GROW Grow Grow your BOAT Gently Downing TEA!

The drizzle and bad traffic meant it was a smaller group this week that took on the longer run to Toothill Farmhouse but we still got a huge amount done.

We welcomed two new recruits Wyn, and Graham who taught us the colour of magic is octarine (its only visible to wizards and cats), and nice to see Ashleigh again after launch day.

Off we ran, past Mannington Rec, no time for fitness session on this long run but that has been earmarked for future sprints…. reaching Toothill where amongst the houses sits a farmhouse converted in to community centre complete with scout hut, picnic tables, gardens, a boat and most importantly a teapot.

Within 10 seconds of arriving Mavis offered us tea which was lovely but we decided to start with some de-weeding first.

Then 5 minutes, 10 minutes and 15 minutes in to the job she offered again.

Tea anyone?!

We have never been offered tea before and not this persistently. We had to say yes. At which point lots of tea and cakes came out almost instantly, like magic.

Wyn was beasting himself digging out around the picnic tables to lay some slabs. Huge respect to the amount of effort he put in, so he was allowed sugar in his tea.

Whilst Richard, Graham and Ashleigh were happy sorting out the borders and putting in bulbs; for Alethia once she spotted the boat it was love at first sight and in she went.

With the help of Emma and Emily some nice colourful plants were installed in the boat (Ger-RAIN-iums?), we sipped up the tea and made our way back to Oasis to the café for non-tea drinks.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the longer run as we kept together as a group, at least it was flatter than last week. Future routes will try to incorporate tapping boxes for the new Beat The Street initiative which starts today.

Mavis was probably the kindest and most dedicated host we have had the pleasure of working with so far and with very little funding they make a real difference to the community. We have promised to support them much more in future. In winter they will need painting done inside and we will need tea, so its mutually beneficial.

Aside - we have set up a WhatsApp group for all members. If you would like to join the let one of the run leaders know. You will need to provide your phone number.

Please join us at next week's run when we will be heading to STEAM, Museum of the Great Western Railway, to help clear the Traverser. No idea what a traverser is?! Find out next Tuesday!!!