing for all.The current signage consists of A1-sized maps behind transparent plastic. However, they’re in bad condition, some have been defaced, the paper is now faded and all are difficult to read as the transparent plastic has become old. The text is very small and the content doesn’t showcase the full spectrum of nature that can be enjoyed.My plan is for a new set of nature focussed maps - the content will be determined by community workshops to come up with bright colourful signs which illustrate:· Local wildlife· Community groups· Running paths· Wildlife walks· Did you know?· Links to other local areas – provide distances, and directions· Information on local wildlife – flora and fauna – tree identification· Green projects – e.g. orchards and tree plantingThe park signage itself will be modernised so it doesn’t get vandalised so easily. The most effective way of do this is to keep the current frames, repaint, remove the transparent plastic covering and print directly on a resin board. The boards can be replaced, as and when needed.