Rachel McK

On what was Global Running Day, 9 GoodGym members met up to continue work on the Sanctus Allotment that we started on last week (which you can read about here). Those of us who did run to the site were more than jealous of Andy and Toby who had decided, on the hottest day of the year so far, to cycle. Whilst the rest of us were drenched in sweat and struggling to cool down they looked rather relaxed having had a nice breeze in their face for their journeys. I get a feeling there may be more cyclists than runners next week.

Still, on the task!! There was more digging up and chopping down weeds trying to get control of the overgrown jungle that is the Sanctus allotment. Whilst digging we disturbed two ants nests, dug up yet more potatoes and discovered raspberry, blackcurrant and rhubarb plants already in place which with a bit of care and shielding from birds should be able to bear some fruit… Hopefully.

Over the two weeks we have made fantastic progress with clearing the plot and thoughts are now turning to the next stage and how we can eventually start growing some produce for the Sanctus Café. Toby had a little discussion with our allotment neighbour who shared some advice on low maintenance crops which might be good start off with, as we looked on in envy at his immaculate plot, and I learned that apparently I need to watch more Gardeners World.

The hour flew by yet again. Tools back in the shed, we said hello to the local chickens whilst discussing our potential 5th Birthday social, which all going well with restrictions being eased should happen on 16th July, and involve pizza and drinks!!

Well done for all your hard work everyone, on what was a very, very hot day! (Thanks Andy for the pun) See you all again soon!

This week we were back to the Mencap centre, helping with their renovations. Following on from the great start me and Joel made a couple of weeks ago painting the feature wall in the main hall, we were tasked with doing some more painting.

Me, Joel and Fay applied a second coat of the beautiful Mencap Mauve to the feature wall and Andy and Rachel made a start on another key wall in a Gorgeous Green. We were also meant to make a start in the office but with only one step ladder to reach the higher areas we were a bit pressed for time so this will have to wait for another week.

First Andy and Joel moved the large cabinets out of the way of the walls we were painting. Me and Fay then began cutting in whilst Joel rolled out the middle areas of the feature wall. I’ve no idea how Andy and Rachel split their work up as I was concentrating on not falling off of the ladder but they did a fantastic job either way. As they finished their wall first they made a start with the washing up before they were joined by the rest of us. We even moved a couple of tables around as well and with the cabinets moved back we admired our handy work before setting off home for a well-earned dinner.

Thanks for all your help everyone, hopefully see you all again at another task shortly.

Next week we are back at the Great Baddow Community Allotment to turn over another area and make it ready for planting which you can sign up to here.