A Spot of Toil with Topsoil

8 Goodgymers helped their local community in Lewisham
Lindsay Ramsey
Julian Osman
Matthew Tipler
Vic
Steve Lee
1 / 13
Lewisham

Monday 3rd March

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Lewisham runner

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Report written by Kim

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After a lovely sunset, Lewisham GoodGymers assembled at Glass Mills for another evening’s activity – this time, a return to the Rural Urban Synthesis Society, better know to us as RUSS. A short sharp run was just what was needed, on a cold Monday evening, as we were met by Eleanor and assigned our tasks: clearing away topsoil in readiness for future planting, plus some soil rotivation if time allowed. Whilst a team filled sacks with soil, 2 wheelbarrows were provided to transport them to their destination… but wait, disaster: one have a VERY flat tyre, as Julian discovered during the first slow and shaky delivery!! Fear not, though, as a substitute cart was offered and ensured the sacks would keep flowing nearly as fast as they could be filled. And were they filled fast!! As our total passed 30, and a slight backlog built up, there was time to start that rotivating whilst the last sacks were taken away. After a good evening’s work, and a quick team portrait, we were rewarded with tea and biccies before our run back to base – see you again soon, RUSS, perhaps next time in some daylight!


This task supported
RUSS Community Housing
A new community-led co-housing development in Lewisham

RUSS is a volunteer-led Community Land Trust based in south London, founded in 2009 with the mission of creating sustainable neighbourhoods and genuinely affordable homes. We aim to bring together people and nature to build a more mutually beneficial world. RUSS is building 36 new flats at 12 Church Grove in Ladywell which are aiming to be low-carbon, and will be a mix of flats for sale, shared ownership, and social and affordable rent. Future residents and volunteers have been involved in the construction process since January 2023, and others will join to help build bike and bin stores, finish off flats and communal areas, and plant and look after the gardens. https://www.theruss.org/

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