It was with a certain trepidation that Magda said that there was quite a lot to do getting the allotment back on track after Winter. But and Natalie like a challenge.

Sleeves rolled up, a monster spade, trowel and hoe and these two Good Gymers were ready to go.

The task was to de-weed the overgrown beds and turn the soil to get it fresh and ready for planting.

In an hour and half, two thirds of the beds were looking ready for seeds or plants with some particularly satisfying and hefty removals.

Look forward to going back and seeing it in its glory once shoots start to emerge.

On a rainy evening in Ipswich (erm hi Spring, where did you go?!) , 5 GoodGymers headed to help the Salvation Army get their courtyard garden ready for the warmer weather. Natasha and Natalie put in a few kms to get there around the port and docks to stay traffic-free and met Pippa and Paul there.

Spurred on my the poor weather, we quickly got to work removing all the weeds, freeing up space in the courtyard for future planting and creating more room for residents to enjoy come Summer.

And we were delighted to see previous tasks of sorting the donation room had well and truly paid off. Beverley proudly showed us how tidy is still is! What a result.

Great job everyone! What a difference in a short space of time.

A great turn out tonight to litter pick along the river tonight and contribute to Keep Britain Tidy and the Big Spring Clean.

With a hardy crew of six we hit the river litter pickers in hand and were in for a shock ..the well known 'grot spot' near the skate park was what can only be described as clean and tidy! Perhaps word has finally got out that littering is NOT cool or more people have gotten involved with the spring clean .. either way, it's a great outcome!

Not to be deterred, we divided and conquered. Natasha, Leanne and Pippa hit the central reservation (promise no jaywalking and full Highway Code) whilst Paul, Richard and I checked the planters along the river removing all detritus. Mission accomplished!

We showed Good Gym Ipswich can go with the flow tonight as we arrived prepped to plan social media. But our Task Owner needed a little more hands on help tonight and we were happy to oblige. A quieter night for the gang as Natasha got stuck in creating some info stands whilst I painted a door. We reunited upstairs to clean some windows before we left.

The run went quickly tonight on a crisp but dry evening and we clocked up 5k with Natasha doubling the effort.

The hill that leads up to Blue Hill certainly makes itself known, especially if it hasn't been tackled in a while. One for the quads...

Upon a slightly out of breath arrival, Natasha and I were greeted by Pippa and David who had walked and diged flying golf balls on the way from the nearby golf club!

Tracey soon set us work on 'the cabin' situated in the grounds. Due to be repainted soon, we ensured it was prepped and ready by giving it a thorough clean.

Couldn't resist the family- photo with the giant teddy bear before we departed.... can we insist on seeing something truly fluffy next time?

Thanks for the pun Pippa... one of my faves to date.

Such is the efficiency of the Good Gym Ipswich team that we double-tasked tonight!

After our run tonight we headed to the Salvation Army where Beverley had lined up two tasks: not a problem we said with the swagger of a gang who know how to get stuck in.

First up was tackling the donation room and getting the clothes sorted. All separated and folded by item so that they are easy to access and try on. Five suitcases done and tidied.

Task two alerted all our sweet tooths as we divided sweets and wrapped them ahead of Valentines Day for gifts for the residents. It seems Quality Sweets are for life and not just for Christmas.

Well done everyone! Paul Natasha 10 Imogen Bruce

*as ever, pun copyright of Imogen ;)