It was our first Monday evening task of 2025 and we got off to a bang being back at Aldemoor Community Farm with Richard.

Richard always has something new and interesting for us to try and tonight was no different. We were tasked with helping sift and break up compost which was ready to be sorted and bagged to help compost this years plants.

Chris was head of the production line filling all the trays with compost to be sorted. We then had to work through and breakup the compost sorting weeds and wood and BONES(!) into one tray, plastic into another and stones into another.

Once the consistency was about right we then had to use the large sieve machine which was very satisfying! Leszek and Serena expertly handled removing the sieve so we could then start placing the compost into bags.

It was a fun, therapeutic session and we created five bags of compost which we are told Pam the community outreach lady will be very grateful for!

We look forward to returning and helping Richars again soon

Storm Darragh did not put off Tarek, Leszek and myself from heading down to the farm to support R with the farm. We were treated to a tour by a lovely volunteer and there was plenty going on to keep visitors occupied. We welcomed visitors and inspired them to feed the chickens, check out the bonfire and Leszek stayed to see the Christmas lights turn on at 3:30pm! We created mistletoe bundles for customers and helped to unpack Christmas trees - Tarek kept us warmed with good vibes and laughter. A great day to connect with the local community and try the tasty food on offer. We will gladly return to support the next mission!

This evening we welcomed Chris to his first GoodGym Task, we were back at Aldermoor Farm and back to trimming the bush that grows along the fence!

Its a job that needs doing often in the summer as it can quickly grow above the fence line.

The extendable shears were grabbed quick by Sarah and Hannah as they are super good for reaching the bits you wouldn't otherwise be able to reach, and although not needed Wilson grabbed the tool belt (just for effect really).

We know what we are doing now and Richard provides the tools for the job so we were able to get the task done in the hour we had.

It was great to have you on board Chris - we hope you enjoyed your first task and we look forward to seeing you again 😊

Lovely to be back at Aldermoor Farm, such a feel good place to be. This evening we were tasked with cutting back the plants that line the fence with the pavement, keeping the outside view looking nice for any passing public.

We had a quick briefing from Richard with a chance to consider "what's the worse thing that could happen" (a useful way of highlighting any potential health and safety issues). Then much to Wilsons delight, at 18:32 we made a start to tackle the plants from both sides of the fence, and with the tools supplied by Richard we were able to make a good job of it in the hour we had.

Ellie presented Sarah with her 50 badge, which she was able to wear for a part of the task until it got too soggy in the rain.

We also welcomed Lee who is part of Energise Me and had come to join us for the task and to chat to us to see how he could assist.

The rain didn't scupper us at all - in fact it was quite nice to be out in it

It was great to be welcomed back to Aldermoor this evening by Richard exactly a year on from the very first time we visited this wonderful community place. It was officially one year since a group of enthusiastic Southamptoners came together to find out how they could be involved with the first new area to launch since covid and the first community led area too. That night we shifted compost but this evening we were painting signs, cleaning bricks, feeding the cats, and saying goodnight to all the farm birds. We finished off with some unofficial birthday biscuits to celebrate our unofficial birthday (check out our session on 22nd April for our official celebrations!). Richard always keeps us busy and on our toes with new skills to learn so we are very grateful to him for his hard work and organisation. We look forward to our next session at the farm when we won't even need head torches!

We were back for another lovely morning at Aldemoor this morning this time helping the farm to celebrate their tenth birthday with a Spring open day .

There were various tasks and activities to be manned and managed. Judy was chief crafter helping the little ones to make lots of easter pom poms. In the craft tent there was also entertainment from musicians and a lion!

Val, Steph and Abby did an excellent job showing people around the farm and directing them in where to go and also in manning the front desk.

I attempted to help with face painting (with varying results) but the little ones seemed to be pleased.

The weather was almost in April shower territory but when the sun shone it shone beautifully.

As ever the farm has such a beautiful energy and atmosphere and we always love coming here to help. We are looking forward to celebrating our unofficial birthday with the farm on Monday