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Wednesday 23 July 2014

Wonderful Wild Flower Walk with Bob Gilbert

On Friday 20th June we took a walk from Hackney Wick station through to the Olympic Park with Wild Flower expert and author of The Green London Way, Bob Gilbert.


Bob began his talk by discussing Hackney Wick with us. Wick being the old name for farmstead, Hackney Wick has always been set apart from Hackney, a kind of edge land by the River Lea. It used to denote the boundary between Middlesex and Essex.

'Dirty' industries took root here (tanneries, factories), with noxious fumes carried away by the prevailing wind. It is an area of great character, independence and industry.

Bill pointed out Geranium Pratense (purple flowers) growing on the bank by Hackney Wick station - these are commonly known as Crane's Bills.





Buddleja and Alianthus ('the tree of heaven') were pointed out to the group




By the Canal, Bob showed us some Mallow which sounds like 'mellow' and soothing / calming effect on the nerves. Marshmallows were made from taking sap of marsh mallow and mixing it with sugar.


'Adam and Eve go up your sleeve' - watch as this ear of corn creeps up your sleeve. Bob used to call these caterpillars in his youth.


Gipsy wort is also found by the canal (green) - rub the leaves into your hand and green dye appears. Gipsys washed in the canal waters and this may be what contributed to their swarthy tans.

Bird foot trefoil (yellow) country name: eggs and bacon (red buds)


Before we waved goodbye to the plants, Bob identified Achillea millefolium, otherwise known as Yarrow. In ancient myth, Achilles had healing powers - Yarrow was known to  staunch the flow of blood: it is still used to treat nose bleeds today, as well as being used to flavour beer.
Snuff was made from it, and it was told that one could tell the future with this plant. Put it under your pillow and you will  dream of the person you are going to marry.


Bob then asked us to recite an ancient rhyme, whilst sticking this green plant up our noses!

Yarrow way yarrow way
Bear a white blow
If my love loves me
My nose will bleed now


No nose bleeds, which left some of us worried!




Bob found some Elder - dwarf elder - or also known as Dane Wort - some say that the Elder sprung up on the blood of slaughtered Danes at King Alfred's defeat of the Danes.


We passed the famous matchstick factory, at the end of our walk: Barbara Windsor's grandmother worked here.

Our thanks to Bob Gilbert for leading a fascinating walk and to the Senior BEEs for their contributions and participation.

Friday 4 July 2014

Party time in De Beavoir Square - this Saturday, 2-5pm


Come along and join us for a Party in the Park at De Beauvoir Square tomorrow!

We will be populating a map of London with plasticine creations, and conducting a series of historical walks around the area.

Do pop by and say hello!

Thanks to De Beauvoir Square Association for inviting us along!

Thursday 3 July 2014

Come and see Hoxton Hall film screening, featuring our Senior BEEs!


The Building Exploratory invites you to join us at the Capital Age Festival’s film screening 'Through the Lens' next Monday 7 July from 3.30 – 6.15

Our film of the Senior BEEs A tale of Hoxton Hall is to be shown as part of the screening which features a series of films made by an for older people. Please see the attached a PDF document for the full event programme.

The event is free but you’ll need to book a place by calling the Capital Age Festival on 020 7820 6788

The event will be taking place at the Russet, a café near to Hackney Downs Park at Hackney Downs Studios, 17 Amhurst Terrace, E8 2BT

Here’s a link The Russet’s website – which has a link to a map on their contact us page


For further information about the Capital Age Festival follow this link to their website.

We hope you can join us there!