‘Shearing’ the fun

Seven Goodgymers met at the Age UK offices in Chingford, ready to do battle with weeds on an overgrown patch of land behind the building. Emma, who works for the charity, gave us our instructions and weapons (mainly shears and gloves), and explained that they want to turn the wasteland into a garden which service users can enjoy.

The team set to it, chopping down the cow parsley, nettles and other assorted nasties, and collecting them in a compost bin at the back of the site. It was hot work, but after an hour the site had been transformed from an allergy inducing wilderness to a well-groomed plot. We felt we'd definitely earned the juice and crisps provided (best flavours were debated).

Apart from a couple of stings, insect bites and pollen-related sniffles, the team left triumphant, having tamed the fearsome flora, and begun the process of creating a space for older people to enjoy.