Mrs N's had asked for help weeding and tidying her patio so that her mother, recently out of hospital after a severe stroke, can go outside to enjoy the garden.

We started by moving chairs and plant pots off the patio to fully reveal the scale of the task at hand, and there was a lot to be done! So we were really pleased when Mrs N handed us those wire brooms which makes clearing weeds between paving slabs MUCH easier.

Even so, it was hard work getting the job done in the scorching heat of the hottest day of the year so far 🥵! Mrs N brought us cold drinks which really hit the mark. She explained that, being from India, she would always drink tea to cool down.

After 90 minutes of scouring and sweeping, the difference was clear to see. Mrs N was delighted, and we were humbled when she handed us a gift bag containing some Indian tea and a box of chocolates 🫶.

By contrast to the group activities that GG Bexley mostly does, this was a ''mission' - helping and isolated older person with practical tasks in their homes. Missions are listed on our website and if there's one you'd like to do, you can say what times would work for you. You have get DBS cleared through GG and complete a short training session to become mission verified.

We are starting to get more missions requsts coming through so check here to find out more about getting involved.

Just the dynamic duo at Holy Trinity Lamorbey Church this evening.

We were working to clear the final overgrown stretch of a flowerbed that's been waiting for some GoodGym tlc since we tackled the rest of the area last summer.

As well as the weeds, we faced a covering of weeds, ivy and other creeping plants that were rather satisfying to peel back, rather like rolling up a carpet!

Then we needed to dig out out the underground leftovers,to try and prevent things fighting back before the parishioners can do their new planting.

We made good progress but this transformation isn't quite complete. We'll need to make another visit to finish the job.

So… who’s up for lending a hand next time? Look out for the listing (once the date is confirmed with the church wardens). Many hands make light work, and we promise good company, a bit of a workout, and satisfying gardening salvation along the way! 🌱✨