GoodGym and MIND in Camden: The Dig Chill

Members of Mind In Camden's Healthy Minds programme took me gatecrashing their coffee morning activity very well today, and came on board readily for a trip around the corner to the fabulous Castlehaven Community Association.

Cardio with your coffee?

It all started with a Gold Blend and a Bourbon biscuit. Healthy Minds members were happily chatting, playing cards and looking at the timetable for the wellbeing activities in the weeks ahead when I descended on them, full of GoodGym determination, hoping to recruit some gardeners for the morning's trip to local Castlehaven Community Park.

Neaves was first to sign up ("Happy to give it a go...Why not?". That's the spirit, Neaves); Tom was already signed up, arriving punctually and changing into workout gear. Way to go, Tom, Jennifer was ready and waiting, and, as a Healthy Mind Sports Buddy, keen to see where the fitness merits lie in gardening. Fourth recruit was Paul, along with de-ionised water, protein bars and bundles of knowledge from everything to the iPhone timer function to the best protein bars. What a team asset.

"Just a little midweek digging"

We set off in the chilly weather, our team spirit fluctuating between apprehension over what might await us for our first task, and joy that the rain had lifted, and the sun was putting in an appearance.

On arrival, Nichola, Castlehaven's Environmental Engagement Coordinator, took us around to the community Hub, where we met the other volunteers who all kindly offered us lunch. We then made our way to an exceptionally well stocked (and well organised) tool and kit area, to be armed with forks, spades, trowels and gloves. And garden kneelers (see what I mean about well stocked).

And so we made our way around to the borders of the garden, and, following some excellent health and safety instructions from Nichola (can't be too careful with a garden fork in a confined space), we set about digging and turning soil, uprooting bundles of weeds in the process. The team worked incredibly hard, achieving a lot in a relatively short space of time. The session took on a slightly surreal feel as hail descended, much to my indignation ("But it's April, we should be having showers.") and Tom and I spent a fascinated few minutes figuring out hail really is white when it falls.

And then the rain arrived, just as we were due to call it a wrap. Timing or what. We made our way back to the tool shed to clean tools with a tough wire brush and then it was back to the Hub for bag collection and a final pic.

What an outing! What weeding! What productivity! And such careful work, btw, around all those worms. Well done, team.

Same time next week?

We're back again next week, Weds 10th April, meeting at MIND in Camden at 12 (the sessions will run from 12-1.30pm), and heading back to Castlehaven, for more gardening good times. The session caters to all levels of fitness, and if you have any limitations, physical or otherwise, all activity can be tailored to your needs.

I really hope to see you there!