Regular monthly visit to Hogsmill Garden. With winter upon us, we have just had to cut the perimeter hedge in line with the fence to keep it neat and tidy. Brian asked me to also share a picture of their new greenhouse/ meeting room/ social space that the Kingston University students designed and build for them. Looking forward to having a cuppa in there.

After another wet and windy autumnal day it was a relief to be inside this evening!

After a brisk 3k run from the Quaker Centre to Surbiton, we were greeted with another fun, cathartic task at the charity Growbaby. Tonight we were sorting out donations by either throwing away, organising or displaying...

It was a hive of activity all over the premises. Petra and Dave got to grips with organising big stacks of cot beds, play mats, baths and highchairs; Adam and Rachel moved and stored the numerous nappies that had been donated; Nina and Jana sorted and displayed all the cute wellies and winter coats...

All of these tasks mean that Growbaby will be a bit more ready for the 50+ families who will be descending on the site tomorrow to get some help and collect much needed donations. A job well done and a sense of wellbeing achieved by us all :)

Last night our group run took us to Latchmere Recreation Ground where the active friends group asked for our help to move a planter. A grand plan indeed. Thankfully we had twice the original numbers of sign ups earlier that day as it was a heavy lifting task and many hands certainly do make light work.

First job was to dig out the plants and carefully store them. Second job was to dig out the soil and the third task was to move the heavy planters. Fortunately the planters broke down into two sections they could be transferred across in two runs.

Once the planters were carefully positioned by Petra's discerning eye, Dave, Martel, Emma, Adam, Sabir and Julie positioned the plants and poured in the top soil. The massive Rosemary looked happy in her new home. Turf was then laid in the mud bath of the old planter and stamped into place. Thankfully there was rain today to help settle it.

In the meantime Rachel and Jen had removed ivy and mint from a different planter as they had started to spread and tangle up with the other plants.

The hour was soon up but not before Rachel received a card, cakes, crown and cape to celebrate 300 good deeds! A touching moment - thanks all. Then off to the Albion for food and drinks.