Caroline, Karen and Sheila helped out at the Baby Bank this morning, quickly settling into the routine of checking and sorting clothes donations. Luckily the facility had invested in 2 large fans to keep the volunteers cool, and boy, did we need them! Most bizarre find in the donation bags was a turkey baster. Not something we've ever been asked for!

On a very warm morning, Spital Cemetery workparty regulars Sue, Maggie and Sheila were joined by Yvonne and Hollie. Yvonne came fresh from her first W&M group session the previous evening, so it was great that she could join us again in a different location. It was Hollie's first ever GoodGym session, and she picked a hot one! We continued to work on a fallen obelisk and grave stone which had become heavily covered in holly and ivy, probably over a number of years. We cut away at the twisted stems slowly making progress to start to reveal the stonework underneath. Unfortunately some of the stone had already crumbled under pressure from the roots so we left some on to help stabilise the structure. We did however reveal some intricate carving, so look forward to uncovering some more at our next session. Great work by everyone in less than ideal conditions

Twelve of us gathered at the Ray Mill Island rise to help out with a few tasks.

Some took up the hose and watered the thirsty plants. 🌱🌿

Others took up saws and pulled out branches from among the brambles to use for a fern bed. 🪚🪾

And one took up a brush and painted some signs, in the exciting company of some rats 🖌️😬

Shout out to W&M newcomer Yvonne who joined us from Bracknell! Hope to see you back for more.

When we finished, it was time for a special celebration - Diya's 500th deed! We had delicious cake 🍰 - thanks Georgeta - with a clever topper (which flummoxed the only accountant amongst us!). Sheila made a beautiful medal 🏅 and had a great idea to have everyone say some words about Diya... here's the full list: Enthusiastic, Fun, Horse-manure, Kind, Thoughtful, Football, Warm, Camaraderie , Guinness, Friendship, Racquetball, Mad, Inclusive, Funny, Party girl, Always very hungry.

And we were all treated to Diya's biggest smile 😃 - warming our hearts on an already warm day! 🥵

Welfare visit for Mrs D

It is one of my favourite events of the year - GoodGym were again asked to help out at the Boulters to Bray swim. Alain, Kelley and Sheila set their alarm clocks for a very early start, and arrived at Ray Mill Island as the swimmers were starting to gather. Alain took charge of flip flop drop-off, making sure they were tied together and put in the right bags so that they could be re-united with their owners when they exited the water. Kelley and Sheila helped out with car key drop-off and recording each swimmer's number as they entered the water. And then they were off, a colourful array of swim hats and floats making their way down the river en masse. Quite a sight to see. Our next task was to marshal at Boulters Lock, ensuring that swimmers doing the longer Historic swim exited the water at the right point and directing them round to the Island so they could continue their swim. Just follow the wet footprints! Then it was back to the Rowing club to help give out Tshirts and return car keys to their owners (and have a well-earned bacon butty). All done and dusted by 8.30, just as the rest of Maidenhead was waking up..... Such an uplifting event, and it was great to see GoodGymers participating as well as volunteering

Carol and Karen helped out at the Baby Bank this week. There was a large corporate team in so Carol and Karen were promoted to blue volunteer, lanyards as opposed to the usual red visitor lanyards and were able to guide the corporate team while they did the first checks on the donated clothing. Carol and Karen did the second checks and put everything neatly into the correct boxes.