7 Goodgymers ran through the streets, winding uphill to meet the rest of the gang who helped by bringing litter picking supplies at the Liverpool Irish Centre. With Ema walking (4km) and Sallyann cycling (10k), there was plenty of miles accumulated. The Centre does so many good things for the local community and it was great to help tidy around the grounds for their upcoming sold out panto. Well done Issy and Joanna on trying your first group run, hopefully it will be the first of many. The group reached the venue in no time and with a sharp wind about set to grabbing bags and litter pickers. Having a chance to chat while litter picking made the time pass quickly and 19 bags of rubbish was beyond all expectations. Having some brioscaí ( biscuits – pronounced breeski) after picking up bruscar (rubbish – pronounced brushcar), everyone was fuelled to continue our various ways. Well done all, Clodagh was happy out and the place looked well after your work

On a dark Thursday evening 4 green fingered wonder women gathered to give mother nature aka Fiona the task owner, a helping hand. Steph arrived early as per usual and eagerly awaited the 2 newbies and her fellow red runners. Area Activator Ema arrived via taxi (due to injury) and was eagerly welcomed by both Steph and Fiona. Joanna and Izzy both ran about 3km to the meeting point. After a briefing regarding health, safety and if you fall down the ditch expect to hear laughter before assistance. We got to work digging holes and planting yearlings of various flora. Due to prior injury Ema and Steph tag teamed and Steph dug the hole while Ema planted the yearlings.  

We planted various flora that had all been donated to the Broadgreen Hospital by the Conservation Volunteers so Fiona was even more made up that donations were also being planted by volunteers. We planted field maple, mountain ash/rowan (which will grow little red berries to increase wildlife) hazel, grey willow (which produces fuzzy catkins which are early pollinators and again great for the wildlife), common dog, goat willow (which is the main food source for the stunning purple emperor butterfly!), Downy birch, bird cherry (known for its almond scented blossom, a big hit for nectar loving animals) and dog rose.  

Joanna and Izzy showed extreme talent in the task and as we got to know each other better the time flew by! Some rather in-depth conversations regarding Liverpool’s general inclusiveness and how long one must wait before declaring themselves and honorary Scouser.

Before we knew it the 2 hours were up and we had planted approximately 100 trees. Feeling rather proud of ourselves we helped Fiona tidy up the tools and eagerly arranged to see each other soon! Fiona is looking forward to working with us again at both the Women's Hospital on Monday 7th February for our Group Run session and Thursday 24th for another tree planting Community Mission this time at Aintree Hospital planting more trees on the 24th.  

As always a very good job well done. Wonderful faces, wonderful experience (none of us had planted a tree before!) wonderful people doing a wonderful task. In the words of Louie Armstrong “what a wonderful world!”  Well done guys!