I've never harvested potatoes but that was one of our jobs at this session. We dug them out of the compost and put them into a crate, ready for use at the Open Table, where a meal is cooked for the community. Meanwhile, Williams was back on compost-turning duty, having done such an impressive job last time. It was lovely to meet new GooodGymer Melissa, and we hope to see her again soon. The rain started to fall right at the end of the session, so it was time to make a dash and avoid the splash. We'll be back next month.

The earlier downpour had luckily abated for the monthly volunteering morning at the garden. We enjoyed a varied session, which included weeding the raspberry patch, turning the compost, mulching, taming the sage and lemon balm and even litter picking, where Rob got lucky and found a decapitated Action Man. It was also a day for spotting wildlife, with eight newts seen in the compost pile, a friendly robin and even a mouse. It was lovely to see Alyson back with us and to meet a potential new recruit in Laura. Rob stayed on to help with more mulching and did a sterling job (observed from the comfort of the cafe, but don’t spill the beans!)

The tranquil garden is looking lovely and we were able to see how the log work we did last time has been transformed into seating. Tonight we were tasked with painting the wooden planters green and gold, as well as moving logs and clearing some brambles. It was great to see Georgina, who popped by while doing a litter pick. With her arm on the mend, hopefully she will be back at sessions soon. The nights are drawing in, so we were working in darkness by the end of the task but hopefully the results will be brush-taking! Thanks to Maggie, who lives nearby, for kindly donating some post-session chocolate, meaning that team green and team gold were transformed into team mint and team orange.

It may have been threatening to tip it down but that didn't deter our trusty crew of GoodGymers from walking, running and cycling over to Beverley Park. The weeds have been running rampant since our visit a few months ago, so our job was to pull them out, then cover the ground with cardboard and top with mulch. It was a fantastic effort by everyone before the light faded. Jon kindly rounded off the evening by sharing a bara brith cake brought back from his trip to Wales. Yaki dah!

This was our first time helping 1st Merton Park Scouts at one of their working parties. There were plenty of tasks to be done under Emma's guidance and it was interesting to explore the two wartime air raid shelters where camping equipment is stored. As well as sorting and carrying, and collecting rusty saws, we were tasked with putting up an 8-person tent in the field. This was quite a challenge, especially as the poles turned out to be the wrong length. I don't think we'll be winning the Krypton Factor any time soon!

Before the end of the parade, some of the team raced back along the trail, grabbing any last bits of litter. We found Sevan already at the start and then we got stuck into dismantling the many gazebos! It was a great workout, and we worked quickly as a team finishing with plenty of time to head over to Merton Abbey Mills to see the mayor officially open the event. What a fantastic end to a brilliant day!