NEWSLETTER Issue 8
GASWORKS DOCK PARTNERSHIP GDP is proud to be a Leaway strategic delivery partner Cody Dock, 11c South Crescent, Canning Town London E16 4TL Office: 020 74 73 04 29 Charity Registration No. 1141523 Company Registration No. 7135282 www.codydock.org.uk _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Marcus McKenzie – Chair David Asuni – Treasurer Bianca Mawani – Trustee Martin Torres – Trustee Abigail Dean - Trustee Tim Vaughan – Trustee, Company Secretary COMMITEES & SPECIALIST ADVISORS Tom Randel-Page – Architect and Planning Committee PUP Architects – Masterplan Architects Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design – Planning Consultant Office for Crafted Architecture – Architects Freshfields – Legal Knox Cropper – Finance ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Chris Westwood – Vice Chair 2009-2016 Clive Dutton – Trustee, Regeneration and Planning Lead 2011-2015 Julia Briscoe – Trustee, Engagement Lead 2009-2016 Pat Fitzsimons – Trustee 2016-2019 Peter Ellis – Chair 2009-2016 Simon Myers – Founder, former Trustee 2008–2015 and current CEO Simon Stone – Trustee, Company Secretary, Legal and Property Lead 2009-2015 Steve Rattray – Trustee, Treasurer 2009-2014 Suzanne Rankin – Trustee 2015-2017 EMAIL US contact@codydock.org.uk FOLLOW US
@CodyDock
@CodyDock
@cody_dockers
GDP would like to thank the following organisations for their support
WELCOME TO CODY DOCK Marcus McKenzie, Chair Exciting times ahead at Cody Dock and, as Chair of the Trustees Board, I am delighted to be able to give you this update. Firstly, a heartfelt and massive thank you to the GDP Team and our fantastic (and ever growing) army of volunteers passionate, resilient, dedicated are just some of the words to describe their tireless efforts in getting us to this point.
Huge progress has been made, sometimes against all odds, to turn the Cody Dock from a proven concept to a permanent development. Having secured planning permission for our master plan last year, there has been a concerted fundraising campaign, targeting specific grant funders for specific awards and I am very pleased to say that that campaign has already resulted in three significant awards: • a £500,000 grant from the National Lottery to fund many of GDP’s core costs over the next four years; • a £342,210 grant from the Veolia Environmental Trust to build our community centre; • a £150,000 grant from the London Marathon to build our public Leaway Wash Block facility.
In addition, GDP is in the process of agreeing with the Council a new long lease of the Council owned access road into Cody Dock, thereby ensuring continued access to the Lea River Park via Cody Dock. There is much now to do to manage the construction of the new facilities at Cody Dock, with plenty of opportunities for people to volunteer and so bring them to fruition. GDP has also applied/is in the process of applying for certain other grants to assist with other aspects of the development including the construction of the rolling bridge and the restoration of the dock itself. Although we did not reach our crowd funding appeal target for the rolling bridge in the summer of 2019, we were really heartened by the amount of support and pledges which we received from all our supporters, and this has encouraged us to re-double our efforts to raise the balance of the funding needed to be able to build it. All being well, one of the grants which we are applying for will be awarded and so provide us with the necessary funding. GDP would not be here today without the generous support of all its stakeholders and the thousands of volunteers who selflessly give their time for the project. GDP is enormously grateful for all the support and is really excited that the next chapter in the history of Cody Dock is now beginning.
GOING FOR GOLD! Simon Myers, CEO Gasworks Dock Partnership The Royal Horticultural Society’s London In Bloom annual awards recognise the individuals and community groups who do the most to improve the natural environment and make London a brighter place by keeping our capital blooming. It gives me great pleasure to share and celebrate the successes of our gardeners and volunteers who have scooped two top level RHS London In Bloom awards and a certificate of National Distinction in recognition of all their hard work and dedication both within our own gardens at Cody Dock and within the surrounding neighbourhood.
