11 Goodgymers attended Earlsdon Primary School to finish painting the gate and railings outside the school. We started this task whilst coats were still needed, so we were long overdue a visit to finish the job off.

We started by giving the railings a good wipe as they were very dusty, and then got to work painting. With lots of catching up to do amongst the group the time flew by, and there was even time for the expert painters to tidy up some of the patches we missed last time.

Excellent work everyone, the school looks ready for another academic year!

On Tuesday evening, Jackie, Lil, James and I went to Keresley Orchard to link up with Sharon and Steve. Our objective was to water as many of the 63 trees as we could, clear brambles and rubbish. Jackie started with some litter picking with Sharon before moving her focus onto bramble clearing. Steve led the bramble clearing with the strimmer with Jackie, Lil and James assisting. I was on watering duty, 90 seconds per tree with an 80 m hose which had a few connections to keep an eye on! We were lucky to have Bruno the dog make a guest appearance and bring a smile to all! We made sure not to disturb the hedgehog water stations. 2 young Keresley lads came to warn me about scorching the grass with the water, bless them! We are looking forward to further visits to see how they're getting on.

We had a lovely time at the Food Union Allotment. Welcome Joey who came to her first session.

Last night, we picked blackberries for the Pod Cafe’s upcoming supper club and cleared an area that had become a little overgrown in preparation for the planting of a fig tree. We also explored the site and enjoyed the beautiful summer’s evening.

Another very warm and sunny day. I set off on my bike for the 10-mile round trip to Mrs J’s for my second visit to tackle the long grass in the back garden. I arrived 15 minutes late, which surprised me as I thought I had made good time. It was hot and there was quite a lot of traffic on the way slowing me down I guess.

The lovely Mrs J kindly got the tools ready for me and we had a quick chat. She commented that I was looking slimmer than last time — which I’ll happily take! 😊 Must be all this cycling in the heat! I got straight to work mowing and continued for a full hour. I filled the brown bin and, as I was starting to fade in the heat, I decided to call it a day. I said goodbye to Mrs J and let her know that one more visit should finish the

James and nigel joined the springboard team for a morning of watering all the plant's in the greenhouses and raised beds. We weeded area's as well as digging up the bed of potatoes 🥔 😋. We cultivated the elephant garlic. Some reaching over 6ft tall. We finished off with a drink, biscuits and cake, and a lovely sociable time in the sunshine under the Zen pergola.

Georgia and James visited Mr J this afternoon to help him sort through his belongings ready to move next week.

They made quick work of cleaning the garden, before moving inside to tackle the kitchen. Items were sorted into keep, charity donation or bin!