Boro Doughnut Meeting (February 2025 update)

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Community Updates:

Welcome to our latest round-up of activities involving Teesside University, Boro Doughnut, and local partners. Here are some highlights from recent meetings and plans for the future.

1. Public Art and Urban Regeneration

A potential project led by Azadeh Fatehrad and Sally Blackburn aims to involve community members in creating murals, sharing stories, and exploring heritage crafts such as glass-making. The focus is on reusing materials and encouraging collaboration among various groups, including migrants and low-income families. The team is looking into funding and ways to connect with Boro Doughnut’s regenerative economic ideas.

2. Teesside University Modules

Teesside University is offering a Consultancy in Practice module, along with the Next Gen Navigators initiative, to support local projects. These student-led teams will help increase outreach through social media, raise funds, and promote volunteering. Plans include improving a Tennyson/Linthorpe Road alleyway with a focus on business compliance, education, and community involvement.

3. Waste Management Updates

A Waste Management Action Group has formed to address issues such as flooded gullies, bin replacements, and street cleaning schedules. There has been progress with trail cameras, collaboration with councillors, and the introduction of regular clean-up activities. The group is also exploring how to involve local landlords, builders, and suppliers in better waste disposal practices.

4. Edible Forest Garden

Volunteers meet weekly to work on an Edible Forest Garden, which includes creating birdhouses from upcycled wood and growing flowers requested by the community. Plans are underway to label trees, organise drone surveys, and design the space in a way that supports local biodiversity. There is also interest in using natural materials for weaving and crafts.

5. Blossom Festival Collaboration

A partnership with Ormsby Hall (National Trust), Thirteen, Bok Bok Books, and a local primary school will offer workshops, school visits, and hands-on activities like bug hotels and seed bomb making. The idea is to help families connect with nearby green spaces. Artwork produced by the children will go on display at Ormsby Hall in the summer holidays.

6. Other Activities and Future Plans

• Ongoing school visits with creative sessions around poetry and climate awareness

• A Repair Café that welcomes volunteers skilled in fixing items

• Various local funding applications (NearNeighbour and National Lottery)

• Preparations for events such as Mela and a summer Love Local event at Ormsby Hall

Next Boro Doughnut Meeting

Date: 12 March 2025, 6pmLocation: MVDA Broadcasting House, Gilkes Street TS1 5JA, or join via Zoom(Meeting ID: 861 4946 2303 / Passcode: 026657)

Everyone is welcome to contribute ideas, share updates, or get involved. We look forward to seeing you at the next gathering.