Beach Aster, Erigeron glaucus ‘Sea Breeze’ at Cody Dock
RHS London In Bloom Gold Category: “Our Community” This year the Cody Road and South Crescent Business Group effort was bigger than ever with new arrivals, such as the Star Lane Pizza Bar, GBL Studios, Clark Electrical Industries and Thames Tideway working alongside our charity, Sainsbury’s, Newham Council, Star Primary School, Union Hand Roasted Coffee, Bywaters, London Ambulance and local residents to help us improve local ecology, install bird and bat boxes, clear litter and conduct citizen science surveys so that we can better understand and care for the wildlife residing in our neighbourhood. Levels of fly tipping and general littering have significantly reduced and whilst it is still no way from perfect, local businesses and visitors to Cody Dock and the Leaway have commented on how much safer it feels when walking through the industrial estate to walk to work or take advantage of the Lea River Park.
“A lot of thinking has gone into the work that has been done so far and how to continue and improve in the future. This is a remarkable site with excellent community participation. The gardening aspects are improving and their environmental responsibility is outstanding”. Comment by RHS London Its Your Neighbourhood Judge 2019 We hope to continue to build on this success throughout 2020, any local businesses, community groups or people who regularly work in the Cody Road industrial estate who would like to join this informal group through either volunteering or donating time or materials please contact Ben our environmental lead ben@codydock.org.uk
RHS LEVEL 5 Outstanding Category: “Its Your Neighbourhood” This second level 5 award for two years in a row was granted in recognition of our new drought-resistant 'gravel garden' which celebrates the extraordinary but often uncelebrated qualities of ‘open mosaic habitat’, combined with recycled materials and the amazing work of our dedicated gardening team who come rain or shine maintain and nurture Cody Dock's public spaces, bringing so much joy to all our visitors.
RHS National Certificate of Distinction And finally, this our first national RHS Certificate of Distinction was awarded to all our volunteers, staff and community groups, “recognising their efforts to brighten up their local community through their gardening, biodiversity and horticultural work”.
If you would like to get involved with our gardens you can join us every Wednesday from 11am till 3pm for one of our open drop in sessions or get in touch with us by emailing contact@codydock.org.uk to find out what other opportunities are available.
2020
2020
Saturday 28 March 11am-4pm Come and have a go! Join us for our 2020 Spring Forward event, have a go at a Foraging walk, workshops & outdoor games! Meet our gardeners, check out the River Lea photo exhibition in the Gallery, find out how to get involved or simply come and sample the delights of Cody Dock CafĂŠ and licenced Bar
Get involved in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch
at Cody Dock SUNDAY 26 January (public)
2020
MONDAY 27 January (schools) From 7:30am to 3pm
Help collect valuable data to protect and promote wildlife in the local area A great chance to learn about local bird species and your environment Free refreshments and resources provided For more information visit www.codydock.org.uk or email contact@codydock.org.uk
VOLUNTEERING AT CODY DOCK Throughout the year, we run volunteer days that have lots of opportunities to get creative and be involved in our projects and events. Dock Restoration An important part of the wider vision for the future of Cody Dock is the restoration of the dock back into a working dock that celebrates its industrial heritage. Fancy trying your hand at brickwork? Sign up with us for dock restoration volunteer days. Construction and Site Maintenance Volunteers can help with simple construction activities, such as building new seating, shelters, laying footpaths or preparing the site for our seasonal community events. There is always regular maintenance work indoors and outdoors. You can learn to use hand tools, power tools, do wood work and painting whilst developing your building skills with confidence. Gardening and Landscaping Our gardens are a firm favourite with the local community who value the green space tucked within a hugely industrial area beside the River Lea. We have 3 gardens which require watering, re-seeding, weeding, turning over, new planting and general maintenance activities. The Community Gardening Club meets every Wednesday 11.30 am-3pm to sow, plant, dig, prune, water, weed while learning about gardening from each other and guest horticultural specialists. All ages warmly welcome. No prior experience needed. Citizen Science and Environment Take part in our environmental volunteer programme where we focus on gathering valuable data and information about the local ecology and take action to improve the environment. Whether you have expertise or a passion for your local green spaces we welcome all. Fridays 11am - 