It was a lovely balmy evening on 1st September as six of us returned to Chelwood Primary school. The last time we were here, in January, was to line some planters and plant some herbs as part of the sensory garden, so it was great to see straight away how these herbs and tactile plants had grown. And with them, even a few surprise self-propagating begonias, and some rather sizeable lockdown weeds (which were later whisked away).

After a warm welcome from the headteacher, we set to work on the, as ever, beautifully organised list of tasks, including:

• Raking the sandpits • Weeding the planters • Removing dead plants • Edging the pathways, to uncover the 'hungry caterpillar' • Tidying the woodchip pathways • Weeding the log patch • Sweeping the playground

Thanks to the lighter evening, this time we were also able to admire the updates to the playground of a new treehouse platform and even some tellytubby style mounds that have popped up in the last few weeks! A few of us remarked how it would be quite nice to be five years old again, if just to play here...

Following a spot by Sam and Jacqui of some protruding nails in the paving, once they had been highlighted in chalk for the handyman, a photo opportunity could not be missed - you nailed it Sam!

After tidying up the tools, we realised there was nothing more on the list, except to perhaps enjoy one of the kindly provided biscuits & a quick cup of something warm.

Looking forward to seeing the updates from Chelwood as they go back to school on Monday!