Some last minute situations meant that only two of us made it to Wessex primary this evening. Nevertheless, we made sure to rake up six bags worth of leaves to clear the pathway to the school gate, while darkness surrounded us.

Sheila and Anne-Laure joined 5 other volunteers for another session at Ray Mill Island, building dry hedges. We started by cutting down all the dead stems and Buddleia branches from the area inside the dry hedge which we had built last year. All the cuttings were then used to rejuvenate the hedge and held in place with some newly-coppiced hazels. Once completed, we moved to our hedge still under construction and did some branch trimming ready for next week. Anne-Laure has now added the technique of pinning down the branches within the hedge to her skill set

Our latest visit to help the Green Skills Library had a bit of everything, from sanding and painting jobs to making table decorations, fueled by a tub of Quality Street and supported by a very excited labrador. The library is looking fabulous and we're all looking forward to seeing it open once again. Thanks to everyone who joined!

Four GoodGymmers joined other volunteers at Ray Mill Island for a spot of dry hedge building. Mick was chief engineer and stake-driver, Christine cut branches to size, whilst Anne-Laure and Sheila sorted the area around the compost bins that had become a bit of a dumping ground. Once the supporting stakes were in, the area in between could be packed with branches to the agreed height, with the aid of our boots, and hey presto, a dry hedge was born. It was much-admired by passers-by, and it has to be said, by ourselves too. Not bad for an afternoon's work

Six GoodGymers went to the new premises of the Green Skills Library where we were welcomed by the task owner. After quick introductions, she outlined the varied jobs for the evening: - Painting - Brooming the carpentry area - Kneeling on the floor and scraping off bits of gum and paint!

I'm always surprised at how quickly GoodGymers divvy up work without being told who should do what. So off went: - Mike to the carpentry area - Anne-Laure and Diya to paint the back cupboards - Amy to paint an old stool - Juli and Jess on the floor, scraper in hand

And hour flew by, and wonderful things were accomplished, with Amy also having joined the Kneelers and Scrapers. Another fun evening for the books!