3pm. Schools, youth, further & higher education We’re fortunate to be able to provide a unique combination of learning facilities for local schools and other educational institutions. The River Princess community boat offers a floating classroom suitable for all kinds of learning from early years to university; the outdoor classroom with fire pit lends itself to forest school activities, practical skills and nature education; the indoor Gallery serves as a great meeting and exhibition space. Boat Handling and Crew Members We are operating the River Princess as a class V passenger training vessel. We train volunteers to be crew members on the boat. This includes boat maintenance, navigation and piloting, passenger handling, as well as sharing information about the ecology and heritage of the area. If you are keen about boating, like to spend time with like-minded folk, want more boat handling experience or are considering a career working on our
UPCOMING EVENTS BURNS NIGHT, Friday 24 January, 6pm-midnight A night in honour of Rabbie Burns featuring food, drink, poetry and a live ceilidh band to dance the night away. All levels of experience are welcome, whether you’re a seasoned dancer to Scottish reels or this is your first time. RSPB BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH Sunday 26 January (Public) drop in from 7:30am to 3pm Monday 27 January (Schools) Get involved in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. Help collect valuable data to protect and promote wildlife in the local area. A great chance to learn about local bird species and your local environment. Free refreshments and resources provided. SPRING FORWARD 28 March, 11am-4pm Join us for our Spring event, have a go at a Foraging walk, workshops & outdoor games! Meet our gardeners, check out the River Lea photo exhibition in the Gallery, find out how to get involved or simply come and sample the delights of Cody Dock Café and licenced Bar. CALENDAR PHOTO EXHIBITION 28 March – 26 April Cody Dock Gallery, 10am-5pm This exhibition focuses on the River Lea’s rich tapestry and is made up of the winning entries from our last year’s calendar photo competition. YOUR RIVER LEA CODY DOCK PHOTO COMPETITION Deadline for entries: 4 September This annual photo competition is dedicated to all things Lea: heritage, community, waterways and wildlife. For further information on terms and conditions and how to apply, please go to our website.
BIG LUNCH SUMMER EVENT 6 June, 12pm-6pm Share a meal with your neighbours as part of this national event. Featuring live music, games and activities. Bring a dish to share! LONDON ARCHITECTURE FESTIVAL 13 – 22 June We will have a rolling program of activities over the month to celebrate London’s Architecture Festival: open studios, workshops and exhibitions. More info in www.londonfestivalofarchitecture.org
OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND, 19 and 20 September, 10am-5pm “One of London's most exciting creative spaces, Cody Dock provides a gateway to the Lea River Park and is home to a gallery, gardens, cafe & bar that make this the perfect pit stop for exploring The Line Sculpture trail and Lower Lea River” (in Open House website). More in www.openhouselondon.open-city.org.uk YOUR RIVER LEA CODY DOCK PHOTO EXHIBITION 19 September – 19 October, Cody Dock Gallery, 10am-5pm An opportunity to see the 12 winning entries to our photo competition which will also be reproduced in our calendar. LIGHTING UP THE LEA/ TOTALLY THAMES FESTIVAL, 20 September “Totally Thames is an annual celebration of the River Thames and its tidal tributaries with a creative and diverse programme that inspires, connects and enthrals”. For more information about the festivities running throughout the month check out the interactive calendar on www.totallythames.org HALLOWEEN 31 October, 5pm-9pm A family event and a spooky destination of fun with a big fire, visuals, yummy food, live music, face painting, walkabout, trickery, workshops, entertainment and prizes for the best home-made costume and for those who bring the best carved pumpkin! Dress up and be there! FROST FAIR 28 November, 12pm-5pm Join us in our winter fair and discover our festive stalls and indoor bazar. There will be food and drink, music, outdoor games and activities for all ages. If you're interested in applying for a stall, please send an email to contact@codydock.org.uk MORE EVENTS Please visit our website for more information about upcoming events at www.codydock.org.uk DONATIONS Are you able to support the essential work we’re doing here at Cody Dock? We rely on the donations of generous funders, businesses and individuals to make our vision of Cody Dock as a thriving community and creative quarter a reality. Donations are essential to cover day-to-day running costs, as well as specific projects within our environmental and heritage work, bridge fund and educational boat trips. Donations can be made via our website by clicking on the ‘Donate’ button at the top of the page or you can speak to one of our team (0207 473 0429). Thank you!
