We returned to South Oxford Community Centre to finish the gardening tasks we were unable to do last month. This time the bulk bags of compost and woodchip had been delivered, so with buckets, trugs and a wheelbarrow we set to work to load it into the big raised bed along the park railings.

Intelligence test was supplied thanks to an awkward hose-tap attachment, weeding and sweeping was done, the whole park was thoroughly litter picked, and both bulk bags were successfully redistributed into the raised bed, plus all plants were given a good drench.

More random than normal: ballet dancers in the courtyard.
Most photogenic attendee: Django the dog.

We retreated to the park post-task for picnicing, swimming in the lake, paddling, and playing with Django - a lovely way to mark Ben's last Wednesday task with us before he moves north to Manchester. You'll be missed Ben!

Congratulations on reaching the 10 GoodDeeds milestone Anja.

A final (for this season) evening at Oxford Mutual Aid food bank doing our flash mob cleaning.

Since the autumn we've worked our way around every inch of the food bank cleaning areas which rarely get any attention. We've moved stock, crates, and shelving. Swept, bleached, mopped, and then figured out the giant tetris of how to put it all back. We've cleaned the kitchen monthly, including taking out kilos of food waste and scrubbing the fridges, walls and floors. We've restacked storage, loaded deliveries, packed Christmas gifts, and cleaned dozens of delivery crates (prising them apart when necessary!).

It's taken 5 months, but WE DID IT!

We had a pretty relaxed morning shift handing out race numbers to Oxford Half Marathon runners.

Good luck for the race everyone!

Round 2 of bulb planting for 2022, and this time it was a tiny bit less of a battle thanks to recent rain. That said, there was still plenty of times when even putting our full body weight on the spades didn't get them deep enough into the ground to get bulbs planted! Cassie the pup kept us all in line, Ben and Simon put on a veritable masterclass in bulb-planting teamwork, racing ahead of the rest of us to plant up about 30% of the area, and Sophie showed off expert spade-balancing skillz.

We've now filled the gap in the daffodil planting on the Marston Road, and also got all of Marsh Lane planted up, as well as several residential roads in the area. We know that the spring display is very much enjoyed by local residents, and on some of the streets it has inspired the residents to supplement our planting with their own, which is a lovely result. We had a few thanks from passing residents last night and we're all looking forward to the cheery sight of the daffodils along this busy route into Oxford in the spring.

Warm welcome to Zoe and Ellie on your 1st GoodGym sessions!