Starting with a group run led by Jack through Richmond Green, along the river, across the weir bridge and down through St. Margaret's, six GoodGymers set about giving the front gardens of St. Christopher's Children's Home a tidy up.

Previous trips here have included helping in the large garden at the back too and those who had attended before were amazed by the difference in the space back there now that some of the wilder areas have been tamed and it all feels more open.

This evening we concentrated our efforts on the front garden area. The heatwaves mean that a lot of leaf fall has happened quickly and while so many beautiful plants are struggling, it seems weeds and brambles are still thriving! Raking all the leaves off the beds, cutting back brambles, removing cut wood and sweeping the wide drive made a big difference to the appearance straight away. It never stops being amazing how much can be done by six people in an hour!

We filled every conceivable bag with green waste and tidied up before completing our run back to the Tap Tavern, a total of 4km and a good workout in the middle helping the Children's Home. We look forward to being back next month.