CODY DOCK
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
WELCOME ONBOARD! Cody Dock is a historic part of East London’s Docklands that is being transformed into a community hub and an oasis for wildlife ※ We offer a wide range all-year round for volunteering opportunities that enable local people, businesses and organisations to take part in the regeneration of Cody Dock and the Lea River ※ Our work would not be possible without the support of volunteers that provide crucial time, skills and passion ※ Tea, coffee and light refreshments are always available, you will receive a guided tour of the site, community boat and learn about the local heritage on your first visit
GROUP VOLUNTEERING Corporate and community partnerships are vital to our development and success. They have already played a key role in opening up the lower Lea River for leisure and learning, restoration of our community boat and development of our award winning gardens. Why volunteer and who benefits? ⸎ Individuals gain new learning about Newham's rich industrial heritage and develop skills, opportunities and networks ⸎ Cody Dock and our charity (GDP) develop relationships as well as site improvements for all to enjoy. Businesses have increased visibility and social capital in the community
⸎Increased staff morale, skills, motivation, commitment, performance and a fresh perspectives to bring to the workplace ⸎ Stronger relationships with partner companies when joining forces for a joint volunteering venture ⸎ Volunteers get to see their contribution to positive change and importantly being part of something that leaves behind an East London Legacy
ON THE DAY On a typical day: There is construction and maintenance work, environmental and conservation activities, gardening and site preparation. Tasks: Are all fully risk assessed and supervised and are suitable for all levels of ability. Group size: 10 to 40 people. Please enquire about your group requirements. Costs: £40 per head, this includes materials, equipment, PPE, project planning, site visits, risk assessment and supervision throughout the day. Refreshments: Free, unlimited tea, coffee and water. Optional home-cooked, healthy lunch (including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free) from our on-site Cody Dock Café. Bar available where everyone can relax together after day of satisfying work.
OPPORTUNITIES ● Dock Restoration Built in 1871 it is one of London’s only remaining brick lined docks. It had its peak of activity during the industrial revolution, becoming derelict for 25 years until 2013 when Thames Water donated it to GDP. This is a chance to learn valuable masonry skills, restore historic infrastructure and be part of local legacy to help reactivate this once thriving Dock. ● Environment Citizen Science and Cody Wilds The ‘natural’ reed beds, river banks, dock and surrounding area itself are important for local flora and fauna. There is a data gap which includes this stretch of the river. Volunteers will help observe, monitor and record the biodiversity here as the area changes rapidly, informing national data sets while learning about protection of the natural environment. ● Construction Activities and Site Maintenance There are large construction projects, such as building our visitors centre and wash-block facilities. Volunteers can help with activities such as creating new seating, shelters, and footpaths. There is also regular maintenance of our community boat, gallery space, outdoor classroom, workshops, picnic areas and site preparation for seasonal community events, as well as site clearing and logistics. ● Landscaping We have plenty of opportunities to develop spaces and habitats helping to transform sites around Cody Dock and the local area by creating or improving communal greenspaces with benches, hanging baskets and signage showing what plants and animals are here. You can also get involved in planting out native trees/ shrubs and creating features to promote foraging and habitat for local wildlife. ● Gardening The community gardens require maintenance year round. These include permaculture, sensory, gravel, food growing, native hedge and ornamental gardens.
FEEDBACK “It was my first experience of a project like this and I was wowed by the enthusiasm and knowledge imparted by staff. I enjoyed being outside doing something that will benefit the area.” “Whilst monetary donations are great for these sorts of community projects, the real benefit for us was working together as a team to achieve something for our local community. We really felt that we were making a difference and we even learnt a few new skills along the way! All in all, a great opportunity to be involved in something that will be of fantastic benefit for the wider community.” “Working as a team with colleagues and feeling that I was contributing to the community. It was all helped by being supported by such a friendly team at Cody Dock.”
