The Hamlin Gardens special commission
In late 2024 were we approached by Live and Move Exeter to form a Pod of local residents on the Hamlin Gardens estate to explore themes around physical activity, health and wellbeing.
We were excited to meet with residents there to ask them:-
What's great enough about Hamlin Gardens to CELEBRATE? or
What's important enough to CHANGE?
What's important enough to CHANGE?
|
Here are some of the things they told us:- We’ve had some great feedback. Under “Great enough to celebrate” people have told us that a) They generally feel safe. b) They love the proximity to Heavitree’s green spaces c) They’re interested in the history of the estate (Hamlin Farm, the Circus and JLC Playing Fields). Under “Important enough to change” people have said a) The bins and waste management b) It’s called Hamlin Gardens but where are the Gardens?! c) Lack of direct access to the JLC Playing Fields d) Proximity to shops for those with mobility difficulties |
And after many sessions door knocking, taking to people around the Gardens and holding meet ups, we're thrilled to say that we now have a wonderful group of residents who have come together to take action promoting activity, health and wellbeing on the estate, for the benefit of their neighbours. Here are just a few of The Hamlin Gardeners!
|
The group quickly named themselves The Hamlin Gardeners. They have a WhatsApp group where they discuss action and take up tasks and anyone resident in Hamlin Gardens is welcome to join them. Just get in touch below.
They're busy preparing their Plan and will soon be posting it in all doors on the estate. If you don't see yours soon please get in touch.
They're truly dynamic and we think they're amazing! Why not come join them?
They're busy preparing their Plan and will soon be posting it in all doors on the estate. If you don't see yours soon please get in touch.
They're truly dynamic and we think they're amazing! Why not come join them?
The first planned event is a FREE Kite Making workshop for children over 5 years (all to be accompanied by an adult)
Saturday 2nd August 2025, 2.00-3.30 in the communal room, Hamlin Gardens
Spaces are limited to strictly first come first serve. Find out more and secure your place HERE
Saturday 2nd August 2025, 2.00-3.30 in the communal room, Hamlin Gardens
Spaces are limited to strictly first come first serve. Find out more and secure your place HERE
Exploring access to the Hamlin Playing fields from the estate
|
|
|
Ps this commission landed at the same time that we were exploring the Heavitree Squilometre nomination of The Secret Gardens of Heavitree. There's a strong theme of greening and community gardening developing with plans to create little pocket or "secret" gardens on the estate so it seems that the two projects have naturally coalesced.