Five brave GoodGymmers butted the gloomy forecast aside and trotted over to Wessex Primary School, where Caretaker Andrew welcomed us and explained our rather udderly unusual task.

Tonight, we’d be standing in for the school’s former goats by clearing a small paddock of acorns. Andrew told us the oak tree only drops a mega‑crop every four years — and this was one of those bumper seasons. With the goats no longer around to gobble up the goodies, it was time for us to bleat them to it.

There was no kidding around once we got started. Armed with plant pots, rakes, and even a leaf blower, we set about herding acorns into black sacks at an impressive pace. By the end, we’d filled around 25 bags — a truly goat‑worthy haul — which Andrew whisked away to the bins.

The paddock is now looking far less a‑corny and ready for the PE department to unleash some fun and games.

Karen got a couple of bags of shopping in for Mrs K who was not allowed to drive after an operation. She had lost her appetite so asked for a few items to tempt her tastebuds. Hopefully she will enjoy the items which were on her list.

Welfare visit for Mrs D

Our 5 merry Goodgymers went on planting trees on this nice and sunny Saturday afternoon. Trees needed to be moved and planted elsewhere. Wheelbarrows were moved, dirt was dug,water was poured and weed was removed : a very efficient session on this island.

But it wasn't without counting on the current drama happening on the island: female duck being courted by 3 suitors (or 2,maybe only 1 and the others were there for the fight, it wasn't really clear). A story we didn't have the end of. Hopefully on the next episode/session, things will have calm down on the island for the wildlife.

Armed with hot (ish) water, sponges, buckets, telescopic brushes and a hose pipe, Sheila, Sue and Jen made short work of cleaning the outside of 3 of the People to Places minibuses. There was plenty of chat as we cleaned and we even had time for a cuppa made by taskowner Dave.

It was Sheila's first time at this task and she took to it like a bus to water and particularly enjoyed drawing the GG logo in the grime before we started.

Next week we are at the Holyport depot for more of the same.

A large group of corporate volunteers were helping out at the Baby Bank this morning, and after dropping off some stair gates Sheila helped out by second-checking the piles of clothes and putting them away. There were some cute hand-knits which had been donated, which had to be sized. All of them were labelled 'with big hugs' from the lady who had knitted them. So lovely!