WHO WE ARE
FIND US
5 min walk from Star Lane DLR Bus 323 stop H or J Situated along the lower Lea, it is a short 5 min walk from Star Lane DLR. Our mission is to enable people to come together to enjoy, Leaving the station take the left hand learn and benefit from the tidal, lower River Lea. Cody Dock exit. Head over the crossing and walk and the surrounding area has rich ecology and heritage. Our up Cody Road, opposite the station. volunteering days encourage everyone to get involved in By Union Roasted Coffee take the first practical activities and acquire new skills as well as create left onto south crescent, following the opportunities and develop relationships. road to the top. When you see the During the past 8 years over 7500 volunteers have Cody Dock arch you’ve made it! transformed this 2.5 acre riverside site from a derelict, inaccessible, rubbish-filled area into a green haven and vibrant community space open to all. Gasworks Dock Partnership (GDP) is a registered charity leading the regeneration and development of Cody Dock in Canning Town in the heart of Newham, London E16, an inner city area with high deprivation undergoing rapid change.
With planning permission granted, its all-hands on-deck, creating opportunities - including renovating the old dock, building a new visitor centre and maintaining our award winning gardens. Our volunteer days offer a choice of tasks to suit different interests and abilities so everyone feels comfortable with what they are doing. We have a programme of restoration works, landscaping, gardening and construction projects throughout the year.
CODY DOCK 1 1 c S o uth C r e s c e nt C a nni ng T o w n L o ndo n E 1 6 4 T L Phone: 020 7473 0429 Mobile: 07543810969 contact@codydock.org.uk www.codydock.org.uk Charity Registration No. 1141523 Company Registration No. 7135282
VOLUNTEERING Belle Tidswell Celebrating 150 years with
This year we had a great volunteering partnership with our neighbours Sainsbury’s fulfillment center who wanted to celebrate their 150 years with us. We had opportunities throughout the weeks from May through to October and staff had the opportunity to take a day off from their normal duties and spend time at Cody Dock volunteering. On Mondays people came and helped with general construction, site work and restoration work. On Wednesdays the focus was more landscaping and gardening and Fridays volunteers worked with Ben on our Citizen Science program doing conservation work, where they monitored and recorded local wildlife and ecology in the area, as well as creating and maintaining wildlife habitats. Jobs recorded were: Gardener, Labourer, Birdwatcher, Water Quality Auditor, Habitat Installer, Plant Recorder, Dock Restorer.
In total we had just over 448 hours of volunteer time, which gave us a real boost. It was great working with and meeting people who live and work in the area, and we have made some lifelong friends. Another positive outcome was the enthusiasm that was taken back to the warehouse about conservation and protecting and encouraging wildlife habitats in an industrialised area, as a result we are talking about creating a green wall on the Sainsbury’s site and sharing ideas for conservation work.
Building Crafts College and Dock Restoration Another great partnership was launched in 2019 and will continue this year with construction students from the Building Crafts College in Stratford come to learn brickwork. The students have started to lay the first permanent bricks on site and have a work experience opportunity that can’t always be delivered in the classroom. We have started to replace our old wooden framed permaculture planters with strong long lasting brick built planters. The entrance to Cody Dock is looking smart, and the plants are thriving. We look forward to the next cohort joining us next term.
Neil is a heritage brick builder who is enthusiastic about restoration work. When we showed him the dock he was excited about getting involved in the restoration work. During the summer we invited volunteers to come and gain new skills and knowledge whilts helping to restore our dock. One of Neil’s first students now helps us run our weekly dock restoration sessions on Saturdays. If you would like to be part of the Dock restoration project and want to see this amazing bit of Victorian engineering built in 1871 brought back to life, please get in touch. Sessions will run on Saturdays 11 - 3pm. Email contact@codydock.org.uk Give us a call or pop in to say hello!
CITIZEN SCIENCE Benjamin Bishop
Open volunteer sessions Friday 11am - 3pm For group bookings, school trips and more information about taking part or supporting our environmental projects contact ben@codydock.org.uk It has been a fantastic year for volunteers to get involved with our citizen science project. Community members, local businesses and schools have all taken part and had an impact on our project!
