With the temperatures a little kinder than last week's heatwave, we gathered in Hyde Park before setting off on our run to the Abbey Centre. The route was a familiar Westminster obstacle course of tourists, bikes and the occasional unexpected change of direction, but everyone made it safely to Smith Street.

The Abbey Centre is a real community hub in the heart of Westminster, providing activities, support and services for local people of all ages. From youth programmes and wellbeing activities to advice services and community events, it plays an important role in bringing people together and creating opportunities for local residents.

We met Brenda and Khai, and got to work in the community garden. There was no shortage of jobs to get stuck into: weeding beds, sweeping paths, shifting an impressive collection of pots to create a bit more room for the elderly users, and finishing off with a well-earned hose-down for the plants.

We identified a errant banana palm, wondering whether it would survive outdoors in London - or would it be happier inside? After some research Caitlin planted one in a nicely protected pot, so we'll be keeping a close eye on it over the coming weeks. Watch this space to see how our new plant mascot fares!

Despite wrestling with a rather leaky hose, Brenda somehow managed to give the garden a thorough soaking while avoiding soaking the other GGers. Although, after last week's weather, a surprise drenching might actually have been quite welcome!

Next Tuesday we're heading to St Andrew's Youth Club for another evening of community action. We'd love to see you there!

On a warm Monday evening, 13 keen Goodgymmers arrived at the idyllic Olden Community Gardens, just opposite Drayton Park station. This beautiful spot is could be easily missed when walking by Arsenal Stadium, but there are hidden allotments, butterfly gardens and neighbourhood connections built on an area that was dedicated for gathering WW2 debris in the past!

More information about Olden Community Gardens can be found here: https://www.oldengarden.org/

Welcome to first time Goodgymmer Lisa - Thank you for joining us!

We had a variety of tasks on offer for us, stretching between the main garden entrance, past many fox dens, and over to "the bridge gardens" (which expand over a working railway bridge for National Rail services).

- Task 1

Together, we helped to shovel 2 full builder's merchant bags of mixed compost from the main entrance (the only vehicle drop point for gardening material), over to a more convenient location. At least 6 of our crew filled portable tubs of compost, before carrying this material by hand. By the end of the session, we came together to lift the final bag of mulch safely and carefully to the intended spot. Great job all!

- Task 2

Our team helped with preparing the gardens for the potential heat wave next week! We located all of the available water points for hose pipes and watering cans, and set about dousing as many of the plants and saplings as possible. This was a difficult task, as Olden Community Gardens is set on a hillside, and we needed to stretch the hose pipes around awkward corners and down slopes to effectively cover as many beds as possible. Between us, we did a smashing job within an hour of problem solving and teamwork!

Following our session, we enjoyed a trip to the Highbury Library bar and bottle shop to celebrate former Area Activator Simon's 800th good deed! A great way to close up a quality evening of Goodgymming- well done all!