Last night for our group run, we went to a block of flats in Kennington Park Road, to help the community there with their garden.

Firstly, we met at Old Spike which was the start of our run. We welcomed some newbies Diana, Sam and Nancy. Then after a quick warm up, we split into two groups and set off to Kennington at two different paces. Daryl's group were first to arrive, also meeting them there was James, Lindy and Richard. They all got stuck in the the first task, which was to move a shed. Diana, Nelly and I joined after. We all were given a variety of different tasks: moving soil, assembling furniture, trimming bushes and raking leaves.

Sandy and the rest of the TRA were really happy to have us. We made a big difference in the short amount of time. Well done all!

On Saturday morning, James, David and I went to Kennington to help out at a friendly neighbourhood garden. Unfortunately their wasn't enough of it to do some the heavy listing work planned, so instead we helped with some pruning and gave the garden a general tidy. Within two hours, the garden already looked a lot better. So we agreed to call it a day and headed off to the rest of our bank holiday weekend plans. Meanwhile, we'll be back on a group run to do the lifting instead.

The gardening team at Kensington Park Road received 8 planters from the council, and wanted to move them from the front garden, to the back garden. Which would have been simple... If it wasn't for the fact that the planters were rather (very) large, made of solid wood and filled with soil! (So big that they were delivered by crane!)

If the team were to have any chance of moving them, the soil would need to be emptied out first. So I got to work, shoveling soil.

After an hour of shoveling and still no sign of the bottom, I was starting to think the team had inherited planters like Mary Poppins' bag. But I kept going, and like a pirate digging for a treasure chest, I let out a cheer when I felt that welcome thud as my spade hit the wooden base!

I had time to scoop up some leaves too, then bid farewell to the team and set off home. Talk about an upper body workout though! Whether I can lift my arms tomorrow, only time will tell...

At a residence near Kennington tube station, Ed, his partner Holly, Michael and Sam met Sandy and the TRA of Kennington Park Road for their first gardening session of the year.

Sandy and co expected there to be a lot of work, but the grounds was managed quite well. We noticed a few weeds could be taken out, a few brushes to be trimmed and a few other bits and bobs to do.

As we got talking and catching up since last September, about an hour in, Maria arrived having done a community session in Dulwich. We ensured there were some tasks for her to do as once it reached 12:30, we were all done.

The garden looks ready to be used for these warmer months and the next expected session will be in June, when we have a BBQ session too. Can't wait!

On Saturday, October 14, 2023, a group of GoodGym volunteers gathered at the Kennington park road tra to help with a variety of tasks. The Goodgymers were Maria, Paulin, Sam, and Mikhail. The volunteers were greeted by Georgina and Sandy, who hosted the mission. Other members of the tra were also present, Hilda, Ayo, Shalom, Nicola, Chevon and little Eden. Georgina gave a brief overview of the tasks that needed to be completed, and then the volunteers split up into groups and got to work. One group of volunteers worked on clearing the outdoor shed. Mikhail and little Eden worked together to empty the shed, while Nicola helped to organize the items that were being removed. Once the shed was empty, Mikhail and Nicola fixed a bench that was in need of repair. He then worked with Nicola to put a plaque on the bench. Another group of volunteers worked on the garden. Maria picked up leaves and litter, and trimmed bushes. Paulin fed the compost and extended the beds. She also moved woodchip around the garden. Sam worked on transporting leaves from the garden to the compost bin. He made six or seven trips back and forth, and he also helped Maria with her trimming tasks. Hilda swept the paths around the garden, and Ayo helped to remove growth from the flower beds. Shalom helped to look after little Eden while the other volunteers worked. At the end of the mission, the volunteers gathered together for a cup of tea and a chat. They were all very pleased with the work that they had accomplished, and they were grateful to Georgina and Sandy for hosting the mission.

Michael and Sam met Sandy and the members of Kennington Park Road TRA for a Coronation BBQ inside one of the resident's home. They were meant to do an hour of gardening, but this was called off due to the weather. Instead, they got an hour of community building through the love of food, drink and music.

There will be a proper session come July or August.