Three jolly Goodgymmers went to WalthamstowToy Library this morning to join Helen and her husband John and some Toy Library volunteers, to tackle the epic task of clearing the currently defunct adventure playground, to prepare it for refurbishment. Lily got started with a big litter pick, Sarah swiftly joined in and they weeded, picked up lots of plastic and rubbish (and a dinosaur!), shifted rubble and timber, and removed all the weed-proof matting from the grounds. Later on, as if a morning of competitive Crossfit weren't enough for her, Pippa came to provide a fresh wave of energy for a lot more clearing of vegetation and removal of rubbish once the hedges had been cut. Thankfully the rain cleared up and the sun shone a little. All in all, it was a gigantic task (my back is certainly feeling it now!) and a very, very good job done. Helen was delighted with the progress made and immensely grateful for the help. The adventure playground, which will soon be repaired and ready for use, will be an incredible new addition to the Toy Library's facilities, providing a much-needed play resource for families in our local community. Well done GGWF - we did an excellent job and made a huge difference!

Five happy Goodgymmers (Lily, Manuel, Pippa, Ros and Sarah) braved a dark task at St Mary’s Churchyard, to tackle the ever-accumulating autumn leaves. Thankfully the rain stopped in good time, and armed with rakes, brooms, scoops and a brilliant leaf grabber, we set to work clearing the pathways round the church, which were inundated with soggy, slippery leaves. Many hands made light work, and we quickly filled the four huge rubble bags that Tim the Head Gardener at St Mary’s had left for us. While of course the leaves continue to fall and more clearing will soon be needed, we did a great job and the paths were tidier and safer in no time at all! A satisfying task indeed, and a couple of passers-by thanked us for our efforts, which was lovely! Special mention to Manuel, who was doing his first ever Goodgym task! (Apologies for the stock photo of autumn leaves - we forgot to do our before and after pictures!!!)