Today saw us at a completely new venue. We had been invited to Grant Gardens by John at Friends of Everton Park to help out with Scouse Flowerhouse. The site is on the intersection of a busy road - at the top of a hill might I add (big thanks to Heetu and Amina for dragging me up there). We were greeted by Ema who we are fortunate to have as our Area Activator the energy that she puts into Goodgym is keenly felt by us all.

Stone posts mark the entry of a large piece of land awash with colour and buzzing bees. Grant Gardens, we learnt , had been a cemetery in particular for the time of cholera. It was called The Liverpool Necropolis and was a significant place in times gone by. The buildings long gone - aside from one partial column - the still consecrated land had been left - a green space waiting for just the right love and attention to shine. That love and attention comes in the amazing shape of Scouse Flowerhouse who have created a beautiful space full of wild flowers fit for a queen...bee and her masses. Polly explained that it is a popular place for people to walk and walk their dogs and you can see why - it is a haven.

We were to help with pulling up sow thistles which were hiding and shadowing all the differing flowers. Taking the sow thistles out of the edges uncovered yet more flowers - very satisfying. We always like clear instructions ( or maybe that's just me) and Polly and Richard showed us exactly what they needed us to do and Theo and John helped us to keep on task (Ok I still got some chatting in). There were an array of tool to use including one grim reaper type scythe with the most beautiful wooden handle. Pauline and Amina took to this and cut swathes of thistles down using it - whilst striking poses for the camera here and there.

It was a lovely evening dry and just the right temperature - so a perfect welcome to her first task for Maria hope to see you again very soon Maria.
Double cheers forPauline and Bekah who came straight from a mission helping to move a washing machine - they are just formidable.

Our time at the task came to an end and Ema did a good impression of herding kittens trying to get us all back together for a group photograph. We said goodbye to Polly Richard John and Theo and heading back - down the hill. A huge thank you for giving us an opportunity to be part of this gem with so much history that none of us had ever been to before. You can never take for granted what is on the corner of any street. Thank you Scouse Flower House and Friends of Everton Park.