It was a later start than usual, allowing plenty of time for the rain to clear away. Our long-time friends Margaret and Ash, from the Teesdale & Hollybush Tenants and Residents Association, were well organised as usual, with plenty of hoes and brushes available for some of our number to embark on weeding and then sweeping the paths of the estate's community food garden.

Another group made their way to the far side of the square to shovel soil from a vast pile and transport it in wheelbarrows to the garden. For once, none of the wheelbarrows had a flat tyre, but one of them was emitting an ear-piecing squeal until Ivo worked his magic on it, and it squealed no more.