This evening we headed back to Aston's Eyot for what will be our last session of 2026 until the spring. Completely understandable as it was getying very gloomy by the time we finished, the evenings are drawing in!

This session was a follow up to our thistle removal a couple of weeks ago and involved tackling more of the pesky prickly things.

The name of the game today was improving access so armed with a variety of tools including hoes (insert school-boy snigger), we lopped branches, scythed nettles, hoiked out thistle roots and created a HUGE pile for compost/minibeasts/creepy crawlies. The pile had to be compacted a bit and it was VERY satisfying to WACK it with a big stick!

Well done team! I think it's time to dig out the head torches and charge up my mini flood lights.

Autumn is coming.

This was the kind of session that makes my heart happy. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face all evening.

A huge team of Goodgymers assembled at Port Meadow to clean up the tow path and picnic spots. A big welcome to Blossom, Thomas and Millie.

The litter was not too bad but as usual we found a random selection of objects - a chair, a very rusty bike frame, various items of clothing and a plethora of picnic detritus.

The main event though, was OBVIOUSLY the pizza social. Last time we attempted this it absolutely slammed it with rain. This time, despite a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms, we managed to descend on The Medley and enjoy delicious pizza and a really good chat.

Heres to more socials - once a month maybe?!?

Have I mentioned just how much I love having a dog at a task?!? ESPECIALLY when it is a visit from the glorious Juno (and Ben).

Back to the task in hand....

This morning we had a lovely hour at Rose Hill Community Centre weeding the Youth Club planters and generally sprucing up the growing area.

Thistles were removed, planters were watered, litter gathered up and Juno was fussed and we all had a lovely chat, setting the world to rights.

An excellent start to the weekend.