That was Rachel's reaction when she visited the community allotment for the first time this year. So much has been added . Phoebe tried out the beer pumps, but they seem to have run dry! Georgeta was already busy doing the watering as we can't quite believe that it might actually rain tonight. While Rachel and Neeta helped her, Phoebe and Sheila shovelled some soil into a wheelbarrow and transported it over to the other side of the car park. Here, one of the apple trees had some bare root exposed, so we piled up the soil to cover the roots. We had also been asked to pile some old soil and rubble up around the fig to help retain the water when it is watered. We found the bags of material we could use, and built a little wall around the fig, adding bricks and stones and firming it down. We did a watering test run and it seemed to work!. Neeta also did a litter pick, gathering up lots of bits of plastic that have gathered around the allotment area. Now, I wonder if it will rain tonight?

8 GGers met at the riverside hub to help out with a number of tasks

We all stared work on the weeding, and a huge difference was seen in a short space of time

Weeding out of the way, we moved over to the over side, where decking was swept, brambles were pulled and the sad pond was dismantled ready for a new happy water feature to take its place

Tasks completed, we made our way to the bench where task owner Heather had kindly left a platter of fruit and squash

Hats off to another successfully completed task!

12 GoodGymers met on a warm, sunny evening to continue bashing the invasive Balsams so they don't overwhelm the biodiversity of the riverbanks and neighbouring farmlands.

We welcomed Claire who's restarting her GG adventures in Maidenhead having done plenty of good work in Islington. Along with Claire, we had another new face - young Phoebe, a first timer who's in town for her Uni break.

Jess, currently undergoing the Fitness Leader training, took over to lead an active travel session. After a security briefing which included crossing the road safely, she led us down the Thames path to the bashing arena. Before entereing the woods, a quick pit stop was needed for everyone to put on protective layers against the prickly nettles.

Here, Jess cautioned us about safely navigating the broken fence, the uprooted tree, the other uprooted tree with the barbed wire and the low hanging trees (and the nettles!). Forewarned and overdressed, we proceeded to the clearing to resume the balsam bashing.

Time flew by as we chatted, uprooted, sweated, yelped at being pricked and had a grand old time. On the hour, we headed back and ended the evening with some stretches in the light of the setting sun.

Thanks to Georgeta for the lovely photos and Kanika, for being the Back Marker.