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The Mother of All Weekenders

'I blooming love my mum' craft workshop

Lane & Vale locals were out in force at the weekend to celebrate Mother’s Day and show their support for our neighbourhood. The community campaign to support businesses in the Greyhound Lane & Streatham Vale area only launched two weeks ago so we’re rather pleased with the positive response from residents and business owners alike.

The Mother’s Day weekend celebrations began on Friday night at The Railway pub which hosted a full house for their ‘Common Folk’ music night. Saturday saw around 250 children and adults take part in a range of exciting activities at the pub including Flaming Nora’s ‘I blooming love my Mum’ flower making workshop, the Farmers’ Market and Photo-booth Out of Order’s amazing family portraits.

One of the happy visitors who shared a free photo-booth session with her family was local Mum Sue Lyon who has lived on Greyhound Lane for seven years:

Sue Lyon and family pose for a picture

“I heard about it after receiving a flyer through our door and I’m following [Lane & Vale] on Twitter. It’s been amazing since the campaign started, the neighbourhood seems happier, people are smiling and saying hello. It seems to be becoming much more friendly, raising people’s spirits.

We loved the photo-booth – nice to come and have a goofy time! Our 4-year olds loved it, as did I! It’s great to have so many activities going on. I wish you the best of luck and look forward to more!”

Balloons from the Village Card, Gift and Balloon Shop were handed out to passers by along with Lane & Vale badges, resulting in many smiley, happy children. Spirits were certainly high – even the gloomy weather couldn’t dampen the buzzing atmosphere.

Jane Grimshaw AKA Flaming Nora was very pleased to support the festivities by running her popular flower-making workshop:

One of many locals to enjoy Flaming Nora’s paper flower-making workshop

“I was very excited to be asked to play a part in the Mother’s Day celebrations in Lane & Vale. There has been such a great atmosphere with everyone really enjoying themselves. Hopefully there will be quite a few Mum’s waking up tomorrow surprised by the handmade bouquets of flowers the children have made them. Great day, top fun, wonderful people.”

Eleven year-old Leila Keegan who attends Granton Primary School chatted to us as she joined in the workshop:

“It’s cool. I’ve made a few flowers, I’m going to give one to Eleanor [my sister], one to my mum and keep one for myself. They look really nice.”

Farmers' Market on Greyhound Lane

And that’s not all – the popular Farmers’ Market was busier than ever with some stallholders almost selling out as families stocked up on Mother’s Day treats. One of those stallholders, Kerry O’Sullivan of Wren Cakes, is a huge supporter of the local area:

“We are all very passionate about The Railway Pub Farmers market. Shane has created a real gem in the area and we really feel part of the community. Lane & Vale has been a big part in bringing all the local businesses together and  encouraging people to shop locally!”

Family lunch in Lane & Vale

Glen Keegan, a local dad who lives on Lewin Road went to the music night on Friday where he heard about the weekend’s activities and decided to bring daughters Leila (11) and Eleanor (20) for the craft workshop and photo-booth on Saturday. He told us what he thinks of Lane & Vale: “I think it’s all really great. I’ve lived here for 20 years and it feels like it’s up and coming”.

With dozens of families taking advantage of special Mother’s Day menus at local restaurants, it’s clear that Glen is one of many locals enjoying all Lane & Vale has to offer its residents and visitors.

If you surprised your Mum with hand-made paper flowers or gifts from a local business, we would love to hear from you. Send us your photos via email or post on twitter or facebook. You can also view our albums of the weekend via our facebook page here, here and here!

Lane & Vale, love local