Seven GoodGymmers gathered on Raymill Island for a double‑mission evening of watering and repainting.

We were welcomed by Nivi and Shoshan from the Friends of Raymill Island, and wasted no time getting stuck in. First up: helping Shoshan haul a few stray logs out of the stream — an early warm‑up before the main tasks began.

With the logs sorted, the group split into two teams. Sol and Jess took on the watering challenge, ferrying bucket after bucket from the stream to thirsty flower beds and planters. It turned into a full‑body workout!

Meanwhile, Meggie, Katie and Nicola breathed new life into the Ladybird Hopscotch, carefully repainting each cheerful bug. Mike tackled the rainbow, restoring every colour so it shone brightly once again.

By the end, the whole area looked refreshed and revived. Passers‑by stopped to thank us and commented on how much better the space looked — always lovely to hear.

A job well done, and we’ll be back next week to help Shoshan tether the logs so they stay put and don’t end up in the stream again!

Sheila went to help install an irrigation system at Ray Mill Island. Winding the pipework round the plants on the rockery, then pinning it down to secure in place. Then it was time for the big switch-on. Success!

The plants at Ray Mill Island were in need of a hydration break, so Sheila got out the hose, and gave the planters and nursery area a good old soak

At Ray Mill Island this afternoon Sheila and 3 other volunteers focused on watering the plants that had been planted this year, as well as the ones in the nurser. Sheila also dead-headed all the plants in the window boxes, hoping for a second show of flowers

Twelve of us gathered at the Ray Mill Island rise to help out with a few tasks.

Some took up the hose and watered the thirsty plants. 🌱🌿

Others took up saws and pulled out branches from among the brambles to use for a fern bed. 🪚🪾

And one took up a brush and painted some signs, in the exciting company of some rats 🖌️😬

Shout out to W&M newcomer Yvonne who joined us from Bracknell! Hope to see you back for more.

When we finished, it was time for a special celebration - Diya's 500th deed! We had delicious cake 🍰 - thanks Georgeta - with a clever topper (which flummoxed the only accountant amongst us!). Sheila made a beautiful medal 🏅 and had a great idea to have everyone say some words about Diya... here's the full list: Enthusiastic, Fun, Horse-manure, Kind, Thoughtful, Football, Warm, Camaraderie , Guinness, Friendship, Racquetball, Mad, Inclusive, Funny, Party girl, Always very hungry.

And we were all treated to Diya's biggest smile 😃 - warming our hearts on an already warm day! 🥵

I was flying solo at Ray Mill Island this week however after the heatwave the planters and beds needed a good watering so that was the job of the day.