There are some very nice berry trees at St Margaret's Gardens, but tiny bits of the fruit drop between the slats of the patio, getting crushed and mingling with dirt and tiny stones. It's quite messy

We worked on clearing the cracks, and the entire area, of morsels of fruit and other dirt, and sweeping the paths. It certainly looked better when we finished than when we arrived

Welcome Gabriella for her first task, while taking a summer break from studying. We hope to see you back, all year round!

On a humid Monday evening in Limehouse, 12 GoodGymers gathered at the Tower Hamlets Community Transport Hub, the base of Ocean Youth Connexions, to help continue to give this site a well-needed refresh.

Despite the heavy air and the threat of rain, spirits were high as we split into several smaller teams.

One team took on the painting of the metal shutters at the front of the hub.

Two leaf-clearing teams tackled the concrete yard and bus park. Bag after bag of leaves were swept, scooped and carried away to the collection area at the back of the yard.

(Removing leaves from these hard-surfaced areas isn’t just cosmetic — they can become slippery when wet and clog drains if left to build up, leading to puddles and flooding).

A third team took on the weeds sprouting from the corners and cracks of the yard. (This not only helps to improve the appearance of the area, it also helps to prevent further damage to the paving and brickwork).

By 8pm, with the final weeds uprooted and the yard swept clear we headed inside - just as well as the first drops of overdue rain began to fall.

We gathered by a large step ladder for a quick pic before heading out one by one onto Newell Street: some on foot, some on bike (and maybe one or two on the bus).

Next week we’re back with Janet and Eileen for the August garden clear-up at the Cranbrook Community Centre.

Until then.

One by one we arrived at the Canal Club Community Garden on Waterloo Gardens this evening.

The garden and surrounding areas of the community centre has become something of a local hub for growing, relaxing - and getting stuck into outdoor projects.

The centre itself is well-used hub that runs a wide range of local activities from youth projects to gardening and cookery workshops, with the garden being an important part of the centre.

After a quick hello and a look around, task owner Sally briefed us on tonight’s gardening tasks.

Dividing into three teams we made a start clearing the overgrown borders, weeding the paving stones and picking litter.

GoodGymers braved thistles, nettles, bugs and all manner of weeds in tidying up this pretty garden.

Our workout was completed with a few trips carrying full bags of nettles, weeds and soil to the bin lock-up around the corner.

To top it all off, we were treated to homemade lemon drizzle cake, fresh coffee and - for some – a brief dip in the small pool in the cherry tree garden...

Sally was the best task owner and host. What a lovely night.

Next week, we’re Limehouse-bound…

And just in – Rue’s speed session in Victoria Park this Thursday!

Have a good week!

On our latest visit to this children's home in St Margarets, GG was tasked with giving the large rear garden a bit of attention. Firstly, Sam, Steph and the returning James were joined on Richmond Green by Chris and Anita for a couple of laps followed by a run across the lock bridge to the task, where we met Honor, Adam and JP. St Christopher's had no specific gardening job they needed doing so we used our wit and Anita's expertise to find improvements to make to their lovely green space.

Tasks included removing the bindweed convolvulus from a number of plants and shrubs, cutting away brambles and reordering the shed. It was a fine summery evening for keeping fit and doing good!