Intrigued? Yes, so was I when I saw these initials recently, but this time there is no connection to a cosy TV show centred around a splendid white marquee with a panel of celebrity judges and a group of wannabe top bakers, GBBO in this context refers to the Great British Brick Off, which launched on the first May bank holiday weekend and runs throughout the summer of 2022 to support the restoration and development of the Edwardian walled garden in Hawkhurst.
It is the latest initiative of founder James Doran and his team at his Hands of Hope charity who have been great supporters of the Rye Foodbank with regular donations of seasonal produce. He says: “By restoring the wall the project’s legacy will be the preservation and restoration of an historic space whilst creating a new community hub for marginalised groups to attend.”
If you follow this link you get a very clear idea of what’s happening and how you can become involved. You can help by donating money but equally important is the need for materials and labour. If, like me, you want to learn how to lay bricks, why not donate your time in return for some professional tuition from qualified brick layers? For me the opportunity gives me the chance to cross off one more item on my bucket list and I’m signing up.
You could also buy some bricks, from single bricks for £25, 10 bricks for £100 or 50 bricks for £250. To make this project happen around 12,000 bricks are needed and large quantities of lime and mortar, so if you own a building or development company, here’s your chance to make a difference by donating what you can. The original gates need to be replaced, which is another way you could sponsor, as they have been lost or stolen over the years and are an important component to make the project complete.
Hod carriers, joiners, metal workers and brick layers are also needed and if you fancy donating your expertise on a ‘no pay for just one day’ basis please get in touch by email on james.doran@hohcharity.co.uk.
When the wall is complete, all those who have helped by donating will be invited to the grand opening event, and in the interim their names will be included on the virtual brick wall as it ‘builds’.
The Hands of Hope charity has already made a big difference to the lives of so many local people and, in their own words: “Our focus is getting people out, active, skilled and connected.”
Founder James Doran goes on to say: “Over the last couple of years, we have undertaken extensive community consultations to ensure we’re providing our community with exactly what they want. We are currently developing Hope Farm community garden as an inclusive space where participation in our programmes can help improve wellbeing through increased social contact, culturally valued activities, and mitigation of food poverty.
“Additionally, our site provides spaces for community connections between people from different demographics, including people of all ages, families, people who are isolated, disabled, in poor health and are experiencing mental health issues.”
There will be open days announced as the project develops, a chance for you to visit, see the work in progress and learn more about Hands of Hope charity and their work. Please feel free to share this article to get the message out there and if you can volunteer your time to this project please email louise.brangwin@hohcharity.co.uk, she is the volunteer coordinator who, we understand, is brilliant.
Image Credits: Hands of Hope .