We make very quick work setting up the clothes swap then spent equally as long discussing dating apps and serial killers.

We'll be back in the morning to help with the hoards if folk looking for their saturday morning swap shop

Just the two of us setting up the book sale at Tang Hall Library this time, and slightly earlier in the day than usual. What a hive of activity! Great to lend a hand setting up this regular event to raise money for this community hub.

despite Penny's absence =a common threat to any academic (broken stapler) a motivated crew assembled which included a newbie & as one we set to work complicated by explaining the arcane & highly ritualised procedure = (in the original Latin) what chair goes where ex machina

We had a great turn out for the Southbanks Community Garden! Nada was in training as a Future Leader for Goodgym, the wonderful Hannah was back and we even welcomed a new Goodgymer, Kirsty!

We 3 arrived at 08:30 to find the front door locked but the side door open . we set to and got everything set up before the Age UK staff arrived! Hunt the table is a popular part of the setting up process as they could have been left in any of the many different rooms. All done and dusted in time for coffee and a bacon butty at Ruby's which opens at 9!

Tonight’s mission took us to Fulford Ings, where two wheels and two feet united for another round in the fight against Himalayan balsam.

Our group split into two, with Ed leading the runners to the task while Vicky guided the cycling crew. After arriving at the beautiful riverside location, it was straight down to business. Armed with gloves and plenty of enthusiasm, we spread out across the Ings, pulling up as much balsam as we could before it had the chance to spread its seeds.

The distinctive pink flowers may look pretty, but this invasive plant crowds out native species, so every handful removed makes a real difference to the local habitat. Before long, piles of uprooted balsam were growing, and areas that had been thick with the plant were looking much clearer.

As always, the task flew by thanks to great teamwork, plenty of chats, and the satisfaction of seeing immediate results. With another productive evening completed, we headed home knowing we’d helped protect this special green space for wildlife and future visitors, with a few folk putting the ribbons around tansy friendly plants en route so the farmer wouldn't chop them down.

A big well done to everyone who ran, cycled, pulled, and piled. Same time next balsam season? 🌱🙌