For our latest task we headed back to the Edwards Lane Community Centre (home to the Chayah Development Project). Florence, Hannah, Nigel, Leah, Peter and Rachel met Hya on arrival who, after taking everyone's tea orders, set us to work painting the back wall of the sports hall which needed a little refresh.

After 'coveralls' and 'overshoes' were donned, we opened the large tub of brilliant white paint, only to find that it was looking a bit less than brilliant. In fact, some might say it was looking distinctly bluey-grey. We checked and double checked that we were to use this paint and were given the go-ahead. So, off we went with our brushes and rollers, debating amongst ourselves whether we were painting with grey/blue paint or whether it was, in fact, the kind of paint that turns white when dry. At times, we did start to think that the wall was turning white, but weren't sure whether it was just our eyes getting weary or wishful thinking!

Once the hour was up, the whole back wall was covered and we finished off by washing our tools and cleaning the floor which had become a bit paint splattered in the process.

This was the perfect task for a chilly, dark autumn evening and, after a quick photo, we departed very satisfied, although we are still none the wiser as to whether the wall will be white when we next return! (ok, so looking back at the photos afterwards it definitely looks grey, doesn't it...?)

Thank you to Hya for hosting and for the tea, and to Councillor Nayab Patel who came to provide support and treats once again.

Five GoodGymers headed to the Edwards Lane Community Centre in Sherwood recently to help out with tidying their garden and grounds. This was our first visit to the centre, which is home to the Chayah Development Project, and we were warmly greeted on arrival by Hya, Chayah’s Founder and CEO.

Our main task was to mow the lawn at the front of the building, a job which had Matt’s name written all over it. We all held our breath while Matt and Hya’s husband attempted to get the mower started, but once it was up and running it was full steam ahead as Matt attempted to mow the lawn before the light faded.

Meanwhile, Leah, Peter, Nigel and Rachel did some general pruning, weeding and tidying of the area around the carpark and driveway (Nigel is missing from our group photo as he needed to make a dash to the airport for a pick-up).

We very nearly completed this task in the daylight, but as the sun started to go down just before 7.30 the mower also ran out of petrol. There wasn’t time to refuel and so a small patch of grass remained un-mowed for the time being. However, this was still a job well done and we hope to return to the community centre for some indoor tasks over the darker weeks.

A big thank you to Hya, her husband, and to Councillor Nayab Patel who also came out to support us.