On a cold but invigorating and bright Sunday morning, we met our task owner Alison, a local environmentalist from Kingston Biodiversity Network, on the banks of the Hogsmill River - an important nature corridor for Kingston residents. It is supposed to be managed by Highways but we can only assume its not their priority!

We had a dual task for the morning. The first was to clear the riverside path to make it a safer and more welcoming path for everyone to enjoy. In the space of an hour we bagged 2 sacks of rubbish and cleared brambles, weeds, and slippery mulch and moss from the path. With no green waste going to waste - we were able to pile it well away from the path to mulch down.

Like the fast flowing river, we flowed onto our next task at the neighbouring Kingston cemetery. Managed by the council, they can't keep up with the brambles taking over the ancient graves and grassland so important for nature, so loppers in hand we laid to rest huge patches of brambles.

Job done with the rest of everyone's weekends to enjoy - xmassy outings to get to or xmas decorating calling. We look forward to seeing Alison with wheel barrow in tow somewhere else soon and hope to welcome back Julia and Lucy from Hammersmith and Fulham... Thanks for a great morning Alison.

This mission was to assist in unpacking, sorting and stacking the donations at Ealing Foodbank and it was non-stop from the get-go. My main task today was sorting the biscuits and chocolates into boxes based on their expiry dates. It was lovely working alongside the other volunteers and learning more about the work that happens in the warehouse. I managed to sort through several stacks of boxes which was very satisfying - although I was definitely craving something sweet on my cycle ride home!

Lovely first mission for me at the Springvale Estate helping Berni to distribute food parcels to local residents who weren’t able to collect them. There were three Good Gymers helping today so plenty of positive vibes and community feelings - and a lot of pumpkins too!