We met by the Peace Statue and unanimously agreed on one thing before we’d even set off: how is it still this incredibly hot?! Nevertheless, we got ourselves moving and made our way through the warm Brighton evening to our task.

On arrival we met Tom, who welcomed us, showed us the tools and pointed out the areas of the garden most in need of some attention. And there was certainly plenty to get stuck into!

We set to work clearing a huge amount of weeds, with bindweed making a particularly determined bid for garden domination. Many handfuls, armfuls and bags later, we’d brought some much-needed order back to the space, opening it up for residents to enjoy again and hopefully giving them the chance to develop their own green fingers.

As ever, the conversation flowed as quickly as the weeds disappeared. Tom kept us entertained with some fascinating stories, while our very own Jane treated us to a potted history of Arundel Castle and England's Dukedom. We also learnt from Tom about Father Mark and the history of how 58 Cromwell Road came to be.

More importantly, Tom reminded us why places like this matter and of the real difference a welcoming, cared-for space can make to people’s lives. It was lovely to be reminded that, although pulling weeds might seem like a small thing, lending a few pairs of willing hands can contribute to something much bigger.

With a rather less jungly garden behind us, we said our goodbyes and ran off into the still-light, and still very warm, summer evening.

Another very warm Sunday morning saw us back at Queen’s Park Junior Parkrun, helping the young runners safely around their 2km course.

I was on tailwalking duties, while Sarah took up position marshalling at the wonderfully named Fairy Grotto, guiding the kids around the course and helping point them safely home towards the finish.

Despite the early start, it was still seriously hot out there! A few of the youngsters sensibly decided to call it a day part-way round. This did, however, leave the tailwalker suddenly with nobody to tail...

So much for walking! 😅

With the remaining runners disappearing into the distance, this particular tailwalker had to put in an unexpected sprint around the course to catch up with the back of the field. Who knew tailwalking could turn into speed training?!

Eventually everyone was safely accounted for, with Sarah cheering and directing our runners through the Fairy Grotto and onwards to the finish.

A hot but fun morning supporting another brilliant junior parkrun — and a rather more energetic tailwalk than expected!