Nestled in the heart of Grimsby’s East Marsh, the Community Hub and Garden Your Place has blossomed into a much-loved sanctuary, aptly dubbed by locals as a ‘little oasis’. From derelict land to a thriving hub of creativity and community spirit, the transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. The man behind this metamorphosis, Garden Manager Ernie Brown, took us on a tour of the flourishing community space, sharing the story of its evolution. Once a desolate corner of Weelsby and Wellington Streets, ridden with old cars, fires, and rats, the plot has seen an astonishing transformation under the stewardship of the Grimsby Neighbourhood Church. Today, it’s a bustling garden, a hive of activity, and a source of pride for the community. Ernie’s ethos is simple, ‘building people up’. His latest venture, providing free sourdough starter packs, has been a hit, with over 625 packs distributed not just locally, but across the UK and even as far as Spain. Visitors flock to this oasis, with the hub reporting an exponential growth in footfall from 98 in 2013 to an impressive 6877 last year. Assistant manager Claire Gardner, enthusiastic volunteers Trevor Griffiths, Trudy Murphy, and Chris Wardle all echo the same sentiment: this is a place of camaraderie, creativity, and community spirit. Open weekdays with an array of free activities, the garden is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the local community.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.
