Sunshine set the tone for our monthly visit to help with gardening at the Community Hospice.

Jason, the Head Gardener, greeted us with his usual sunny welcome, and asked us clear weeds and moss from the paved drive and pathway leading to the reception. This would make the approach to the Hospice look nicer for everyone.

Robert, arriving by bike, had had to dodge some brambles and plants encroaching on the drive: could he grab some loppers and tackle those instead? Jason's response was an enthusiastic “Yes please!”.

Collecting tools from the shed took us through the gardens which are looking amazing - bright flowers and fresh greenery glowing in the warm light.

It's fair to say this wasn't a glamorous task but it was a good workout thanks to all that squatting and sweeping, and at the same time rather relaxing and chatting all the while.

Topics included the London Marathon (Kam is keen to run it if he can ever get a place, and Sarah and Johnny are volunteering at it tomorrow!), Jason's impressive plans for the 666 Film Challenge next month, and the orgins of our first names ( 'lady/princess', 'God is gracious', plentitude of religion', 'bright fame' and 'healer').

As always when you are busy and in good company, time flew by!

After putting the tools away Kam headed off and the rest of us went to enjoy a tasty lunch in the Hospice canteen.

We'll be back again next month, and Jason always has something different lined up. Come along and help make a difference for this wonderful charity.

What a lovely first session at Holy Redeemer Pre-School!

We were met with a warm welcome from Laura and Shelley, the school's managers, who lead us into their outdoor space which they have been working hard to spruce up in recent weeks.

They'd already given furniture in the mud kitchen a fresh coat of cream paint, and our job was to do the same for two wee benches and apply a protective layer of wood stain to the rather impressive play house.

We decided to start with the play house. First we needed to deal with the heavy-duty clear pvc blinds that formed the windows. Attempts to roll them up proved tricky but then we realised they could be unhooked along the top! Once they were off we were ready to get going with paint brushes. It was a really relaxing task in the evening light, and of course there was lots of chatting.

Meanwhile Laura and Shelley sanded and painted the wooden frame of a large freestanding plastic screen that the children use for drawing on.

With the house done -both outside and inside - Johnny re-hung the 'windows' while the rest of us turned our attention to the benches. A quick sanding and some brisk brush-work meant we got them finished in the nick of time.

So much achieved in just an hour. We're looking forward to coming back again, to continue the renovations.