Four GoodGymers joined the Friends of John Innes Park this morning for their monthly gardening session. With recent rain taking care of the watering, we focused on lavender trimming, alkanet removal - and the highly scientific process of whacking dried poppy heads to help next year's flowers spread their seed.

We'll be back next month for a concerted attack on the bamboo. Until then, we’ll be binge-watching giant panda documentaries as tactical research…

Tonight the team returned to Morley Park to give the Friends group a hand with some serious path reclamation.

Armed with spades and loppers, we tackled a large section where dirt and overgrowth had narrowed the walkway. The rock-hard ground, after a dry summer, had turned digging into a proper full-body workout, including branch-busting and pruning back overhanging trees and bushes.

By the end, we had cleared heaps of soil and debris, fully restoring a wide stretch of path for local park-goers. Who needs a gym membership when there's jobs like this to do? Well done everyone - it's great to be back in action!

Following a swift briefing safely tucked away out of earshot from the main stage, the team set off to support Full Cycle with their community bike ride. The route meandered through the quiet backstreets of Mitcham before entering the greenery of Morden Hall Park, looping back through Ravensbury Park, and taking in the scenic views along the River Wandle.

The group kept a relaxed, enjoyable pace, offering participants a chance to explore a local loop route that was brand new to some riders. It was brilliant to assist with a fresh initiative in Merton, and hopefully this inaugural ride paves the way for many more to come.

With the lunch rush wrapped up, our two-person team stepped in to give the hard-working volunteers a boost at the end of a long shift. Dividing up the duties made quick work of the remaining chores. One of us took charge of the kitchen, tackling the various cleaning jobs, including scrubbing down surfaces, while the other took to the main hall sweeping up the floor, clearing tables and stacking chairs away. Our help allowed the entire session to wrap up significantly earlier than usual. The space was left sparkling, smelling fresh, and ready for the next service. We hope to be back with a monthly session here, so keep an eye out for the next one and join us if you can.

Forget the classic jazz song "What a difference a DAY made" - our 16 strong team of Goodgymers did the same in just 1 HOUR!

I can only imagine the startled look on the faces of Mitcham's Citizens Advice Bureau employees as they return to work in the morning to find their garden has been transformed from near jungle to a beautiful clean and tidy oasis in which they can enjoy their lunch breaks.

Everyone got stuck in from the word go and the result was plain to see. We also tackled the front clearing weeds, litter and sweeping leaves.

A huge welcome to Sophie and Laura - congratulations on your first GoodGym session, hopefully see you again soon!

Next week we are at Martin Way Methodist church community garden and it's likely there will be some outdoor jobs 😉. There's also a group run beforehand so sign up here if you are joining us.