Good year for the roses

Saturday mornings...July...what could be better? Beautiful, balmy light mixed with Mediterranean temperatures. Klaxon alert....nope! Rain in all forms pouring forth from leaden skies more like. However....this certainly doesn't deter us Goodgymers and our small but extremely well appointed merry band of humans met up at Vale Park in deepest, darkest Portslade to tackle some formidable rose beds. Even the three of us had something to cheer...it was Tabitha's 100th task. A complete star and worthy of every second of congratulations that come her way. We met several local denizens of Vale Park including Nas and her son. Nas is very positive, ebullient and full of smiles and really keen for Goodgym to get involved. She set us to work clearing one of the huge rose beds of weeds etc that adorn this hidden away park that really is very lovely. I even forgot about the rain. Nas also introduced us to Peter and his West Highland Terrier Ralph. Peter is 87 years young and has spent many years tending to the these beds...almost a life's work if you will. He told me that he was a head gardener for many years so has the green fingered touch....and in the inclement weather he was down on his knees deadheading and pulling pesky weeds too...kudos many times over. Once again all very satisfying and I'm sure we'll be back as there is much to do there.