A beautiful spring afternoon saw Rachel, Christine, Anne-Laure and Sheila join the weekly work party at Ray Mill Island. Anne-Laure was keen to do raking of leaves to help expose the grass. Meanwhile the others tackled the enormous Phormium plant in the new nursery area which needs removing.The team last week had done a good job of starting to dig it out, so our task was to try and finish the job. Armed with spades, loppers, a half-moon cutter and a pruning saws, we started attacking the plant. Some side shoots of the plant were saved for planting up to generate new plants. It was a tough old job, but we kept at it and eventually we were victorious, severing the plant from the earth.

It was an early start this morning, but the sun was out and what a lovely morning for shifting top soil! All Saints School football pitch needs a make-over, so Viv, Rachel and Sheila responded to the challenge. After a short delay while we struggled to unlock the gates to the playing field, Rachel came to the rescue and gave the key the required wiggle to enable it to work. We got a good workout aerating the ground, shovelling topsoil into barrows and raking it to cover the bare patches. We were joined by one family whose son attends the school for part of the time, and were grateful for the extra pairs of hands. We made good progress but there is plenty to do at tomorrow's session

Baby Bank regulars Sheila and Carol were joined by Caroline for her second visit and we also welcomed Sarah for her first GoodGym mission. As ever, there were plenty of clothes to quality-check and everyone quickly got to grips with what was required, and we settled down to a productive morning's work, trying to keep ahead of donations coming in!

Five GoodGymers put their gardening skills to the test planting tree saplings at Altwood School. The Woodland Trust donated the trees to increase biodiversity and to improve the school environment. After some discussion the dogwood, rosewood, rowan and hawthorns were planted along the fence borders and watered. Three crab apple trees were planted outside some classrooms to create some shade on the summer. A satisfying and productive evening!

Two GoodGymers enjoyed a poetry party with a live poet and musican before supervising some craft activities and a treasure hunt. At the end of the day we carefully took down all the bunting and signs ready to store for next year.

Six GoodGymers helped out at the Big Read at Maidenhead Library. New GoodGymers Holly and James braved the cold and welcomed families to the event by giving out event programmes and directing them to the many activities. Tessa helped in the children's corner, answered lots of questions and gave out stickers. Roberta, Christine and Angela helped out with craft activities and encouraged families to enter the treasure hunt and other competitions. The highlight of the session was watching Maidenhead football team join in a session with poet Simon Mole!