The rain very kindly stopped as soon as I arrived at Mr R's home for my very first mission! After introductions and some chat about the "Goodgymers of Ealing" who had previously visited, I got to work. After selecting tools from a beautifully organised shed, I tentatively started with some gentle weed pulling in the patio, but Mr R's instructions to "just chop it all back" were ringing in my ears. I soon had my eye in and set to work hacking back lots of new growth, and a mighty bramble patch. Despite being a newbie gardener, I was encouraged by a robbin who decided I was good enough to follow around for worm snacks.

After 90 minutes and many trips to the compost heap I was feeling pleased with the progress, but could quite happily have ploughed on for some time. Mr R kindly showed me some photos of his garden from its glory days - magazine worthy! I cleaned the mud off my tools and toddled back out into the drizzle.