Part 1 of the report: On a sunny and summer-like warm day, I arrived on location very early at 15.40, receiving a text from Raymond saying he'll be late:) So I read the instructions on the door, asking us to knock on a neighbour's door who explained what needs to be done. There were some tools left, however a chain, broom and more green waste storage is needed. I got to work straight away and for 45minutes battled the ivy from one side, clearing the rotted wood of the trellis. the higher an thicker branches of the Ivy were a tad difficult for me to tackle so I left them. Still no sign of Raymond after that!:) So I finished up, leaving the other half for Ray:)

Par 2 of the report: over to Raymond:) With only a few limited tools to work with, it seemed like no time at all before the remaining Ivy arch was laid bare... After a quick tidy and a courtesy call her neighbour's I took my leave.

"Ms R lives with bipolar and has been ripped off by the people she paid to help. This has really unsettled and upset her and she feels that she can't move on". After introducing myself to Ms R, she set about briefing me as to the task at hand. The 3 panels became 4 now on closer inspection looked very dry, warped and already carrying a very prominent terracotta finish, which Ms R wanted painted a shade of grey. Armed with paint, brush and masking tape I set about the task. With the panels being so old and dry just 'sucked' in an amount of paint applied. After applying atleast three coats before being able to see any difference with the existing strong terracotta coat. Needless to say with the inclement weather and extremely dry panels I was only able to ' complete' two of the four panels to a reasonable standard before the rain came down heavier. I managed to use close to 2.5litres of paint on just the two panels, which goes to show how dry they to start with...!. Having informed Ms R (via her partner)that the panels would definitely require another coat or two so as to really bring up the colour she was looking for. I shortly took my leave... Ramon

After a shake start (GoodGymmers arrived earlier than the organisers!), roles were assigned and then the wait began for the walkers to arrive at the halfway point where the three of us made encouraging sounds, waved pompom and directed the walkers onwards. Everyone was in good spirits (despite a few getting lost...) and really pleased to be part of a fundraiser that raised over £30,000. Note for next time: take mosquito spray! The forest is alive!!

It finally time for some warmer outdoor sessions and Wednesday was the perfect day for it!

We have been working with Walthamstow Toy Library for a while and have completed many an indoor task but this week we had the pleasure of completing some weed trimming and seed scattering around the grounds.

As usual, we arrived to a warm welcome from Helen who provided us with a range of tools and gloves to get to work on the overgrown bushes pushing through the fence. We made quick work of trimming this down to manageable lengths before moving onto the weeds lining the pavement.

In between tugs of weeds, we came across seed bombs encased in clay that had failed to dissolve in the soil. Between Ramon's recommended foot twisting mechanism and a few whacks with the tail ends of our tools, we were able to break them apart and redistribute them along the soil beds and will hopefully be singing some wildflowers sprouting soon.

3 plastic bins filled to the brim with weeds and some very good conversation later, we could stand back and admire the fruits of our (relatively) intense labour.

Our task was made considerably more entertaining by some of the unbelievable Alpaca facts dropped by Sarah, so if you are looking to learn some wildlife facts while spending some time in the great outdoors, be sure to look out for our next task!

Another physical session at the Trencherfield Allotments, moving the tree branches out of the way of the paths for the the regular users.

This week we were facing thicker, longer and more tangled branches than we ever had before, with the bottom layer posing a particular challenge. However, after a few whacks to the face from errant twigs, we got the hang of the twist/pull motion we needed to ensure success.

And successful we were! After a few back and forth trips, we had created an impressive pile of garden waste well shielded from the necessary path and were able to call it an evening. Despite being unable to run to the task due to a small (embarrassing) injury, Dan and Faye were able to get a run in on the way home!

Our first physical task of the warmer weather!

A deceptively difficult foray into all things tree felling (or the aftermath thereof), we braved fairytale style thorns and walking the plank in order to clear up the paths that had been blocked by tree trimmings.

Gloves on and ready for (almost) anything, we took turns hoisting branch piles above our heads and tramping single-file to the designated spot behind the shed. A few, "oofs" and "ouches" later, we realised that the thorns and jagged edges were going to require us to be a lot more vigilant.

Refusing to be beaten, we quickly made light work of the pile of plant waste and were off into the evening for some well-deserved pizza!