Wildflower Records Volunteers helped to carry out surveys using the mobile app ‘epicollect5’; enabling them to explore the biodiversity of the lower lea, whilst collecting information for submission. The app acts as an accessible platform allowing evidence for records to be collected whilst gaining ecological and environmental knowledge. Volunteers took the opportunity of spring and summer to record the diversity of wildflower species along the Lea. The app allows them to take photos of key identifying features, record GPS, habitat type and species if known. Eastlea - Go Wild Pupils from Eastlea school had success in applying for a grant from Grow Wild for their ‘Go Wild’ campaign. They set out to explore wildflowers in local urban areas at Cody Dock and along the River Lea. Learning about the identifying features, habitats and their importance to the environment, whilst exploring the river and making field sketches. Their goal was to use the learning to inspire and design a wellbeing wildflower garden at their school. Breeding Birds Survey This year volunteers recorded high numbers of sand martins foraging at Cody Dock. Around 40 individuals were counted, indicating nesting and breeding. Volunteers also made some new sightings this year recording species such as Reed Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler and Sedge Warbler.
Bat Boxes Community volunteers with the help of the Sainsbury’s ‘150 Years Volunteers’ had great success in installing bat boxes around South Crescent. A difficult task that required a ladder, drill, screws, galvanised cable, fasteners and many pairs of hands! Bat boxes need to be mounted at least 3m above ground, facing south or south east and are more likely to be used if along a forest edge or near water. Invertebrates - Bug watch Our database received its first log of invertebrate records through the ‘epicollect5’ app. The variety and number of invertebrates at Cody Dock is yet to be thoroughly examined. Volunteers have observed dragon and damselflies, butterflies, moths bees and beetles through their investigation of the diversity of our gardens, neighbouring open mosaic habitat, remnant woodland and fresh water sources. Enabling them to collate the data we need to verify and generate local ecology reports. Get Involved Through 2020 we will be continuing our efforts to record, explore and learn about our local environment. Over the autumn and winter months we are focusing on environmental quality auditing - water quality monitoring; habitat creation and wintering bird monitoring. There will be opportunities to learn theory and apply it in the practical volunteering as we expand and develop the ‘Citizen Science and Environmental program’. Continuing to create partnerships with local businesses and organisations who can provide knowledge and lead activities. Whilst we strive to engage the local community, schools, colleges and universities.
THE LINE Background The Line is London’s first dedicated art walk. Connecting three boroughs (Newham, Tower Hamlets and Greenwich) and following the Meridian, it runs between the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2. It features an evolving programme of art installations, events and landmarks, illuminating an inspiring landscape where everyone can explore art, nature and heritage for free. Walk, run or cycle The Line to embark on a unique cultural journey… Discover the waterways – the Thames, River Lea and canals – while enjoying unexpected encounters with art.
Upcoming The Line will be celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2020! We will be announcing a number of new projects and partnerships over the coming months and this is the first. The Line is delighted to announce that The Hatchling by Joanna Rajkowska will arrive at Cody Dock in November. The Hatchling is a large-scale replica of the egg of a blackbird (Turdus merula), one of Britain’s most common birds, known for its well-liked song and distinctive bluegreen coloured brown-speckled eggs. From inside the sculpture, sounds of hatching chicks can be heard, recorded by ornithologists with a microphone. The whole egg acts as a speaker, inviting visitors to touch and listen carefully to the beginning of new, fragile and defenseless life. In winter British blackbirds are joined by large numbers of migrants from Europe, mainly Scandinavia, the Baltic States, Russia and Germany. The sculpture reminds us of the many birds that live with us in cities – something we tend to forget. The Hatchling is a reminder of the fragility of the natural environment, the survival of which determines our own existence. For more information about The Line visit www.the-line.org To sign up to The Line’s mailing list, email info@the-line.org Twitter / Instagram / Facebook: @TheLineLondon
DEVELOPMENT PLANS Simon Myers Cody Dock 2020 Development Plans, “community building together�
With the confirmation of our new capital grant funding from The London Marathon and Veolia Environmental Trust and core funding from the National Lottery, 2020 is shaping up to be a very special year on the road to realizing our long term vision for Cody Dock. With this article we aim to give you a flavour of some the construction projects that will be running throughout the year, both of which will provide plenty of opportunities for people to get involved along the way!
