We had a special new task location to get to last night, so after meeting in the bright sunshine we wasted no time getting on with our warm up. After getting our muscles ready for the run ahead, we went round the group and gave our predictions for the winner of the upcoming Euros. Some of us had a vested interest, having pulled countries like Slovakia and Slovenia in their own sweepstakes, but as a group our odds are on England, France, Spain and Germany. Let's see if we are right!

We took a lovely (mostly downhill!) run before getting to Battersea Park, which was full of people enjoying the beautiful weather with picnics, drinks and some excellent dogs on display.

We soon arrived at the Herb Garden in Battersea Park to meet Richard, lead gardener. This magical space is one of four Thrive gardens in the park, each of which operate community outreach programs. They offer therapeutic gardening support to hundreds of people in and around London who may have a health, social or educational need. As soon as you step into this space you can feel the calming effect it can have on well being. We were surrounded by plants all of which had health benefits, including specific beds for women and men's health, fruit and vegetables which support holistic well being, and is real hidden gem.

The ethos behind the whole garden is an approach called social and therapeutic horticulture (STH), where trained horticultural therapists work with plants and people to improve individuals' physical and psychological health, communication and thinking skills.

After a tour round the garden we each chose the job we'd like to do, including weeding, pulling up roots, watering and digging. The time passed quickly, and before we knew it the hour had come to down tools and reluctantly say our goodbyes to Richard and the beautiful garden.

The night wasn't quite over, however, as we still had time to squeeze in a core blast, featuring planks, twists, the lovely sounding dead bugs, and side planks.

There is a lot going on in the coming few days, and I'd love to see you for some more rewarding and impactful sessions! On Saturday we are doing an optional parkrun in Clapham, before coffee and cake and a short session in the GoodGym garden. Come for whatever part of it you'd like!

On Sunday we could really do with some help moving furniture at a community hub so they can get the room painted and make it welcoming space for users. This will be a nice quick but much appreciated mission on Sunday lunchtime.

Next week we have been asked by a charity in Tooting which supports adults with learning difficulties to come and do a bit of cutting back in their therapy garden. Currently it's just me on my own and I'd love some mates there too! Maybe even a quick social afterwards if the weather is good?!

There truly is something for everybody coming up, be great to make the most of summer and really make a difference too!

What a happy place Wandsworth is on a Monday night! With blue skies above us, twenty GGers met to do some good at our regular visit to Doddington community garden, and were delighted to welcome Jordan, Chelsey and James to their first session. Give them a massive cheer!

After our warm up, we went round the group to find out the last film or TV program everybody had watched, and discovered we had some eclectic tastes, ranging from Casualty to Saltburn! It was just a short run down to the garden, so we wasted no time in setting off.

As soon as we arrived Malissa, the lead volunteer, got us started on a number of jobs. This space, which was once a disused carpark, has truly been transformed into a flourishing garden which takes a lot of work to keep it going. Tasks ranged from tying up the raspberry canes and removing bindweed, watering, moving bricks and even creating a brand new raised bed which will soon be planted with lots of vegetables.

Our efforts didn't go unnoticed. The garden is used by people living in the high rises around the estate, and one neighbour sent Malissa a picture of us from her window saying that she had spotted us working hard! Have a look at the photos to check it out.

There was just time for some really lovely words from Jordan and a competitive fitness session which saw the group racing round the square. There was some very rapid running and great form on the holds. Well done everybody!

It was the first Monday of the month which meant our pub quiz and social. Two teams put up some strong performances, emerging in third and fourth place. Don't forget, everybody always welcome, the more the merrier (and the more specialist subjects covered, the better).

We have lots of fun sessions coming up, starting with marshaling at the WLQP walk this Saturday where you'll be rewarded for your efforts with a drink, lunch and entertainment! There is a nice task coming up to help tame a small community garden in Wandsworth Town on the 15th, and if you'd like to join us for parkrun (running or volunteering) at Clapham on the 22nd, followed by a coffee and a quick water of our GG garden, then sign up here. Don't forget we also have our weekly session to help deliver Sunday lunch for vulnerable people. If you'd like to join our whatsapp group where a lot of the social side of things is mentioned, just send me a message.

Hope to see you at the next opportunity to get active and do good very soon!