There was lots to celebrate last night, from Catherine's victory at the Great North Run yesterday to welcoming Ammrs to his very first group run - give him a big cheer!

Unfortunately not everything went quite go to plan, as when we turned up to Battersea Park's lovely therapy garden, our task owner for the evening was nowhere to be seen! However, that did not stop us getting to work. After a quick phone call for the code to the shed we got stuck in to a spot of weeding along the paths.

The garden is used as therapy for adults with a variety of conditions such as autism, physical disability, mental ill health and learning difficulties. It also offers various programs such as vocational training and support to enable unemployed disabled Londoners to overcome their barriers to employment and access job opportunities, and helps stroke survivors improve their mental and physical health by working with horticultural therapists. There are workshops for adults whose mental health means they need an environment designed to minimise stress and anxiety and also women only gardening programs.

It may not have seemed like we had loads of big jobs to do while we were there, but with the garden being used for such impactful activities on a day to day basis, helping keep it weed free and welcoming really does make a difference. And we also got to admire the huge courgette flowers and opium poppies!

After half an hour of work we found a nice spot in the park for our fitness session, which last night focused on upper bodies. Our traps, lats, biceps and triceps all got a thorough workout - and we even got joined by a beautiful dog keen to get involved!

It may feel like Autumn is drawing in, but we've got plenty to keep you warm over the coming months! Why not join me for a plog along the river tonight helping collect polluting litter? Next week in Wandsworth we're going back to Paradise cooperative garden and then on Tuesday we have a great task at Trafalgar Square handing out food and sorting donation for rough sleepers. Hope to see you there!

Today, I had the unbeleafable pleasure of helping Ms. M tidy up her garden, and boy, did we grow through the process! I started by pulling the weeds, making sure to root out every last one of those pesky intruders. Then, cleared the flower beds, giving her plants some much-needed room to blossom. Afterward, i cleaned up the walkway, so she can now stroll through her garden. All in all, it was a blooming success, and Ms. M's garden is looking thymely and pristine once again!

Last night, the Wandsworth GoodGym team gathered for our regular monthly visit to Doddington Community Garden. We were thrilled to welcome Nancy on her first group run in Wandsworth. The group loosened up with some light jogging, and dynamic moves, shaking off the day’s stiffness. After a guess at when the first Paralympic Games were held (answer: 1960 in Rome!) we set off, unaware that we were about to be greeted with a very sluggish reaction at the garden!

The run to Doddington Community Garden was a breezy 2km, filled with chatter and upon arrival, Malissa expertly assigned tasks, making sure everyone had a chance to get their hands dirty.

Jordan and Sophie tackled the jungle-like overgrowth, showing those stubborn weeds who was boss. Jasmin, Beth, and Catherine handled the unruly jasmine plant, with Jasmin taming her namesake. Steph and Nancy took on the bindweed, binding it up for good with some serious teamwork. Kevin kept the garden hydrated, ensuring that our leafy friends got a good drink, despite the slugs trying to take them down. Meanwhile Malissa was walking round the garden dispatching every slug and snail she saw with a steely determination. After various jobs, Jason was still on a mission to empty that water butt. The team worked with precision, not letting any slimy distractions slow them down. By the end, Doddington Garden was looking even more tidy and fabulous.

With the main jobs done, the group shifted gears to a fitness session that focused on a intense mountain leg workout designed to replicate a hard hill session. Despite the challenge, everyone pushed through, legs burning but spirits high.

The evening wrapped up with a cool-down jog to the pub, stretching out those hardworking muscles. It was out monthly social featuring our regular pub quiz. Proving that GoodGym Wandsworth isn’t just about physical strength, the team came in a strong 2nd place, showing off their mental muscles too.

Our next Monday session will be at the herb garden in Battersea Park, which will feature even more beautifully scented medicinal plants, and hopefully fewer slugs! You can find out all the details and sign up here.

Last night's GoodGym community mission took us to back to the beautiful Doddington Rooftop Garden, where our dedicated group of volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got stuck into an array of gardening tasks. It was a perfect summer evening, and everyone was eager to make a difference in this lovely community space. We also had the pleasure of welcoming GoodGym newcomer Suresh, and Will and Daisy to their first task with Wandsworth!

With so much to do, our team of 14 split into groups to tackle different tasks. One group focused on moving 4 young trees from the vegetable patch to a different area of the estate, freeing up space and allowing the veg growing there the chance to soak up the nutrients they need, without the greedy trees taking all the good stuff! By the end of the session, the trees were carefully relocated, and the vegetable patch looked ready to thrive. Meanwhile, the rest of the group took on the tasks of clearing grass and raking the group in the veg patches, moving compostable waste and giving the plants a good watering - much needed after the recent dry spell!

The weather was warm and the tasks demanded muscle power (especially hole digging for the trees!) so once the tasks were complete, those who were sticking around for the social were keen to make tracks and enjoy some well earnt refreshments.

After a physical work out in the garden it was time to work out our grey matter, and we headed over to The Latchmere pub for our monthly social event: a lively pub quiz. The group split into two teams and though the questions were as challenging as ever, a lot of fun was had and one team earnt a very respectable joint second place.

Overall, it was another successful Monday night with GoodGym, filled with community spirit, teamwork, and fun. A big thank you to everyone who came along!

Mrs. T's garden was a bit of a tangled mess, so I offered to lend a hand. I told her I was no expert, but I knew a thing or two about deadheads – I mean, I'm no Grateful Dead fan, but removing them from those roses was a real chore! After a good session of weeding and pruning, her garden was looking much more alive and kicking.