The weather on Wednesday was a real mixed bag and as a result we had a smaller group than usual for GoodGym Greenwich. It didn't mean we covered any less work as we doubled our efforts to help clear 2 spaces around the Orchard Community Centre on the Greenwich/ Lewisham border.

Elderly theatre group

We ran roughly 3k from our base at the University to the Orchard Centre, where we met Elisabeth who works for West Greenwich Community Group. She told us a bit about the centre. It houses a nursery and playgroup and a community theatre group for elderly residents from the area. They have been putting on productions since the 70's when the building was erected and regularly take the shows on tour across London! Pretty inspiring really.

The community centre used to rely on a free council service to keep the garden areas outside of the centre in check but the service was axed in the last few years as council budgets were cut. As a result the hedgerows have been left to grow a little out of control, and rubbish is pilling up in the beds.

HedgeFun-ds

The hedgerows at the main entrance were our main target. Big thick thorns bushes were infiltrating the hedge with some pretty serious thorns at 'child hand' height. Armed with shears, Anna and Amy chopped it all back.

Littering for everyone

Alex and I were left with the job of clearing out the litter. We found a wide range of discarded items from tissues to transit van steps, chicken shop wrappers and 'healthy' sports drink bottles.

A lucky break

After a 40 mins labour we had to leave so made for home taking a long cut across Blackheath. We kept it nice and social on the run home running together all the way home (I spared the guys a tough hill session due to the lack of time.... Your luck may run out next week!).

Nice work guys.