Rugby Green Party were delighted when former leader Natalie Bennett paid a surprise visit to Rugby on Monday 30th October.
Lunch at the Bacco Lounge with party members was the first item on the agenda and an opportunity to discuss local issues. On the way, Natalie expressed approval at just how many small businesses are thriving in the Regent 
Street and Albert Street area. The lunch provided an opportunity for us to unveil our terrific new rugby ball mascot with a hand painted Green Party logo courtesy of party member Bob Beggs.
Natalie then stopped off to inspect Gladstone Green Park in New Bilton. In July, local residents were delighted to learn that Gladstone Green had received a special Green Flag community award, in recognition of the active role local people play in the life of the park.
Natalie was given a tour by gardener Alisdair Rusk, who helps tend the park’s Edible Garden Project. Volunteers and residents pitch in to grow vegetables and herbs and make them available for visitors to pick, free of charge – in return for help tending and watering the beds.
Natalie said:
The Edible Garden Project is entirely in keeping with Green Party ideals – we think communities work best when people come together to make a difference to their neighbourhood, and enjoy nature and stay healthy while they’re doing it.
I am also really impressed at just how many small businesses are thriving in the Regent Street and Albert Street area. The Green Party wants to see us move away from identical high streets everywhere, with the same old chain stores – we want to put independent businesses at the heart of our economy, to keep money flowing locally.
Rugby Green Party coordinator Mark Summers commented:
We were delighted that Natalie took time out of her very busy schedule to visit Rugby and the Edible Garden Project. It’s a great initiative and it’s wonderful to see it succeed. I am hoping we see more projects like this spring up in Rugby.
Natalie’s energy and vision was a great morale booster and we very much hope she will visit us again soon.
Rugby Green Party 