10 GoodGymers helped clean up local streets and parks in lieu of GivingTuesday which is on 2nd December this year. GivingTuesday is a global movement that unleashes the power of generosity around the world — a day that encourages people to do good. While we are no strangers to doing good, GivingTuesday is always a good excuse to list a litter pick!

Sheila, Tessa, Kay, Kanika and Diya met at the Community Centre on a cold but sunny morning. We fanned out in different directions for maximum coverage. Jess joined in bringing her own litter pick. Georgeta, Angela, Viv (with Flora the dog) and Jen did their bit around their homes. 

There are 10 big bags less of litter on the streets of Maidenhead. Thanks team! 

Angela, flora and I cleared rubbish at furze platt Tesco and senior school areas, as we can’t take part in the big pick on Sunday

Having arrived late from Rickmansworth parkrun, and nearly heading for the wrong location, I eventually joined Sheila, Rachel, Viv and Bradley (welcome to your first task) at out What3Words location.

There had already been a lot of activity despite the rain. One of the regular volunteers, David, had dug the turf up with a whizzy machine, so that we could dig holes and plant bulbs and plants. We planted one section which we then covered with wood chip that some of the team transported over by wheelbarrow.

A handy seven made their way to the Burchetts green infant school to clear away the autumn detritus. We spent the hour getting the play areas free of the golden leaves on a chilly evening. It was a job well done.

Ten happy goodgymers arrived at All Saints church ready to pull ivy, dig ditches and pile up leaves. After much chatter and some effort a large patch of fence was cleared, a ditch was prepared for future hedge planting and a habit for wildlife was created. Maybe next time we may spot the odd hedgehog or some wild life in the new hedge! A bemused passerby seemed worried by the torchlight action in the churchyard but admitted that he had recently watched Frankenstein so was easily spooked! After a group photo we all returned home.