Wednesday 10th July 2019
Report written by Ant Withstandley
We were at old favourite St Mary's Churchyard last night for a spot of gardening. St Mary's is not far from our base, but what it lacks in miles, it makes up in elevation! So we were all suitably warmed up when we arrived to be greeted by Tim, Walthamstow's very own Monty Don.
Our ranks of green-fingered taskmasters were swelled by first-timer, Emma and second timer, Kathryn, both making excellent running and tasking contributions to the evening.
With an excellent array of tools to choose from strimmers were harnessed, mowers were started and barrows were braced. Suitably equipped, everyone was ready to go into battle with the horde of unruly weeds that had invaded the churchyard.
To the sound of the church bells the good folks in the church took their vespers while the GoodGymers outside raked their nettles. Under a still baking sun, plenty got done, presently it was time to down tools and pick up drills. We went for three times three slow, medium and fast sprints. Some seriously zippy speed and great running form was on show by all. Pretty soon hearts were racing and we were jogging back downhill and to base.
Well done everyone, another fantastic effort. Join us again next week for more making the world a better place.
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The churchyard contains numerous interesting graves and four listed tombs, and is divided into four railed and enclosed areas with public access to only two; it is bisected by paths which are in frequent public use. There are some 1300 visible monuments in and around the church, and it is thought that over 26,000 burials took place here. The first church of St Mary Walthamstow was founded in the early-12th century on the site of an older church. The current building is largely 16th-century with later alterations. The timber-framed Ancient House near the church probably stands on the site of the original Manor of Walthamstow.
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