Despite a sudden downpour washing away the last of the unseasonal heat, 5 GoodGymmers met at Papa’s Park for a very gentle run over to Ruskin Park. It was lovely to see a new face (Heather) and some returning GG-ers!

Joao met us at the allotment and there we were put to work in the fruit cage, cutting away the gnarly brambles, and clearing the weeds from the young apple tree beds. Night descended as we worked and once we were done, Justin treated us to some refreshing & well-earned juice, and then it was time to say goodbye.

Another great task in the bag and huge thanks from AA Yianny to Tilly for stepping in at short notice to lead people across!

Alex and I turned this morning to assist putting up gazebos and making preparations. We both stayed for a mindfulnesss session being held in the band stand after.

A small group of GGers gathered in the overcast evening to head over an help out at Ruskin Park, we had heard that things were getting out of hand in the fruit cage and set off to investigate.

As promised those of us back at Papa's had the chance to recycle last week's category que which was 'What is your 3rd fave song' and again a nice mix was brought up by the group including the venerable Bill Withers, The Smiths, Warmduscher who played Brockwell Park on the weekend (I had to look them up I confess) and the ever fun Madness!

Will was back for his second GG session so clearly not put off by contentious category ques, and we were joined by Clare and Katie to make the 2.5km easy run across to the far side of the park by Denmark Hill.

With a carefully co-ordinated arrival we met with Paul an Marie-Noelle at the entrance to the community garden and went to see what Justin had for us.

The rumours were well founded and inside the fruit cage it was a tangle of brambles and bindweed and almost impossible to recognise and separate all the lovely budding fruit bushes underneath it all. Our task was simple, trim back the brambles but leave plenty in place to grow the blackberries and dig out all the bindweed we could find as well as a general sprucing up.

Tools were handed out, a massive 1 tonne compost bag was brought and we started filling wheelbarrows full to load into it. 40 mins or so later the cage was transformed and it is fresh and ready for the volunteers of Ruskin Park this weekend to come in and get planting!

Huge thanks to Justin for hosting us and giving out refreshments as well - always a winner for GGers - and we look forward to heading back in a couple of months to see how it is all getting on.

Well done everyone, see you next week!

A bumper group of runners turned out last night for the Group Run and were greeted with perfect summer running conditions.

AA Yianny was recovering from the weekend's exertions in York so wouldnt be running to the task but both Joao and Sarah stepped in to lead and back mark respectively - thank you team!

This evening's category was favourite UK destination with plenty of coastal and countryside locations cited, some North vs South Devon devate and of course agreement that Brixton and Tulse Hill were the clear winners....

The runners set off and showed that in London using human horse power can be more efficient than motorised transport and arrived to meet Justin first! The tasks were laid out and the group selected their implements of choice whether that be a scythe, secateurs or good old pitch fork and we got stuck in to clear around the pond and turn the compost.

A nice surprise was having GG member Chi Nwa join us for a chat and take a couple of wonderful pictures, always nice to have members from around the communities pop in.

While the runners were busy with the task Justin brought out some squash and biscuits for a little pause and then it was time to tidy up and head back to base. Once again the runners won the race and were deep into their warm down by the time the AA made it back to liberate their bags from the hall.

Thanks everyone and look forward to seeing you next week!

Well this was a bit like how we felt trying to work out how to put our first gazebo - a knot of metal, a large and heavy tarpaulin and the need for twice as many hands as we had between us. But we were not defeated. With collective brains and a lot of huffing and puffing our little group of helpers Sue, Claire and Emily got them up and in place before the sun sunk too low behind the trees.

I hope the fete was a huge success

Sally, Katy and I spend a lovely hour helping the friends of Ruskin Park with some weeding. We arrived just as everyone else was stopping for a tea break so after a slice of homemade cake we got stuck into the Labryinth Flower garden. After an hour our small patch looked alot neater but there was still loads to be done so hopefully we will be back to do some more soon.