What a productive session at the Little Ark Sew-cial as two of the team stitched up a storm, creating reusable sanitary towels aimed at tackling both period poverty and single-use plastic waste.

By the end of the craft session, a massive pile of washable period pads was almost complete and ready for distribution.

With the stitching finished, the team supported with packing down the space. Sewing machines were boxed up, fabric scraps cleared, tables neatly stacked and the room was reset.

Original plans were to help out with the face painting stall, but with a full team of artists already on hand and the windy weather keeping things breezy, there was less canvas work to do than expected. True to the GoodGym spirit of adaptability there were other jobs covered off. Securing displays against the gusts and helping with clearing away recycling and rubbish to ensure the event area stayed tidy and welcoming for all the visitors despite the changeable weather.

A last minute plea for help traded during lunch time was a great full body workout. There was no shortage of tables to fold and chairs to stack which provided some heavy lifting before heading back to the desk job.

Little Ark came to our rescue, and we were able to come to theirs as they needed our help to make bags for carrying liquids. So it was that the GoodGymers found themselves cleaning waterproof banners, and using templates to cut lengths of waterproof fabric from an erstwhile banner, all ready for stitching. Knowing our limitations, that step was left for the professionals.

An early morning call for help setting up and of course the best way to start the day. After setting up in record time I was then on sewing 101 duty with an early attendee who needed a refresher on loading a bobbin - but hope to be back to finish the banner asap.

We hit the Little ARK Sew-cial to help wrap things up. First, we got stuck stuffing draft excluders helping attendees (including Zahrah who had arrived earlier to learn how to sew!) finish off their projects and clear away the mountain of fabric scraps.

Once the machines stopped, the speed-cleaning started. We cleared tables and swept the floor in record time, proving that thread is no match for a broom. The space was transformed from a textile explosion back to a tidy hall in a flash.