Receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) this April was a proud moment for everyone involved with Bandstand Beds Association. The King’s Award, which is equivalent to an MBE, recognises the contribution of volunteer-led groups across the United Kingdom and it is a real honour to have the time, effort and commitment of our members acknowledged in this way.
It has also provided an opportunity to reflect on how far Bandstand Beds has come over the past decade. From the first raised beds beside the café next to the Clapham Common Bandstand to transforming a much larger former waste site on Windmill Drive into a thriving community garden, every stage of that journey has been made possible by volunteers, the wider Clapham community and Lambeth Council, which has played an important role in helping the project develop.
Over the years, BBA has also been fortunate to receive support from organisations that recognise the importance of community growing and accessible green space in the heart of London. Funding from the National Lottery Community Fund has helped us improve the site, expand facilities and make the garden a more welcoming and sustainable space for local people.
As Bandstand Beds has become more established, we’ve become part of a wider network of organisations championing community growing across London. We are an active member of both Capital Growth and Incredible Edible Lambeth.
Partnership work has also become an increasingly important part of what we do. During National Tree Week 2025 we worked with Lambeth Council and The Orchard Project to plant a small orchard in the area of the Common beside our community garden., which will be maintained by BBA volunteers. We also work alongside local charities, running volunteer sessions for the Ace of Clubs and hosting gardening activities including Froglife’s dementia-friendly Wild Times, and nature bereavement therapy with Royal Trinity Hospice. These collaborations reflect something we strongly in – that community gardens can play a meaningful role in wider networks of food security, wellbeing and mutual support.
Alongside grants and external support BBA has always relied heavily on its own fundraising and the generosity of the local community. Every Saturday, we run a stall at the garden where people can pick up seasonal produce, plants and preserves, in exchange for a donation. Our annual Feast has also become an important community event as well as a fundraiser. Money raised from donations, volunteer time and local support continue to play a huge part in keeping BBA going year after year.
In a city where many people have little or no access to growing spaces of their own, projects like Bandstand Beds matter. The garden provides an opportunity for people to get outdoors, learn new skills, grow food, connect with nature and spend time with others. We’ve continued to welcome people of all ages and backgrounds through regular gardening sessions, workshops, school visits and community events, helping create an inclusive community space that we’re very proud of.
While receiving the King’s Award has given us an opportunity to reflect on how far Bandstand Beds has come, we’re also looking ahead to the future. We’re currently fundraising to bring electricity into the community garden, and our field kitchen. This is an important next step that would help improve the space and support more activities, workshops and events throughout the year.
There is always more to do in a community garden and like many volunteer-led organisations we continue to face challenges around funding, maintenance and resources. But what has sustained Bandstand Beds over the years is the continued enthusiasm and commitment of the people involved. So much has changed since the early days of our beds beside the cafe at Bandstand, but the spirit of BBA remains much the same. It is still a place shaped by people giving their time for free, sharing knowledge and working together to create something valuable and wonderful for the local community.
This King’s Award has been a fantastic honour that belongs to BBA members – past and present – who have contributed to organisation over the years. We are hugely grateful to all those who have helped make the community garden the amazing space it is today.
Written by Abby Trott – BBA Trustee.
Photo credit – Brian Russel Photography.
To find out more about how to become a BBA volunteer and sign up for membership, click here.