It was time for another shift at the Mary Seacole Nursing Home garden to progress construction of the gazebo. Out host and project mastermind, Varda, had already moved things along a little since our last visit and was clear on what was to be achieved today:

1. Move gazebo into position
2. Mark the final position in the soil
3. Move the gazebo so as to dig holes where it legs are to stand
4. Fill holes with concrete
5. Move gazebo into cement holes
6. Fix in place with pegs

Due to the size and weight of the gazebo, the shifting elements of the plan at least were deemed to be a 4 person task. Soon Alisha and Nathan turned up and the team was quorate but not before Charlotte responded to a panicked cry for extra help, offering to join us asap.

Plans unravelled slightly on discovering that the 'ready cement' wasn't a as ready as assumed and that sand was also required to mix in with it. Cue some urgent research into sand suppliers and a trip to the local (in east London terms) hardware store.

The team hit a further snag, or more accurately, a manhole cover, buried just below soil level, precisely where they planned to dig one of the cement holes. Cue further options analysis, measuring of available space, discussion about how the roof is to be hoisted into place when we reach that stage and ultimately a decision to move the gazebo 40cm east, square with the adjacent building and never mind the shrubs.

So, with Plan B agreed, Varda left the determined GoodGymmers to dig for glory while she went in search of the hardwear store and promised sand. Nathan took this opportunity to recruit a redundant concrete slab and very professionally place it in the spot where land needed raising not digging, to level it out.

Sadly, by the time Varda returned with Plan B supplies, time had run out to do any further work, which means there were be yet further opportunity to get involved next time.

Big thanks again to the team who helped out today.

A big welcome to three new GoodGymmers today: Charlotte, Alisha and Anthony. Great work on your first mission!

It was a beautiful sunny day and everyone walked, ran or jogged to the task today, basking in the rays.

We were welcomed by Eslam who explained how the sustainable project works by bringing together organisations, local companies and volunteers to support local green spaces around London.

Sooz and Nathan got started moving compost into new piles to make room for new composting materials.

Alisha, Anthony and Charlotte took on some heavy duty efforts turning massive amounts compost in three beds, and preparing the coffee chaffs for layering the new compost.

A brilliant session and much thanks to Eslam for his guidance.

We can't wait to come back!