Three GoodGymers joined the Friends of Maidenhead Waterways to help with maintenance tasks of waterways in Maidenhead centre.

The mission was to cut back the overgrowth on the banks of the York Stream.

We were helping to gather the cut grass and weeds into bags and sweep the footpath clean afterwards for the community to use.

The sun was out and weather was warm keeping everyone in the good mood. Everyone felt satisfied at the end of the session. It was a great start to the weekend.

Welfare visit for Mrs D

Diya and Kanika went to Ms. M's to help with her front garden. She had received a notice from the Council to cut down overgrown bushes covering the public footpath and desperately needed help. Being disabled and on her own, she could not have tackled this herself.

It was one of those daunting tasks where you don't know where to begin! In true GoodGym spirit, we did begin....and managed to clear out the whole thing! The sole green bin stood no chance so there's a pile of cut branches in her garden which she will need to get someone to help with. Maybe there will be another task listed for it shortly.

It was hard work but very satisfied in the end.

Sheila carried out today's tasks at the community allotment in-between rain showers. The newly-planted raspberries and blueberry bushes were given a good soak with the watering can. With the remaining time I weeded the asparagus bed which was being overrun by chickweed

The Baby Bank was really short of volunteers this morning, and with a Halloween sale on too, it was all hands to the pumps. Sheila and another volunteer were responsible for all the clothes checking, so we got through as much as we could while still keeping standards high.

Sheila helped out at Braywick Heath Nurseries, and was given a very prickly task. The polytunnel has not been used for a while and has been invaded by brambles. These need to be cleared before the space can be offered to other community groups or local businesses. I set to work with loppers and protective gloves, loading the cuttings into a hippo bag.A couple of hours and one very full bag later, a big dent had been made in the task, but still plenty more to do!