It was our October visit to the Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park this evening, which is always good fun.

At our last visit in September, we'd raked hay and grass around gravestones and monuments close to the entrance of the park.

Tonight, Park Manager Ken's plan was for us to plant crocus and camassia bulbs around this area, to produce an array of colour by the Spring.

With everyone arriving close to 7pm, we were ready to head to the well stocked tool shed shortly after, to grab trowels and barrows, bulbs and gloves.

We welcomed Sal to his first GoodGym session, and grabbed head torches and lights for the ground.

Making our way to tonight's spot, Ken proceeded to tell us a little bit about the area of the park, the purpose of our planting mission and the best planting know-how.

Wasting no time, the team divided into small teams, taking care to cover the entire area, distributing both types of bulb evenly. Returning to the wheelbarrows to restock buckets and occasionally relocate to a new planting spot, as always, the time flew.

Several broken trowels - and one spectacular pun - later we were calling it a night.

Wandering back to the Soanes Centre and tool shed, we concluded it had been a handy little upper body workout, and that we're looking forward to returning later in the Autumn.

Another fun night in the borough - well done team, and a big shout-out to Lucinda for this evening's pretty awesome pun.

This task operated a staggered start system with 4 Goodgymers making their way to St Margaret’s house on a balmy Thursday afternoon.

After some confusion over entrances, the correct one was located (helpfully signed ‘Main Entrance’) where we were met by Operations Manager Emily.

The task was to remove all weeds in sight (but not touch the nice mossy bits) and sweep up any loose leaves and debris.

Emily helpfully provided us with everything we needed to complete the task and more – we were even spoilt with knee pads.

Ilana was second on the scene and got to work removing weeds like they’d gone out of fashion.

Around 5pm the Goodgym baton was passed from Ilana to John. John remarked on the outdoor seating area being the easiest sweeping surface he had ever experienced. High praise indeed from a man who must have swept countless surfaces through myriad Goodgym tasks.

Last but by no means least, we were joined by Sam, a longstanding Goodgymer who has recently moved from Richmond to Tower Hamlets. A very welcome addition to the Tower Hamlets contingent! Sam was eagle-eyed at picking out litter camouflaged amongst the natural debris.

We ended the session by tackling the front area by the café, surrounded by the soothing scent of lavender bushes and a lovely sunset.

The Second Monday of the Month meant that GoodGym Richmond’s Group Run took us to our sponsored riverside plots in Buccleuch Gardens. Fantastic to have such a great squad of GG Richmond/ Buccleuch Gardens regulars including many who were involved when we first took on the task of transforming The Three Pigeons Plot back in September 2019, on GoodGym’s 10th ‘Super Saturday’ Anniversary and who helped to build our iconic Insect Hotel.

The task kicked off with 10 minutes of weeding around the perimeter of The Three Pigeons Plot before the whole GG Richmond squad headed towards The Arcade and split into teams to focus on the compost heap and rebuilding/strengthening two of the ‘twiggy barricades’ that deter people from stomping on the plants.

Thanks to Sam who led the Group Run from and then back to The Tap Tavern, where we had our Group social afterwards (and a shout out for the limited edition cider on tap at The Tap: Sea Witch Sticky Toffee Apple Cider).

The next GG Richmond ‘second Monday’ Group Run tasks in Buccleuch Gardens will be on Monday 11th November and Monday 9th December.

And if you are free anytime between 6-7pm on Wednesday 30th October, sign up and drop by for a special ‘Spook Night Mission’ in Buccleuch Gardens where we will be decorating The Arcade ready for Halloween.