A group of us met in the rabbit field to cut back brambles and continue the clearance begun by the council mowers.

The area had previously been checked for nests and we were careful to avoid the denser areas to avoid disturbing any birdlife. The hope is that by clearing the space we will open up the area for any slow worms in the hibernaculum.

We had some wide ranging conversation going on as we worked - North Indian vs Sri Lankan paratha, Romanian vs English comedy - and cross stitch techniques

It was a beautiful sunny day for a walk and the first thing I came across outside Mr A’s place was a bluebell. We had a lovely chat today, he was a lot better than last week and he was happy to chat about the sunshine and whether he’d be able to get out in the garden today. It was the usual list for shopping with an emphasis on getting fruits and vegetables. Sadly, there was no apple pie today.

Another beautiful evening for the DEMOCRACY that is Bristol GoodGym to get together and inflict some good somewhere in the city. With the fabulous progress in de-sycamoring Brunswick cemetery last week, there was a golden (sunlight) opportunity to get a lot more of this time-sensitive task completed. Although every time you turn around another sapling-to-be has emerged from it's underground seed. Much chatter ensued, etymology of words and comparisons with other languages was a hot topic, inspired by the unexpected finding of a really-quite-posh baguette amongst the undergrowth. We left it, in case it was useful, and all headed off to Ciao Amici for GoodGym Eats, it being the first Tuesday of the month - great food with quick service - just what we needed!

A cold start to a beautifully sunny and soon warm Bank Holiday - who’s’ve thought?

A small but select team of GoodGymmers helped local Jo to de-bramble more patches of the cemetery, leaving the plants we want and pulling out the bramble, buttercup and bindweed that has no place here, thank you very much!

Arron and Jason made a start on cleaning the Blue Sky public art at Callington Road Hospital. It was great to see the facility and to engage with some of the patients, one of which tried to do a deal around biscuits (given to us along with tea by staff) for a cigarette! Think that's a GoodGym first! Of course we let them have a biscuit and declined their offer.

Thanks for the pun Arron!

5 GoodGymers spent Saturday morning at a newly referred project - Stonebridge Park hostel in Eastville which supports homeless men. We had a great introduction to Stonebridge by the manager and then spent an hour or so chopping back brambles (and discovering cans). The difference made in that time was amazing, well done all!

Frances had a great time playing with the dog - Branston (what a pickle?!). Freya tried raking up Jordan hence Mr Mean look, and Richard and Jason just behaved themselves as always!