Bulletin

A writer, journalist, essayist, film-maker and now an artist. It seems any anticipation Jonathan Meades must have felt in delving into the art world dissolved as he welcomed visitors to his premier art exhibition.

Guests were met with a life size likeness of Jonathan adorning the gallery reception wall, the mood was set. Carefully balanced pieces of neutral tones, textured, intense and somewhat lurid colour hung beside each other. Very much a trip for the eyes.

In relation to the atmosphere there was a definite air of intelligence and eccentricity from the visitors, high profile arts world figures and Jonathan's fans. This show is a go to for those familiar with Meades' as he turns a new venture in his already eclectic career.

In 2013 this happened https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxeDIQZ33VA. The following season Leicester City bounced back and gained promotion to the Premier League. The season after that, relegation back to the championship seemed inevitable, they remained firmly rooted to the bottom of the table with 19 points after 29 games but a remarkable turnaround, which saw them win seven of their nine remaining game and kept them afloat.

Fast forward to this year and Leicester City moved one step closer to securing their first Premier League title in their 132 year history yesterday. 5000-1 outsiders at the start of the season they are now odds on favourites to win.

If Leicester were to win the Premier League title (which is by no means a foregone conclusion) this would become the biggest story in Premier League history and arguably one of the greatest achievements in the history of all sports teams.

Back in the late ninety’s and early noughties the Premier League title would usually be a two horse race decided between Manchester United and either Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool, the top four was set in stone.

These teams' additional financial clout was compounded with the advent of the Champions League. This has provided clubs that finish within the top four with additional money; over £1bn is divided amongst each of the 32 qualifying teams, an additional £10m is provided as prize money to each team before a ball is even kicked. Teams finishing in the top four received more money, bought better players and continued to outperform the clubs below them.

What is Leicester City's success is attributable to. Everyone has their own opinion on this. They are hungrier, more resolute and more organsied than any of the larger teams. This is not to take anything away from some of the individual players. Kante, Mahrez & Vardy are immensely talented and have been a revelation to watch this season.

Over a bank holiday weekend last May, Nomadic Community Gardens opened its doors at our vacant site in Fleet St Hill. In the months that have ensued the area has been transformed from a once neglected wasteland into a transportable community garden and art’s space. The site is flanked by two railway lines and has a triangular configuration, its orientation also makes it an ideal suntrap for plants. Its walls now function as one of the longest street art galleries in East London.

Fleet Street Hill forms part of our vision for the wider regeneration of the Tower Hamlets. Peter Barber Architects have drawn up plans for an exciting scheme that includes contemporary apartments and townhouses around a new public square and starter units for new businesses on the ground floor. Once completed, the scheme will make a tangible contribution to the area through the delivery of family homes, employment and public realm in a once neglected brownfield site.

In the interim, Nomadic Community Gardens, a grassroots social initiative aimed at engendering health, responsibility and security to surrounding residents has utilised the land to engage with the local community by showcasing innovative urban agriculture techniques using a modular pallet bed system to create “pop-up” gardens.

Rob Soning, Londonewcastle’s COO believes that 'meanwhile use' should become a widely adopted practice across the industry. “At both Fleet Street Hill and Redchurch Street we have adopted an active policy of engaging with young creatives and social entrepreneurs for the benefit of the wider community. At Fleet Street Hill we have been able to put the site to good use too as a functioning part of the urban outdoors and as such have empowered the local community.”

Nomadic Gardens is open all year round so if you want to get your hands dirty and be a part of a great project find out more @fb- Nomadic Community Gardens or visit their website www.1lovecommunty.org.uk. '