Saturday 19 September 2009

Minnowburn: The Gazebo


There was quite a number of us today at Minnowburn; well over a dozen, at least. We were working at the Community Garden, which is situated in a field behind the warden's office. The National Trust has created new allotments here. Today, our task was to continue work on the poly-tunnel and a brand new gazebo.

I spent the day with three other volunteers erecting the wooden framework for the gazebo, which will be used for shelter and social purposes by the allotment-holders. We made good progress and the framework is largely completed. The roof itself still needs to be fitted at some later date; and shingle tiles are being hand-made by staff and volunteers for this. it is reckoned that in excess of 400 tiles will be required.

We enjoyed a barbecue al fresco in the afternoon.

3 comments :

Sharon Owens said...

Sounds like a lovely project.

Maybe the world isn't going to hell in a handcart, after all?

Keep up the good work!!!

Timothy Belmont said...

I first discovered Minnowburn, the NT property, in Feb 2007; and, having visited it frequently, I'm convinced it's probably the finest green space in the whole of Belfast available to everyone.

The NT has done a lot of work in recent years, restoring and improving various features, like Terrace Hill Garden and viewpoint - which is sometimes called the Rose Garden. It is about five or six minutes' walk from the Car Park at Minnowburn.

Timothy Belmont said...

Ooops! I forgot about Belvoir Forest Park: it is another jewel in Belfast's crown.

Tim