What chance to do weeds have when GoodGym Bristol is on a mission (well, a Group Run/Walk, but you get the idea)? No chance, nada. If only we were sure of what was a weed and what wanted to stay...

We were faced with two big shrubs that may or may not have stabby thorns, a lawn of weeds that was apparently gravel underneath, some flower beds behind actual beds and paving that was half weeds.

And GO!

Charles had brought us a big, empty wheelie bin that didn't stay that way for long (empty that is, we left it on its wheels) as the shrubs took shape, leaving as many berries for the birds to munch over winter. We could even see the beautiful sign that had been hidden when we arrived.

Kingsley successfully got right to the top so there were no punk haircuts going on in St Paul's. Becky came back for loads of fun for the first time in 5 years - hope its not so long before we see you again! Freya had a break from hockey, Marianne squeezed in a good deed before going to play Florence Nightingale and a Good Samaritan on his way passed gave us some cookies to go with our post-deed drinks. Oh, and the strange looks from the ambulance and police car, but no fire engine so we didn't get Emergency Services Weird Look Bingo.

With sweeping and litter picking underway, wed soon filled not just one but two great big green wheelie bins, returned the tools and had an end-of-task photo (with Freya still wanting to finish more). Moving an abandoned "Road Closed" back by the main road, away we ran and walked for more chat with Kingsley sharing his new stress-busying tips. With GoodGym being top of the list, of course.

12 goodgymers travelled to Ocean Youth Connexion on a chilly Monday evening. Some cycled, others walked, John braved poorly lit towpaths (successfully managing to remain a land mammal). Taskowner Kamal instructed us on the two jobs for the night 1) bagging up leaves in the yard and 2) painting the roller shutter.

Nia and Darren transformed the roller shutters from a muted grey to shiny metallic, almost rivaling the brightness of the jackets sported by myself and Emma. They were meticulous with their paint rollers, trapping us all in the yard at the end just to get the job done. Or one could say, painting us into a corner (pun credit/blame: Darren)... We were all happy to stay to witness the finishing touches of their Rothko-esque masterpiece.

The rest of the gang were busy beavers running around the yard clearing it of loose leaves (which Kamal had already kindly swept into piles). Wheelbarrows, brooms, brushes, leaf scoopers and hands were employed to get the job done. It seems like every time we come to Ocean Youth, Kamal provides a new helpful item - headtorches this time. So industrious were we, there was a constant background rustling sound throughout the hour. Countless trips back and forth were made to the designated leaf drop off zone for the leaf fairies (aka the council) to pick up at a later date.

Bang went the clock tower, and with jobs complete, a cheery gang made their way to the pub round the corner.

On a dark and damp Monday evening, GoodGymers gathered at Cranbrook Community Centre - fresh back from weekends as far-flung as Liverpool, Hertfordshire, Rye (in Sussex, not the bread), Argentina(!), and of course, Newham.

Cranbrook’s lovely garden had been completely overtaken by soggy, slippy leaves - turning paths into skating rinks and corners of the garden into no-go zones. Armed with two rakes, a broom, and plenty of optimism, we set to work, clearing and sweeping until the place looked recognisable again. John even spruced up the community notice board, ready to display this season’s offerings.

We joined forces with the brilliant Janet and Eileen, who’ve been helping out at the centre for “over 20 years – I’ve lost track, it’s been so long!” Eileen had previously vowed not to come once it got dark, but the lure of GoodGym proved too strong, and she ended up getting stuck in herself.

After an hour of raking, sweeping, and gathering, the paths were clear, the leaves were bagged, and the community garden was once again safe for all the local groups who use it.

We rounded off the evening with some Alfajores that Caterina had bought back from Argentina (soft, crumbly South American biscuits sandwiched with dulce de leche), although Janet and Eileen, in true east-end fashion, insisted on calling them Wagon Wheels - and to be fair, they weren’t entirely wrong!

See you all next week 🍂