Shift 3 of the Lantern Parade felt like a breeze! Angela and Jess stayed back from the previous shift to help (thank you!).

The seven of us working alongside the Norden Farm staff and other volunteers, made light work of the post-event clean up. After reclaiming lantern sticks from the public, we grouped them into batches of 10 per their colour. These were efficiently taped together and transferred to the library side of the road where a van was parked to load 'em up. We also helped gather discarded lanterns, remove signs from lampposts and Anne-Laure even helped with some heavy lifting to help the Stage crew.

Everyone - including task owner Kayleigh - was surprised at how fast things got done. The new high-vis vests courtesy Viv, got a good outing (and photographing) and we all walked away satisfied and happy to have been part of this great annual event once again!

One of our favourite events in the GoodGym calendar, and the turnout of GoodGymers did not disappoint. Sheila and Georgeta stayed on after the set-up shift, joined by Frances who so enjoyed her first GoodGym mission that she returned 2 seconds later for her second! We were also joined by Jess, Angela, Roberta and Diya, and after a briefing by our taskowner we went to our assigned spots. We handed out lanterns to the excited children, switching on their lights, and handing out the spares to anyone else who wanted them And then the parade was off to the sounds of the Beatroot Drummers at the front and the Bollywood Brass Band at the back. We were dazzled by the ladies on stilts and the hundreds of animal lanterns. Its such a joyous event, put on by Norden Farm for the community. They are so grateful for the support from GoodGym, and we are grateful to them for putting it on for us!

10 GoodGymers helped clean up local streets and parks in lieu of GivingTuesday which is on 2nd December this year. GivingTuesday is a global movement that unleashes the power of generosity around the world — a day that encourages people to do good. While we are no strangers to doing good, GivingTuesday is always a good excuse to list a litter pick!

Sheila, Tessa, Kay, Kanika and Diya met at the Community Centre on a cold but sunny morning. We fanned out in different directions for maximum coverage. Jess joined in bringing her own litter pick. Georgeta, Angela, Viv (with Flora the dog) and Jen did their bit around their homes. 

There are 10 big bags less of litter on the streets of Maidenhead. Thanks team! 

A jolly holly bunch of GoodGymers had a great time today at the sunny Braywick Nature Reserve foraging for festive foliage for the Age Concern wreath making workshop.

Our task owner from Age Concern was pine-ing for supplies for this year’s merry fundraiser and wreath guidance from Ranger Tom we were fir-ry happy to help.

We gathered plenty of conifer cuttings for bulk, then we found prettier clippings to really spruce up the wreaths. Ivy never seen so many lovely red berries and we even managed to reach some mistletoe.

Gillian was particularly efficient with the secateurs. You should’ve cedar!