Once you pop(py) you must stop

It was a new adventure for GoodGym Bristol tonight with the opportunity to fulfill a short-notice request from St Paul's Learning Centre who are trying to bring their garden under control for a new project.

It was a forest when the runners but progress was already being made when the walkers arrived just a few minutes later. We could soon see the poppies we needed to save and were very clear to stop once we popp(i)ed.

Forks and brute force were the order of the day with a fantastic team effort to clear as much as we could. The walkers voted to stay and only leave when the runners were setting off just to get some extra time on the task.

The tiny compost heap was soon the height of the fence as GoodGymmers queued to add to the mound whilst other specialised in digging, chopping or pulling. One of the weeds removed was, according to Vaguely Northern Darren, at least six foot as it was as long as him lying next to it. No one mention Darren's actually 5 foot 7 as he was the tallest in his family until his son overtook him - so he's officially Tall.

Dave won the prize for the longest root still attached to a removed plant, though you may not be able to recognise him under said plant.

Caroline won the prize for having the most sticky bud seeds attached to her with Frances in second.

Sasha was totally amazed at the progress and is already looking at a return visit to continue the clearance and prepare the ground for planting.

In unsurprising news, the runners beat the walkers back to Queen Square and then workout with more chatting whilst the sky darkened and the summer downpour came - I hope you didn't get too wet on the way home!