For the 2nd year in a row we took the task of handing out running numbers the day before Oxford Half. 17 dogs were stroked (yes Anna counted), the queue was marshalled with ruthless efficiency, and many happy/nervous runners left ready to race their hearts out.

Last night was all about BOG creation on Aston's Eyot, with bonus tasks of scything and pond sculpting to keep us all happily occupied. (Make a bog, get 2 tasks free.) The Friends of Aston's Eyot are very proactive about habitat creation across the nature reserve. We've previously helped dig ponds, make boggy patches and built hibernaculums (hibernaculi?) in other areas of the Eyot. This time the pond and bog areas had already been dug by a digger - somewhat more efficient than by hand! - just leaving some finishing touches to be made by volunteers. The bog area had been lined already, just leaving the task of filling the soil back in on top. Luckily Trev and Henry had wellies on, which made wading around in swampy mud a lot easier for them, while the rest of the group shovelled and ferried soil from heap to bog. Our scythers, Axelle and Venetia cleared the nettles from the perimeter of the bog very efficiently, while the rest of us got artistic, sculpting/reprofiling the sides of the recently dug pond so that it has a shallow slope instead of a cliff edge into the water - better for frogs and other critters to get in and out.

Despite being up against the failing light we made good progress on all tasks. Great work team!

Welcome to GoodGym Kate and Jamie.

On Saturday evening, a group of us gathered in the Lord Mayor's Parlour for a festive celebration. The room was decorated with holiday cheer, and there was an abundance of snacks and wine to enjoy. As we mingled and caught up with one another, we couldn't help but overhear the excitement coming from the adjacent room where an F1 party was taking place. Despite the hustle and bustle next door, we were able to have a lovely time in the Lord Mayor's Parlour. One of the highlights of the evening were the chocolate prizes that were up for grabs. In addition to the chocolate prizes, there was also a life-size plush toy tiger that many GoodGymers took turns posing with for pictures. It added a fun and playful element to the party. As if that wasn't enough excitement, we also had the opportunity to try on the Lord Mayor's gowns. It was a unique and memorable experience, and we all had a great time trying on the different outfits and taking pictures. Overall, it was a wonderful evening filled with good company, delicious food and drink, and plenty of fun and laughter. We left the Lord Mayor's Parlour feeling festive and joyful, ready to continue celebrating the holiday season.

Credit to ChatGPT for the report text generation.

'Twas the last task before Christmas, and all through the Hall
We were wrapping and packing, and having a ball.
The chocolates were wrapped in the kitchen with care,
GoodGymers freezing their (finger)tips off in there.

Worker elves packing up hundreds of gifts,
Hats, socks and toiletries, prepared on our shift.
While out in the cold a hardy quartet,
Delivered fundraising leaflets to the roads near Taste Tibet.

We sprang to our tasks, feeling Christmassy cheer,
Just leave it to GoodGym we'll complete it; no fear!
Then we called out as we walked out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Great work on our last group task of 2022 everyone - so good to finish delivering the leaflets for The Porch winter fundraiser and also to prepare so many of the Christmas gifts which will be delivered with The Oxford Mutual Aid Christmas week food parcels.

Congratulations to Joe and Laura for reaching the 10 Good Deed milestone, and a massive round of applause for Henry who reached 50 Good Deeds last night after only joining GoodGym 42 weeks ago!

Welcome Lucy - good to meet you!