Too Swamped to think of a Quagmire Pun

29 Goodgymers helped their local community in York
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York

Monday 10th February 2020

Report written by Tim Mckenzie

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Storm Ciara gave us her worst but we made it through, as the temperatures dropped 29 of us hardy Goodgym Yorkies met up at the priory centre. We welcomed our 3 wonderful newbies: Ellie, James and Jim . Make sure you give them a big cheer!

The main squad meandered through town, on a slightly improvised route due to a closed flood barrier. We made such good time that, run leader Mitchell had to keep everyone warm with some impromptu star jumps whilst taskowner Louise got the shed open to provide our tools.

Once we were set up we were led through the dark quagmire, only to disrupt the peace with a loud shriek when the ice cold water infiltrated our running shoes.

After surrendering to the bog we got to work clearing brambles and holly, clearing mud and grass from a woodchipped area and shifting compost into the correct areas.

Amy regaled us with tales of how every trip to Greenfields has been soaking wet. Hopefully we can break the streak soon. Once the tools were in, we were all so cold we ran all the way back. We had time for a short game of Squat Squat Goose. But the main thing we learned there was that you all need more practice! We will try again soon!

Legendary Leanne led ten hardy souls to the Red Tower to meet with Dan from Edible York.

Does everyone know the difference between a tree and a weed?

Our brief was to cut away the chicken wire fence surrounding a small orchard plot, and then weed around the fruit trees. We were allowed to dig up anything but the trees! Our work would enable pruning lessons for volunteers to take place later in the week.

Debs got straight to work with the wire cutters while others loosened the fence posts ready for the fence to be rolled back. Soon there were shouts for 'Amy- lopper-hands' to help release parts of fence from their brambly prison.

Within 10 minutes, Debs and Danny had the fence rolled into a neat coil and the others set to work on removing the tangle of weeds.

Debs was overheard commenting on the size of Paul A's spade.

It's how you use it that's important. (Paul)

In spite of a few larger stubborn roots to remove, the task was completed in good time - we even had minutes to spare to help Dan take the tools back to his car. He was delighted with the result.

That's just amazing! I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see it for myself. (Dan)

Since the exercises on the nearby fitness equipment looked a little too advanced for us, we made a stop at Clifford's Tower for some infamous step reps. Everyone completed at least three sets, with 'rests' in between involving star jumps, lunges and squats.

Then it was back to base so we could brag to the other group about our incredibly dry feet.


Session Leader
This task supported
Attendees
Paul Anderson
Carl Wain
Leanne
Aidan Kettle
Ed Woollard
Stefan Durkin
Tim Mckenzie
Huw
Dan Tinkler
Bec
Jim Rogers
Paul Kelly
Mitch
Debs Sharpe
Vicky Hearson
Ste Porritt
Pete
Amy Tew
Amy Woollard
Laura Barrett
Herbie Hedgecock
Kate Hughes
Danny Sampson
James Sandie
Ellie
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York

Setting up a Tiny Forest for York
🗓Tomorrow 12:00pm

Let's work together to launch a Tiny Forest in our area

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Iain GibsonTristan FeatherbyRadu ChirvasutaMikki SwannSteve Rice
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York runner

Mon 10th Feb 2020 at 10:13pm

We finally have a Good Jim!!