The residents of a block of flats at Kyvedale Road in Stoke Newington are making a new community space in the grass area in front of their block, creating a place where residents of all ages and backgrounds can come together to build relationships and grow plants.

To activate the new space, they need to get planters ready for use. The soil had been delivered in the large bags familiar to GoodGymers, but it needed shovelling from there to the planters.

Anne, Jennifer and myself were soon flexing our muscles, helped by an impressive number of residents. One seasoned chap made sure we knew the difference between premium soil and the more mundane type, which was useful information, as both looked the same to my untrained eye.

Rita was the lady in charge, and she was full of information, instruction and health and safety hints. No doubt she’d like to see us back soon to continue the good work.