Growing Hope: community planting event at Ducketts Common

Organised by the Haringey Multi-Faith Forum and Haringey Multi-Faith Youth in collaboration with Haringey Council, this weekend’s gathering will allow local people the opportunity to: stand against hate and extremism; acknowledge the challenges facing Haringey communities and come together in a collective show of respect, strength and tolerance.

The afternoon’s activities, which will include clearing and tidying an area towards Turnpike Lane, a poetry writing activity and planting a rose bush, are in response to the recent countrywide arson attacks, increase in hate nationally and growing anxiety and fear within the community.

The rose flower has been chosen as a symbol of hardiness and strength and is meant to symbolise an acknowledgement that attendees wish to celebrate hope and love and stand together amid these uncertain times among our communities.

Light refreshments will be provided by local businesses and faith groups at the meeting point behind Café Roj in Ducketts Common, which – as the scene of the ‘Battle of Wood Green’ in 1977 – is a historically significant site for countering extremism and hate.

It’s hoped that the apt setting will serve as a timely reminder of the collective, community-based strength we have here in Haringey, and to remind everyone in the borough of the importance of togetherness and unity.