A group of new-to-the-scene GoodGymers discovered the cosy corner of Canbury Community Gardens, situated next to the river in Kingston-Upon-Thames, where Marilyn was waiting for us to put us to work. The garden is usually tended to by volunteers but their involvement has been restricted during the pandemic response.

Marilyn set us to task - Freya dived straight into her first community mission by filling up the wildlife pond with river water, while Rosi & Jassy turned and refined two heaps of compost. Marilyn told us all about what makes a healthy heap - a balance of green and brown; wet and dry - so to turn these old leaves into the good stuff, heaps of materials that was too dry and brown had to go.

The north-London cavalry arrived in the form of Chi, who got to grips with the wheelbarrow, removing the dry uncompostable sticks to the shredding yard. Despite the late start, he made a splash (figuratively – he didn’t spill a drop!) while by helping Freya obtain more river water by ferrying a large bin to and from the pond using a wheelbarrow. Apparently, the key to keeping from accidentally watering the rest of the garden end route was impressive core strength and concentration.

As the evening drew to a close, volunteers that visit the garden to take care of the chickens arrived and set the hens loose, who pecked about checking if our work was up to scratch. With a full pond and well-mixed compost, Marilyn was delighted, (as were the chickens). Thanks to her for having us along for a lovely evening, and well done to the Freya, Rosi, Chi and Jassy for their hard work and great spirits.