7 Goodgymers turned up to help the Friends of Sutcliffe Park with an absolute Everest of a task: tearing up Himalayan balsam (not to be mistaken for celery). And there was no need to go to base camp to find it. We have all we need here at sea level.

We pulled up the balsam and separated the flowers from the stems to stop it going to seed and spreading even further. It was a real uphill battle, but we were determined to stem the tide before the balsam reached new heights.

No sherpas or oxygen needed, just a red shirt, some gloves, and the Goodgymers usual peak performance. A mountain of balsam tackled, one stem at a time.

This morning we were back at the wonderful Maryon Park Community Garden, and what a lovely morning for it. The sun was shining, the garden was looking fantastic and we weren't looking too shabby either (maybe a little shabbier after the task to be fair 🫠)

There was plenty to get stuck into. Kam and Aman took on the heavy job of shifting compost, while the rest of us split between giving the front gate a fresh coat of varnish, painting two fences, weeding and picking our affectionately termed 'runaway beans' - how apt! They will be enjoyed with Arthur's dinner provided they don't escape before then.

With the garden spruced up, it was time for some much appreciated refreshment, generously put on by our brilliant hosts, Tim and Edna.

Thank you everyone- until next time!

Rachel

On Saturday morning we arrived at the Maryon Park Community Garden, ready to get stuck into our task for this month which included varnishing the fence and hosing down the toys in the kids area. In no time we were teamed up and getting splashed, muddy and varnishy getting the jobs done as well as lots of chatting between ourselves and with the lovely Tim and Edna who were hospitable as always, providing snacks and drinks after our exertions. I say "our", but Arthur and I mainly chatted to Edna and read books so I'm not sure I should get a good deed for that 😅

We left with a gift of mint from the herb garden for our meals and off to the rest of our weekends.

Great job team, we'll be back next month!

Coming up:

On wednesday we're back at Hervey Road: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/gardening-at-hervey-road-sports-field-6f25b74e-293a-42d3-bce6-72d39ae8195f

Saturday 11th: Helping at CCRA's community day: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/help-out-at-ccra-s-annual-community-day

Sunday 12th: Clean up Charlton: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/clean-up-charlton-3ff675ce-0b0d-462b-965c-49c86a8cf326 And Bostall Woods Family Fun Day (time slots): https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/help-out-at-bostall-gardens-family-fun-day

Until next time!

Rachel