There was a fantastic turnout for GoodGym Richmond’s first group run of 2023, visiting Buccleuch Gardens, Richmond where GG Richmond maintain two plots on the Thames Path: The Arcade Rockery and The Three Pigeons Plot.

Walking and running groups set off from outside The Tap Tavern with a rendezvous in front of The Arcade. Expecting gardening, some were initially flummoxed by a request to create a human ‘2023’ but, with great ingenuity, human numerals were created to herald the New Year. To the relief of many, there wasn’t time to try and create a giant Rabbit to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Instead there was plenty of work to be done and plenty of GoodGymers keen to grab trugs, trowels, brooms, forks and brushes and attack an array of winter gardening tasks. At The Arcade small groups worked to turn over the compost heap, rake leaves off the lawn, weed the steps/paving/paths, and recycle all the green waste generated. And at the Three pigeons Plot a small group did a magnificent job clearing weeds from around the river steps as well as sweeping up the leaves around the plot itself.

Back at the Tap Tavern, hard work was rewarded with drinks at the bar for those who could stay for the January Social. A special mention goes to Jarryd who came to try out GoodGym for the first time, to JP who dropped in to say hello on his way home from work with jetlag, to Kate who came to see everyone in the pub for a catch up and to Lucy and Salwa who brought bakes to the pub for everyone!