On a beautiful, sunny Friday afternoon, two GoodGymers took a tour of Cambridge city centre assigned with putting up signs for Arthur Rank Hospice's Star Shine Walk. ✨

Taking in the sights along 4km of the route, we put up 42 signs!

We collected the signs from the charity shop and, after a slightly precarious ride to the start of our section, we got ourselves organised. Helpfully, we were given a print out of the What3Word locations and a route map, and once we'd mastered the orientation of the cable ties (why is it so tricky??), we were all set. DoE navigation skills coming in handy, we were off, and having got the first sign up, we were feeling pretty pleased. Little did we realise, we'd still be going two hours later...

Finding our groove, we each settled into a role which played to our strengths - I was in charge of locating the lampposts (having access to W3W) and Harriet put up the signs (having a significant height advantage). Along the way, we had chance to catch up, hearing about different travel adventures, and walked past some of Cambridge's most famous landmarks including King's Parade and The Backs.

A very warm couple of hours later, all the signs were up and our task was complete. From sunshine to Star Shine, the route was ready.

Congratulations to the 400+ people who took on the 5 and 10 mile routes, making a real difference for hospice care in the city. 🙌

Catherine and Harriet went on their first mission to help Ms C make more use of her storage space. After assessing the task and discussing what was needed with Ms C, we set to work.

As the space was quite tight, our main aim was to make it easier for Ms C to move around her property. Our furniture moving skills were put to the test and we were able to rearrange the furniture to provide some clear floor space and also put things in more accessible places.

Ms C was very appreciative of our efforts and it was great to feel we'd made a difference.

A brilliant evening spent helping SIN Cru at their Definitely Real Build site, continuing the wood clearing we started last month. They're creating a calm space for creativity, and the development has sustainability and biodiversity at its core. We're on board with that (last night, quite literally)!

It started with a run. All making the dash from work, Scott, Beth and Imet at Parkside and were joined this week by Kate and Alice. Having both done lots of good through community missions, it was fantastic to welcome them to their first group run 😎

It was the hottest evening so far this year, so we took it steady and chased the shade, winding our way up to North Cambridge, where we met Caroline, who had sped all the way across town on her bike. Arriving first, she had extra time for dog fuss!

After introductions and a briefing from Lucy, we split into a sawing crew and a wood pile crew. Back in his element, Scott wasted no time sawing down large wood beams at speed. There were a number of different methods trialled including a karate kid-style foot chop of strand board, which was occasionally successful. Alice and Caroline adopted an innovative approach, Caroline providing stability as a counter-weight. A very effective strategy as it turned out ⚖️

Nothing beats the feeling of successfully sawing through a piece of wood; all the effort for a very satisfying 'snap' as it comes free. There were cheers and celebrations all round as Kate sawed her first plank and Caroline conquered a particularly hefty section of tree trunk 🙌

To the back drop of whooping, the rest of us set to clearing the massive wood pile and bag of wood offcuts, taking them to be cut down or stacking in the wood store. Less muscle needed, but much more courage as the bag and pit were full of the most enormous spiders. 🕷️ Super-sized and super speedy, a respectful, mutually-agreed no-contact zone was soon in place.

After half an hour in the heat, energy was starting to wane, but the ever-thoughtful Beth had brought sweets and we were saved! 🍬 Drinks and shade (and more dog fuss) were in order.

Feeling recharged, we got back to it with bucket after bucket of wood making its way to be stored. We had some 'help' from our canine companions, but their sticks didn't make it to the store. 🤔

With Lucy delighted that we cleared the fire pit, which had not been seen for years, and the uncovered slugs and spiders much less delighted, it was time to go.

We enjoyed a cooler run back to Parkside (downhill on the way back, right?). Taking in the river views and reflecting on what a brilliant session it had been, we left, although slightly weary, more motivated for next week 💪