While it can be quite tricky to visualise, before the fact, the exact volume, weight or quantity of woodchip needed to cover a set area, one thing is certain: with eleven pairs of willing hands, it can be surprisingly quick to relocate it all, and rejuvenate a space.

The task at hand featured half a truckload of freshly chipped tree of unspecified type or genus, several members of the Friends of Harwood and Longsight Park and a couple of willing GoodGymers, huddled in the rain outside Harwood Library on a grim Monday lunchtime. The objective was to spruce up several of the bedding areas outside the library by spreading said chip evenly, giving it a visual uplift and helping to transform previously muddy and unsightly patches of ground.

Armed with a dazzling array of shovels, barrows, rakes, brushes and, in one case, rubber kitchen gloves, the team made light work and established an efficient system, quickly settling into a rhythm of work. As well as prompting several comments from passing members of the community ('Doesn't it look great? Much better!'), the premise of GoodGym itself was a hot topic of conversation - and the concept, and support, gratefully received by the Friends group.

A special thank you to the staff at Harwood Library, who opened the doors and offered a brew in the warm and dry surrounds, as well as chance to contribute to the tackling of a particularly-challenging 1000-piece jigsaw into the bargain. As a community warm space, the chance to step inside and receive not only respite from the weather but the warmth of some friendly conversation, it was a lovely reminder and illustration of the importance of local libraries and similar places; and all the more rewarding to help contribute to keeping the area looking it's best.

I (David) also loved attending my very first GoodGym session and will definitely be back for more!