High Summer tree gardens 2019

Hollyhocks fare particularly well in our Road, and they are resplendent. As Louise wrote the other day, many thanks to residents who have shouldered the burden of looking after a neighbouring tree garden, taking over from the founding team who started the whole thing many years ago. As Louise puts it: "Beautiful displays, all along …

Trees and gardens in June 2019

Play in our Road! April and May

This is Albe, taking advantage of the first monthly Play Street in Ockendon Road in April. He is riding on a tractor which has been passed from family to family in the Road. It was a sunny, quiet, playful two hours in the Road, with the promise of more to come. Many thanks to the …

No place like Dome: New Year 2019

This New Year Ramble 2019 was chilly and curious, and --curiously enough-- much enjoyed by all. These post festive walks often attract a goodly crowd, and 19 of us assembled bang on time at King George V station, one stop past London City Airport on the DLR. The station is named (of course) after the …

Can the tree gardens continuue? A message from Tony Campbell

This poignant email was sent by Tony Campbell on 8th November: Dear Ockendon Road gardener. I am sorry to have to write with disappointing news.  I do so on behalf of those who have been helping to look after those tree gardens that are not the individual responsibility of yourself and others. Sadly, advancing age …

Autumn 2018: Up to the Downs

The last weekend in September often vouchsafes wonderful walking weather, but this Ramble was tremendous: sun, big skies, and breath-taking views over Sussex and towards the sea. Two feeder groups successfully conjoined  at East Croydon; the curiously triangular station at Lewes was reached on time. Then a small select group of Ramblers embarked on the …

Spring 2018: Tiptoe through the Bluebells

The tumultuous headlong rush into spring was stilled by the chill on the day appointed for this Ramble. But nothing chilled the enthusiasm of the 14 walkers (and two dogs) who assembled at the seductively named Whyteleafe station at Saturday morning. Mostly recidivist Ramblers, with one very welcome new face.  And spring was all around …