We witnessed a beautiful late summer sunset yesterday, and I had the joy of enjoying it alongside 15 wonderful folk :)

Ingestre Road Estate was where our group in red descended. Nestled a few minutes from Tufnell Park, this community housing is set amidst mature trees, lively flower beds, and a great-huge-magnificient (and hidden) woodland. We've helped out here a few times this year, and it was special to come back as we look towards Autumn.

Several of us (Alex T, Chalomi, Ivo, Jack, Jackie, Jenny, John, Marta, Sarah H, Steve, and I) started our evening with meandering run up and through the evening hubbub of Kentish Town - whilst several others (Darren, Emily, Jacob, and Sarah A) had made their own ways on foot and pedals.

Met by the wonderful Pete (who used to head up GoodGym Camden), we swiftly split into teams, each tackling a much-needed task.

We had Team Cut-the-Crap-Out-Of-The-Over-Grown-Area (consisting of Ivo, Jenny, Sarah A, and Sarah H), who absolutely transformed a patch of overgrown weeds and brambles across 30 strenuous minutes!

We had Team Tap>Water>Walk>Trees>Water>Repeat (consisting of Alex T, Darren, Emily, and Steve), who gave a newly planted woodland orchard of apple trees the water they deserve :)

We had Team Turn-Bog-Into-Pond (consisting of Jacob, John, and Marta), who shifted bucket after bucket of fresh sand to a natural water-draining pond, gifting it robustness ahead of the wetter months to come!

We had Team Bramble-2-Wheelbarrow-Ramble (consisting of Chalomi and Jack), who cut back oodles of overhanging bramble and who then traversed ramps, gates, and keen photographers as they carefully transported their towering barrow of cut thorns!

And we had our very own litter-picking maestro, Jackie, who bagged a huge pile of litter from both the estate and woodland :)

To top off our evening, a few of us headed to The Vine for a social natter, where we were also met by the wonderful GoodGym Greenwich AA, Rachel :)

Thank you to Pete for organising such a brilliant suit of tasks - and thank you, all, for your energy, work, and time - I appreciate it!

See you soon!

I left our evening on Wednesday feeling happy, until my mind and memory kicked in, and I realised... I hadn't taken any photos!

Too wrapped up in seeing our wonderful group of Emilie, Jackie, John, Sarah, and Steve, I neglected my duties as chief photographer and documenter.

I promise, as an oath and with my hand held above GoodGym's charitable constitution, that... this good-deeding really did happen!

Across nearly an hour, this awesome group scoured the streets just to the east of Kentish Town Station, spreading the word for GoodGym and Camden FoodCycle, which organises a very special community meal every Tuesday in Somers Town.

Caught in a descending sun and a late August warmth, our steady hour of posting, chatting, and walking was a mid-week touch of bliss.

Thanks, everyone, and see you soon!

"Ashdown Crescent, you say?"

"That's right, Ashdown Crescent"

"Ashdown Crescent, neighbour to Queen's Crescent?"

"Oh yes that's the one, Ashdown Crescent right by Queen's Crescent"

"Mmmmm I think I have indeed passed that crescent, the Ashdown Crescent, the one by the Queen's Crescent!"

"Oh yes I should think you have! We all know Ashdown Crescent, the crescent next to the Queen's Crescent"

Which, fellow friends, has been the dialogue in my brain ever since 'Ashdown Crescent' entered my ears. Was this really a real place? Had my life finally become irreparably conjoined with Jane Austen's? Was I actually featuring in an episode of Downton Abbey?

RIGHT - ENOUGH OF THIS SILLINESS - I HAVE AN EVENING OF GOOD DEEDING TO TELL YOU ABOUT!

Nine of us - nine of us without (unless appropriate evidence is forthcoming) regal connections - battled the evening's business to make our ways to this special sheltered housing complex just to the West of Kentish Town. Home to 35 local residents, Ashdown supports independent living and community in a hidden pocket of green just off the main thoroughfare.

Our wonderful group of Alex, Caitlin, Dan, Emilie, Emre, Giulia (on their first good deed - you're very welcome!), Sarah, and Steve mirrored a crack team of altruistic gardening experts. Having been warmly welcomed by Frezghi and Paul, this group needed little more than a blink to divide themselves into productivity.

Alex and Giulia got straight to pruning and weeding an overlooked section of walled garden - Caitlin, Dan, and Emre honed in on the middle bank of the garden, pulling weeds and re-composting - Emilie and Sarah started an evening-long battle with two compost drums in need of emptying and refreshing - and Steve got to work with the largest broom I have ever seen on a GoodGym task.

Over 45 minutes, this group made a material and visible difference, and I know the residents at Ashdown will be grateful! We'll certainly be back this summer to do even more :)

Thank you, all, for your work and energy - it was a joy to see you all!!

Camden experienced summer yesterday evening. The weather forecast told me it'd be hot and dry, and even bright with minimal clouds, too.

I held my breath, I crossed my fingers.

And.

It held out!

Which meant for a bright and warm run through Camden to start our evening yesterday. Alison, Steve, and I worked our way through evening-tide streets, and we shared stories and chatter as we did.

Arriving at the special St Cuthbert's communal garden, we were met by fellow GoodGymer, Sarah, who had taken a canal-side cycle to make their way over.

Over 45 minutes, we collectively dug up a bush, filled multiple bags of compost, sawed through an old chain, and cut planks of old timber for disposal.

With 4 willing pairs of hands, we made a big difference in a short span. Thanks, everyone, it was great to see you all!!!

Here's to next time :)

Our wonderful, friendly, and green-fingered group of Liz, Sarah, and Steve chose GoodGym over semi-finals on Wednesday, as we made our way over to Kentish Town and a very special garden.

The Caversham Group Practice was our home for the evening, and we were welcomed by the lovely Jo and Sarah, who took us into their lush and peaceful Listening Space Garden.

Set within the Pratice's grounds, it's a gem of quiet and green, and we felt lucky to offer our Wednesday evening energies!!

Over 45 minutes we worked along the garden's pathways, stripping them of summer weeds and overgrowth, and we shared stories and caught up as we did.

It was a joy to meet Jo and Sarah, and we look forward to coming back soon!!