After a short run from Hope Street, 3 runners were met by 8 more goodgymmers.

This week, we were back at Mulgrave Street Action Group Community Garden where, once again, Khan had a mammoth task for us.

Armed with bagfuls of daffodil bulbs and a few trowels, we set to work on the small patch of grass in front of the garden. Digging and planting until the whole patch was filled.

With the help of new recruit Lee and visiting Londoner Emily we manged to plant four big bags of bulbs - cant wait to see it in the spring for a true William Wordsworth moment!

Well done everyone - it's great to see the impact of the garden expanding!

As GoodGymers walked, ran and cycled to the Festival Gardens, a bright, warm autumnal sun shone down. Waiting with tools, bags and plenty of enthusiasm, the Friends of group showed us the set of steps to be cleared. On the surface, it looked like a pretty straightforward job...removing grass and other weeds from the steps, clearing away brambles and generally sprucing up the steps.

With the sun heating our backs, we set to...and it soon became apparent that it was going to be tougher than expected. The steps had a gravel base which needed to be loosened, before the weeds could be removed. Hoes, shears, secateurs and hands were kept busy for the full two hours... great for core strength, though, and plenty of time to chat...as we worked, of course. Steph and Aditya made short work of the brambles that threatened to impale anyone brave enough to approach them, while Sallyann, Vikky, Ema and I attacked the steps. New member, Vikky was keen to find out about training schedules, as she is hoping to take part in a half marathon next Spring, and Sallyann was more than happy to have a reason to talk 😁 Lots of great ideas were shared: joining rambling groups, meeting early to extend the Group Run, and gradually building up running distances to improve stamina, to name but a few. The time flew by, and at the end of the two hours, the difference was amazing. We all felt had had a good workout, and were ready to head home to relax...except for Sallyann, who had left to start work, and Ema, who was going shopping, and Steph, who had another run ahead of her...well, you get the picture.

A big welcome to Vikky on her first session, and a cheer for Aditya on his 15th!!

This week we were at the Quaker Meeting House to tidy up their Peace garden.

When we arrived we were taken to the car park where the 'tools' were stored. Armed only with a couple of trowels and some foraged spoons we headed out into the garden!

The garden consists of a number of raised beds on the street outside the Quaker Meeting House, with the aim of being a restful and sustaining place in the city centre. Unfortunately the beds had become a little neglected and needed tidying up and some plants adding. We set to work brushing up, throwing away cigarette butts and planting to make the space a nicer place to be.

With 11 pairs of hands, we were done in no time with that garden spruced up and ready for people to enjoy! Well done all. Special shout out goes to Eleanorfor completing her 15th task! And to Heetu for NOT breaking the brush!

On a beautiful, balmy Monday evening a great group of GoodGymers gathered at The Greenhouse Project...for a spot of get- fit gardening. Having walked, run or cycled, we were all ready for an upper body workout...and we weren't disappointed. Our good friend, and Forest School Leader, Chris, was on hand to direct operations: Having uncovered a pear tree on our previous visit, we were to finish clearing brambles from around it, and spreading mulch in the fire circle area. Armed with shovels, loppers, shears and determination, we filled the wheelbarrows with heaps of brambles and mulch, until both areas were transformed. Aditya and I worked up a healthy glow, shovelling the last of the mulch, with help from Sallyann, with transporting and spreading. My 'Hacker Harrison' status was challenged by Steph, as she took to the brambles with gusto...and a pair of loppers that made short work of the thickest stems. Heetu (taskforce!!!) and Liam ('not taskforce, just normal' 😉) covered quite a distance, running back and to along the path, with armsful of brambles. It was lovely to see Farnaz, who kept herself very busy and was keen to try out the hardware by chopping down some hardy undergrowth. As more ground was cleared, and the area revealed, Ema began to gather together a collection of footballs that had been hidden in the undergrowth...by the end of the hour there were 5! Chris was delighted with the results of our labours, and we were happy to have completed our 24th task for this very worthy cause. Watch this space for our next Greenhose Project report, and one of our very favourite tasks, which will mark 25 visits!