We've had an overwhelming response to the call to donate to the local FoodShare, while out running or walking or cycling! So much so that I was inspired to write a little poem... and that is big, given that last time I tried, you could say it was under duress - school homework. * Well done everyone, amazing work! * Here we go, verses are mainly mine, but ran it under ChatGPT for a bit of refinement.

• We run, we walk, We skip, we hop, With bags of goodies—plop plop plop! At the Foodshare collection point we land, Lending a very helpful hand.
• Well done to you, you GoodGym lot, Every tin and packet means a lot. People will love the food, we hope, Fuelled by kindness, carbs, and hope.
• With lovely bright pics in the report on show, For all to smile at, cheer, and know— That a jog, a snap, a small kind deed, Can help a whole community feed.

🥫🏃‍♀️💛

Hedgelaying at Battlemead Common was a quintessential GoodGym experience - outdoor, active, social and an opportunity to learn new skills. On a mild winter morning, seven GoodGymers met Braywick Rangers, WildCookham and local conservation volunteers to lay part of the wildlife hedge at Battlemead, along the Thames Path.

Today was day 2 of this activity and many present had already made a solid start yesterday. After the safety briefing, Ranger Tom gave us an introduction to hedgelaying: an ancient method to create natural barriers for wildlife and allow smaller animals to hide or travel along a safe corridor without being exposed to danger.

This is done by "pleaching" or laying down the 7 yr old trees which were planted for this purpose, making it a living structure! The trees are pleached (partially cut and bent), laid down, held in place with "weaving" the intertwining branches, held in place with stakes. Finally covered with "brash" (bush and branches which are cut away to make room to build the hedge) to prevent deer from eating berries and young shoots which will cover it soon.

So much to learn! Such a fascinating practice and fun as well!

We divided ourselves into groups: Angela, Viv, Diya and Nick tried their hand at pleaching. It was surprisingly nerve-wracking because you didn't want to be the one who cut through the whole thing killing the tree! Sheila, Kanika and Juli worked with Jane in weaving the hedge. The huge mallet for the stakes was a crowd favourite! Diya later worked with Ranger Rosie to cut branches to size and turn into stakes while Nick tried his hand at the stakes as well.

2 hours flew by and while some of us left at different times, Sheila stayed for the whole session, even recruiting Jane for GoodGym. Welcome Jane!

We'll be going back on 31st Jan/1st Feb, be sure to come along.

Four GoodGymers met at Tectonic Place in Holyport to help wash minibuses of the local charity, People to Places, who provide transport for the elderly and less mobile. When we arrived, task owners Clive and Mark had already started; we took over and finished up the 1 remaining side. So technically we did ¼ of the 1st bus!

We quickly got into an efficient routine with one person hosing down the bus, allowing for some soapy brush and sponge action by the other 3. Sol even provided "mechanical support" when one of the wipers came off. We washed 4 buses and could've done one more if they had any left!

Overall, a hugely satisfying task 🧹🧼🫧🧺🧽🧹🧼🧹🪣

Mrs V has a very neat garden, but the invading weeds are getting her down, so Georgeta and Sheila went to help her out. We had a lovely time clearing the beds while a Robin serenaded us from a tree. Later it came down to investigate the disturbed earth looking for some tasty treats. We left Mrs V pleased with our efforts, a green bin full of weeds and looking forward to her snowdrops coming out

Sheila helped out at BBOWT work party at Homefield. The BBOWT team had been through with a brushcutter earlier in the week, taking down a number of hawthorns and wild roses. Our job was to drag all the branches and cuttings off the meadow and pile them up in the woods. We donned leather gloves and safety specs to protect against the evil thorns in rather wet conditions. The meadow is now clear of the debris, helping the area to stay perfect for the rare military orchids to thrive

Inspired by Sheila's very Ghostbusters-esq photo, I present to you, the... Litter Busters! (thanks ChatGPT)

Trash on the sidewalk, bottles by the wall,

Wrappers in the bushes, having a ball?

Grab your bag and gloves, stand proud and tall,

Who you gonna call? Litter Busters!

From parks to lanes, streets big and small,

We clean it together, answering the call.

Making spaces better for one and for all,

Who you gonna call? Litter Busters! 🧹✨