“So, about the trees…”

Two surprises awaited the team on arrival at FGS HQ today:

• The trees for the tree-planting task hadn’t arrived, so the task had, er, changed.
• The team were unaware we were kicking off with a workout.

But the robust crew of 9 seemed unperturbed as we set out for Guy Street Park on this rather grey Wednesday lunchtime. After a speedy warm-up, we whizzed through a top-to-toe body weight workout using walls, tarmac and benches as the ultimate multi-gym:

Lunges, split squats, decline push-ups, elevated side planks and endless V-sits were the order of the day.

With fitness feathers somewhat ruffled, we took an easy jog around to the Kipling Estate to meet the brilliant Clive, who’d prepared today’s task with great care. We said our hellos and distributed kit in the well cared for community centre, before heading out to the new garden area, with its raised beds, and border awaiting completion.

What was the task?

Good question. It was to empty a great stash of woodchip into the pathway, and distribute it evenly.

Why were we doing this?

Well, this new garden area is a much-loved new green project on the estate, created and overseen by Clive and Jo, and other members of the TRA. With funding from the mayor earlier this year, despite all hands on deck from members of the TRA and keen gardeners among the estate’s residents, as people return to work and temperatures drop, a few additional pairs of hands in the form of the fantastic FGS squad was very much appreciated today.

All about the teamwork

Three teams were formed:

• The woodchip shovellers

• The wheelbarrow gang

• Team Rake

They didn’t stop. Literally. “It’s like a machine,” marvelled Clive.

Bag after bag, barrow after barrow…Only stopping to pose patiently for a pic.

And then it was done. “Wait, is that right?” I asked Matt: “Has it taken you fewer than 50 minutes?”

Glancing down at our watches, blinking, Clive and I marvelled at the FGS team’s speed, efficiency and stamina.

And so we said our cheerios, taking a slow jog back to the office not forgetting a shout-out to Barry for patient camera-tutorial and to Nat, for our splendid pun.

A little while later, on arrival home, I received an email from Clive, "The wood chip pathway looks brilliant, and everyone who has seen it is so impressed and proud of how the garden now looks, so much more complete and established. …The team were absolutely perfect guests, who deserve medals for their community works. What great neighbours!"

Way to go. Until next time.