Great to join the assembled Friends of this park giving it some love and attention after a lot of neglect… and saving it from possible threat of encroaching redevelopment. Today lots of new plants had been acquired (and some rescued from the adjacent old Civic Centre site) so years of overgrown ivy, brambles and invasive trees needed to be cleared to make some space.

Ratchet loppers and various types of saw saw plenty of action. Brilliant people and brilliant secret spot in Bromley. (Plus, an actual ha-ha!)

This week, myself and Mia joined Viv, Lumin, and local volunteers for another gardening session at the Silverdale Planters.

We started with some much-needed weeding to keep the planters looking their best. Then, we got to work planting two new rhododendrons on the slope.

We also moved more of the iris flower rhizomes, giving them extra breathing space and ensuring a good scattering of colour across both planters.

Spring has officially sprung, with daffodils popping up in both planters.

With the planters looking fresh and full of potential, we’re excited to see how they develop—join us next time! 🌱🌼✨

Two Goodgymers joined the Friends of Bromley Palace Park to help with weeding, chopping and generally eliminating some pesky laurel.

Millie got to work digging up roots, while Louise went on a lopping extravaganza. The glorious weather made it a treat to be here, with birds chirping, dogs and dog walkers chatting and the occasional Canada goose honking.

We'll be back next month, to continue helping the Friends get the park ready for the Summer.

Had a great experience, it was really well organised by super friendly people, I enjoyed having quick chats with folks whilst planting those new little trees! A good workout for sure with 7k there and 7k back home!

GoodGym Bromley (soon to be GG Crystal Palace 👀) were on top form tonight for some fence brushing, helping out the magnificent Friends of Cator and Alexandra Parks before freshening up the kids' play area fences.

We met at the Bridge House as per. Cat's Q of the day; Cook or be cooked for, and what is your meal of choice? Be cooked for obvs?

It was just a short jog down the hill to the park where we nailed the timing as Millie swerved round the kerb to meet us.

Brushes at the ready we flicked off lichen, flaky paint, slugs. You name it, we brushed it.

We completed a serious chunk in our 45 mins or so and stopped off for a quick snap with some pigeons before heading back for stretches.

Nice to see everyone. Shout-out to Cat for leading. Next week, it's decided, it's going to be the first GoodGym Crystal Palace group run.

Two things to do at our brand new task tonight at the Paxton Centre, a community creative hub on Anerley Hill.

We met at the Bridge House and answered tonight's icebreaker - What's your favourite paint name? We had the bright: razzle dazzle rose to the more sombre: gunmental grey.

Setting out, we did a spiral out along Oakfield Road and then onto Anerley Road and up the hill to our destination. On arrival we met Beth, the proprietor of the space, who wanted help with touch up paintwork downstairs 🖌️ and fastening the legs of a set of tables upstairs 🔩

James led the way in taking apart the tables so we could get to the nuts that needed to be tightened, while GoodGym returnee Matthew and team got to work taking down the various prints on the walls and painting behind them where the colour beneath had chipped off over time.

Both teams did a great job and we were done by 8pm, ready to head off home with Beth grateful for our help. Alone, it would've taken her a long time to do those jobs, but with a few helping hands we could get lots done in 30 minutes! 🕗

Join Cat next week for some wire brushing at Alexandra Recreation Ground (and warmer weather! 🤞)