A muggy evening called for a gentle task this evening, sharing the benefits of GoodGym with local residents via a leaflet drop in East Twickenham. The air was heavy but the mood was light as we made our way along the river path and over the bridge to an area that lots of people have signed up but not joined as members to see if we can prompt some action! Fingers crossed our efforts will pay off and we will be introducing more people to the positive change that GoodGym can make soon.

On our latest visit to this children's home in St Margarets, GG was tasked with giving the large rear garden a bit of attention. Firstly, Sam, Steph and the returning James were joined on Richmond Green by Chris and Anita for a couple of laps followed by a run across the lock bridge to the task, where we met Honor, Adam and JP. St Christopher's had no specific gardening job they needed doing so we used our wit and Anita's expertise to find improvements to make to their lovely green space.

Tasks included removing the bindweed convolvulus from a number of plants and shrubs, cutting away brambles and reordering the shed. It was a fine summery evening for keeping fit and doing good!

Five Goodgymers went on a trek along the River Crane to tackle Himalayan balsam for the Friends of the River Crane (FORCE). On a humid summer day we dawned our long sleeves and trouser to pick the invasive balsam out from sky high nettles and brambles. It was prickly business. It seems endless but we managed to clear a large section along the Crane and go home to lick our wounds.

Garden watered this afternoon!

Congratulations James, first task complete!

The downpour of rain didn’t stop GG this evening at the INS session. To avoid the rain we first did a few indoor tasks. We strategically moved a desk upstairs and helped to rearrange the main office. We then decided to take our chances with the rain and with quick raking and sweeping, we managed to clear up parts of the garden. As some of us tried to seek shelter under some trees, there was no escaping, but we managed to clear the pavement of weeds and shovelled some soil into the flowerbeds. As we were ready to leave, the rain stopped! It was a successful session and even though we were wet, we were very satisfied of our achievement this evening.

Happy 9th birthday GoodGym Richmond!

Celebrating nine years of keeping fit by doing good in Richmond at the riverside plot we take care of on behalf of Richmond Council. A sunny jog along the river, followed by lots of watering, weeding, clearing up and happy chatting as we went. And a biscuit to finish!

Thank you to all 591 people who have done a task in Richmond over the last nine years!