Update 14 - 30th of March 2012

Spring is officially here and we celebrated in the best way by putting on this year’s first instalment of Beatroots.

Live music from DJ Urb, Niksays, The Last T-Rex, Richard Hall and more entertained the busy gardens on Saturday 24th, anti war speakers Bruce Kent Vice Chairman of the CND and Lindsay German also graced us with separate talks in the classroom.  Knitting, jewellery making and clay modelling commenced outside, plus there was plenty of delicious homemade food to enjoy.

Despite getting a bit chilly later on, the entire day beamed with blue skies and very warm weather, ending with a relaxing twilight bonfire for the management team (who were worn out).

The event was of course raising funds for your favourite green space, which took in almost £300, a big thank you to all that came and gave.

Due to the success of the event and the great vibe, we have decided to put on numerous Beatroot festival’s this spring and summer- stay tuned!

Sunday 25th marked co-founder Renny Antonelli’s birthday, resulting in a bacon and egg sarnie fry up and toffee chocolate cheesecake – needless to say he had a good day!

Since the last update The GBY has continued to work hard to create an even better project, with help from other organisations the lands are getting stronger every day.

Axiom housing arrived on Wednesday 14^th sowing flowering plants, garlic and wildflower beds, whilst giving the grounds a good weed.

Richard from Buglife also gave a very generous donation of new tools, consisting of hoes, racks, trowels and more.

Co-founder Sophie also appeared on Radio Cambridgeshire, early on the 15^th to talk with presenter Jeremy Sallis about the proposed plans for the new building, plus the future of The Green Backyard as we await confirmation from the council for a longer lease.

Kung fu classes have also been running strong with new arrivals as spring settles in, plus the return of sifu’s Rob Doran (Yi Quan) and Kim (Tai Chi).

David Hughes has been running the classes over the winter every Sunday, rain or shine, with over 25 years experience in Wing Chun (kung fu), he tutors all the above styles between 1-3pm.

Please note that the first lesson is free, lessons thereafter are £5.

Peterborough’s Evening Telegraph are also set to write another feature on the project, all the details haven’t be revealed yet but we’ll be sure to keep you posted.

There’s always more coming up at The GBY, so stay tuned to our Facebook, Twitter, news feed and website http://www.thegreenbackyard.com/news for regular updates.

Update January-March 2012

As spring begins to bloom more faces have been seen emerging onto the grounds of the GBY, ready to sow a seed, have a cuppa and help get the gardens growing.

Since the New Year the project has already been well under way preparing to make this year our most prosperous.  Behind the scenes, the management team have been cooking up some tasty ideas to treat the loyal volunteers and any new members that want to come along to one of our volunteer days on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Before we go into that, here’s a catch up of what’s been happening the past few months.

After the excitement of the project featuring in Permaculture magazine last year, we are proud to announce that in first three months of the New Year, the GBY have had articles in two national magazines.  Grow it! The gardening magazine showcased a double page spread of the 2011 gardens and highlighted all the great things we’ve been doing to 1000s across the UK.

Also in light of the new building plans we have for 2012, Architects Choice magazine included a news piece on page 6 of their March edition, inviting architects from across the UK to get stuck in and help out with our proposed recycled community centre.

Our rabbit haven now has two furry little friends to coo at, Blue the beautiful grey bunny has a new house mate.  Moony the white rabbit came to live with her in February; come and say hello as they are very friendly.

Sunday Kung fu classes have been running throughout the winter, with students learning three forms of holistic exercise.  Yi Quan (Yi Chuan), Tai Chi and Wing Chun are the arts practised between 1-3pm, come along and enjoy the first lesson for free.  Lessons are then £5 a week after the first session.

The winter period has also seen the Peterborough in Transition classes, bike workshops, willow weaving and clay sculpture courses.  Not to worry if you missed them though, as more of these will happen again – stay tuned to the website for updates. 

Moving onto the here and now, plus what’s ahead.  Saturday 10^th of February saw the project host another educational film screening entitled The War You Don’t See.  In association with the Peterborough Peace Campaign, the documentary reveals the main stream Medias perception of conflict.  This was another free event, with food and wine – another success.  More screenings will be coming later in the season.

Another monthly craft fair saw unique and handmade items displayed for sale outside in the sunny weather last Sunday, featuring gorgeous pressed flower vases, jewellery, jams and preserves, cakes and more - don’t miss the next one on Sunday 15^th of April.

This Wednesday (14^th of March), Axiom Housing roll up their sleeves to get down and dirty on our lands, come along and help them set us up for spring.  These lovely people who help disadvantaged people find affordable homes; manage 2000 households across Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire.  They have also kindly offered to donate £150 to us, to help with everything from building materials to seeds.

The week commencing 12^th of March, also sees us begin changes on site due to the scheduled work by UK Power Networks, starting with the move of the poly tunnels.

Wednesday 21^st of March from 7:30-8:30pm, get your creative caps pumping and your groovy vibes jumping as the drum circle gets together to bang out some unique beats.  Get down and enjoy for just £4.00.

Finally, on Saturday 24^th of March we see the return of Beatroots and the beginning of festival season.  This popular event last held in July 2011 sees local artists come together and perform multiple genres of music, a talk from the vice president of CND Bruce Kent, wildflower seed bomb making sessions, artists illustrating a range of graffiti, wood turning and clay modelling.  Plus there will also be stalls with handmade items and clothing, workshops and of course a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.  Come along and delve right in, funds raised on the day will help pay for developments on site.