For many years the old orchard at
Cuckoo Hall here in sunny Aldborough Hatch has been overgrown and the haunt of
those who enjoy cans and the like. The land is owned by Redbridge Council and
leased to Mitchells and Butler who run the Dick Turpin Restaurant. Efforts to
engage LBR and M & B failed until The Urban Orchard Project came on the
scene and our MP Wes Streeting took things up on behalf of the Project and the
Aldborough Hatch Defence Association. On Saturday 23rd July a team of
volunteers started work clearing the undergrowth. The Dick Turpin provided a
welcome sandwich and soft drinks lunch, and the Duty Manager joined in too. LBR
collected bags of rubbish that same day - including rotting bedding in the
little building itself. Thanks to Councillor John Howard for arranging the
collection and the provision of sacks. We are indebted to Stephanie Irvine of
the Project for her expertise. We are back there on 13th August for more work.
Chris Gannaway is co-ordinating for the AHDA. Why not join us?