Cody Dock’s Leaway & Watersports Building Ever since we first arrived at Cody Dock way back in 2011, we have dreamed of the day we would have running water, a sewerage connection and mains power! Up until now we have remained entirely off grid relying on a large generator for power and tanking in and out all our water and liquid waste. Despite this, since first opening our gates in 2012 GDP has provided free access to its portable toilets for some 30,000 visitors per year and over 8000 volunteers. With these numbers ever increasing it has for some time been one of our core priorities to raise the funds to design and build a purpose made washroom block with toilets, changing rooms, a public drinking fountain and showering facilities to service both visitors to Cody Dock and the Lea River Park. Our new London Marathon funded facility will not only enable us to better service visitors to the Lea River Park and Line Art Trail but with its new shower and changing facilities will improve the working conditions for our volunteers and open up a whole range of new activities such as school trips, watersports, running and river clean-up days. Designed by resident architects Office For Crafted Architecture, the building responds to its prominent location on our site by providing a land mark structure that will enable hundreds of volunteers to be involved in its construction and when complete will incorporate a green roof that will provide new nesting and wildlife habitat, out of reach of our feline residents!
Cody Dock Community Hall & Visitors Centre As Cody Dock welcomes an ever increasing number of visitors through its gates, we have been working hard towards developing our very own community hall and visitors space. That will accommodate community and arts events, school visits and volunteers all under one roof. With grant funding support from the Veolia Environmental Trust now confirmed, construction of our new 150sqm purpose made community centre will commence in 2020. The building will include a multi-functional venue and activity space, café and dining area, reception and charity shop that will provide the central focus to our public realm development plans. The design incorporates a simple yet beautiful timber frame, clad with timber and glass to create an open, airy, flexible space with high ceilings and a large southwesterly facing roof that has been designed to accommodate photovoltaic solar panels. The building’s design and use of natural materials will further demonstrate Cody Dock’s commitment to sustainable design and build on the environmental success of our award winning gardens. This new exhibition and activity space with welcoming indoor café and dining hall will transform Cody Dock and the Lower Lea River into an all-weather destination for local residents and visitors to the Lea River Park.
TALK TO ME Sculptures by Steuart Padwick Cody Dock is proud to be hosting a pair of sculptures by the artist Steuart Padwick called 'Talk to Me'. Direct from the interiors show – Design Junction, that takes place annually at London's Kings Cross – these large-scale works are an engaging two-piece interactive installation that was created to support of the mental health campaign 'Time to Change'. As passers-by approach these interactive giant wooden figures, a proximity sensor is triggered and they begin to voice poignant and uplifting words. The spoken words have been written by notable poets, writers, actors and mental health ambassadors including Rachel Joyce, Barney Norris, Olly Todd, Elliot Barnes-Worrell, Kirsten Irving and Errol McGlashan (Uncle Errol).
Mayor of London & Steuart Padwick at King’s Cross
Thames Tideway installation team at Cody Dock
“Cody Dock is an inspirational and important new public space, rescued from an overgrown, derelict, contaminated and forgotten piece of East London history. We are thrilled it is the new home for Talk to Me”. Steuart Padwick
In support of World Mental Health Day on 10th October, award-winning director Dan Henshaw has collaborated with Steuart Padwick to create a powerful three-minute film in a bid to provoke conversations around the nation’s mental health and wellbeing. It shows us the simple message that through communication with one another, the weight so many of us carry can be lessened. The film includes a stellar cast including Christopher Eccleston, Tom Goodman-Hill, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Niamh Cusack and Adam Kammerling. Subtitled Vimeo links 4 min: https://vimeo.com/365224711 45 sec: https://vimeo.com/365225703
IN ASSOCIATION WITH WWW.TOTALLYTHAMES.ORG
CHARITY DUCK RACE starts 11AM
DUCK RACE WITH PRIZES • LIVE MUSIC • LEA RIVER PHOTO EXHIBITION • ROWING DEMONSTRATIONS • REGATTA • WORKSHOPS • CAFÉ & BAR • VOLUNTEER INFORMATION STALLS “Totally Thames is an annual celebration of the River Thames and its tidal tributaries with a creative and diverse programme that inspires, connects and enthrals”
CHARITY NO. 1141523 WWW.CODYDOCK.ORG.UK
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