Michael Pirrie

Brighton had a big weekend and loads of our runners got involved with some epic efforts in the marathon and 10k. Present tonight to bask in their glory were Philippa and Nancy who both ran the Brighton Marathon 10k on Sunday. Well done to you both and to everyone else who ran, volunteered or supported at The Brighton (Ultra) Marathon!

We’ve been visiting Sloane Court a council run seniors housing scheme for several years and have made a huge difference to the garden but those weeds will keep on growing! Resident Tony has acquired a stash of brand new tools to help us keep those weeds at bay, not quite as shiny as the Crown Jewels but not far off, at least until we got stuck into them.

The raised bed we planted a few years ago has filled out nicely but has also been invaded by some unwanted grasses, bindweed and some huge budleia which are becoming a nuisance to neighbours on the other side of the wall. Tony’s new loppers made easy work of them and revealed a fig tree underneath which now has a chance to breathe and maybe even produce figs! Jenny (my mum) came along to offer her plant expertise on what should stay and what should go, what to trim and what to leave. The patio in front of the communal sitting room got a good weed and Liz’s infamous bush also got trimmed and although there is still lots to do, good progress was made.

A short run to nearby Queen’s Park for a brief but intense fitness session in the fading light rounded off the evening nicely. At least until I got back to our meeting place to discover a wheel had been stolen from my bike. Grrrr!!!!

After a short but hard core fitness session on Hove lawns, 4 of us weaved our way up through Brighton’s streets to Gareth Stacey House. This is a YMCA supported housing project for 16-25 year olds. Their small garden had become a bit overgrown and a layer of bindweed was covering most of the plants and lawn. We wondered whether we had bitten off more than we could chew for the four of us but within 45 minutes we had peeled off the bindweed, chopped back the shrubs, weeded the patio and mown the lawn. We filled 3 tonne bags with weeds and left the garden looking much tidier, just in time for this little Indian summer we are currently enjoying.

Meanwhile the remaining seven members ran and cycled their way to St Andrew's Church and tidied up the church ground ready for the late summer fayre at the weekend.