Community clean-up in Mayow Park

 Our community litter-picking events in Mayow Park are enjoyable social gatherings with a serious purpose.

We aim to collect as much litter as possible – of course. But we also aim to help wildlife living in the park by removing items that could cause them harm including plastic debris and wet wipes.  This is rubbish left by people, sometimes carelessly, but at other times   perhaps assuming that someone else will clear it up.

Our most recent event on 4^th August 2022 was during the school holiday and a great opportunity for families to join us. The weather was warm and sunny. Ideal. We met near the cafe and agreed which areas are most in need of litter clearance.  We got into groups and off we went.

Our local PCSO Andrea represented the Perry Vale police and worked with some children who were excited to see her as they know her from her visits to local schools.

PCSO Andrea with her team of helpers

We collected 14 bags of rubbish plus bits of garden fencing, metal items and a cushion. There were the usual items such as sweet and food packaging, paper, card, wet wipes, cans, glass bottles, plastic bottles, cigarette stubs and plastic covers from disposable drinking straws. 

Some of the volunteers

One of the volunteers did an awesome job of collecting rubbish in the fenced-off area adjacent to Mayow Road and which is normally locked. Our helpers were 8 children, 13 adults and 1 dog. The photo shows a few of those willing workers.

Thank you to Glendale staff for providing rubbish bags and litter-picking sticks and collecting the rubbish pile when we had finished. Thank you to the park users who volunteered to help and to the parents for bringing children to take part.

 Councillor Susan Wise joined us after the litter pick for entertainment by Nzinga Dance near the children’s playground. This was arranged by Nancy at Lewisham Council. Nzinga Dance is a performing arts organisation bringing African and African Caribbean dance to audiences. The two dancers wore traditional costume, played traditional drums and music. It was tempting for some of the audience to join in with the dancing. This was entertainment for young and old while a few children queued to have their faces painted. What a treat it was.

Thank you to Nancy for these lovely photos.

Audience participation

Nzinga Dance in action