In the middle of a heatwave and after a warm dry spring, the fruit trees of the Wigmore Park Community Orchard were at risk of suffering from drought so we tied up our running shoes and headed out on a hydration mission.

Taking it easy in the heat we ran in the shade for the 5km to get to the park and joined others who had made their directly to the park on foot/bike to reduce the risk of the heat.

Konni was ready and waiting for us in the orchard, with two hoses running to fill buckets and watering cans. We soon had a shuttle system going to get water out to each one of the 80 trees in the orchard and worked systematically to make sure they all good a good bucket or two of water each.

On completion we enjoyed some of Konni's home made elderflower drink and took a moment to celebrate Duncan's birthday with a round of donuts. 🍩 😋

Then the return 5km for the runners thankfully downhill and noticeably cooler as the sun dipped down.

This week's group run too us up to Dallow Downs and the Ferndale allotment. Thanks to previous efforts this allotment that had fallen out of use is now fully occupied with keen growers.

the final part of bringing the allotment back into good use was clearing up collected bits of rubbish in the overgrown parking area.

We got rummaging in the foliage to find the bits of old wood, metal buckets and general litter left lying around and now grown over by thick plants, building an impressive pile ready for quick removal. With all the rubbish pulled out the area is safe for a strimming and reclaiming the area for better use.

We made quick work of it so we took the scenic route down the beautifully sunny downs and picked litter on the way. Filling a couple of bags with our findings before we got back onto the streets.

This week the team ran out to the 61 Football Club and helped with tidying up outside the clubhouse in preparation for the upcomng 65th anniversary of the club's founding.

On the way we were treated to a fantastic rainbow 🌈 so stopped for a quick rainbow selfie before carrying on with our run.

On arrival at the club we found Cliff and Richard waiting with tools ready to clear the weeds and sweep up around the outside of the building. With seven of us we managed to do a thorough job and head back into town with the last of the evening sunshine ☀️