What a glorious sunny morning for our final session of the year at the Community Hospice, working alongside head gardener, Jason 🌞🌿.

Today we embarked on new project, to take out a series of Buddleja davidii plants - aka 'The Butterfly Bush' - in a patch of ground that will eventually become a new flower bed. Big plants, big plans!

But what about the butterflies you might say? Jason explained that Buddleja is an invasive species and having been left untended these shrubs need to go. There are plenty more insect-friendly plants in the garden to support biodiversity.

So, for starters we cut back the branches. Sophie took charge of the telescopic loppers, reaching the lofty heights, while the rest of us tackled the lower growth.

Then it was out with the saws to cut through the thicker main stems. Such a buzz when each big portion came out and the view through to the area behind started to emerge.

Finally, lots of cutting with secateurs into smaller pieces from our felled timber, ready for the compost heap. This bit was surprisingly relaxing, just snipping and chatting.

Meanwhile, across the garden Rachel and our youngest helper carefully weeded a border. What a difference they made too.

Afterwards a few of us headed to the Hospice cafeteria for lunch, and some cute penguin biscuits.

That's one Buddleja down... just five more to go! Fancy lending a hand next time? We’d love to see you there 🌱💪

Wow! what a great night we had collecting for the Community Hospice with Santa and the Bexley Rotary Club.

There was an army of volunteers out on the pavements tonight including our own GoodGymers, the Mayor of Bexley and her driver, air cadets and even a pooch 🐕.

Santa looked spectacular in his sleigh waving at all the local residents that had come out of their homes to catch a glimpse and throw their odd coins, sometimes notes, into the collection buckets. People were very generous I must say!

As well as a great atmosphere, it was great exercise. Check out Julie's fitness data in the photos!

Well that's it, until next year when we can do it all again!

Merry Christmas to you all!