3 volunteers from GoodGym helped marshal at the annual Thames Hospice Sunflower Walk. We were stationed on the half marathon route, Carys at Boveney, and Sheila and Anna were at the end of the Long Walk, with iconic views of Windsor Castle. We cheered, clapped and congratulated the walkers taking on this challenging distance, many walking in memory of friends and relatives who had been cared for at the hospice. The weather was mostly kind to us, but the showers didn't dampen our spirits, we were so impressed with the participants. It was great to again be involved in this Fundraiser, and hopefully it will raise lots of money for this vital service

Anna and Sheila went to the community allotment today in some warm conditions. While we filled the water butts with the hose, we did all the watering using watering cans. We were joined by another volunteer Jessica and her daughter. Anna and Jessica took on the task of training the squashes away from strangling the tomatoes while Sheila pinched out the tomato side shoots. We left all the water butts full, ready for watering in the coming week

Nine keen good gymers arrived at Norden Farm on a mission to create a local beach for the summer holidays. Tonnes of sand were emptied using shovels, spades and hands. Teamwork made light work of the task and bags were emptied in record time! After some efficient raking the beach was covered by large plastic sheets to protect it from a cat's playground. Hopefully the giant sandpit will provide hours of digging fun for the summer play-scheme.

Sessions at Braywick Heath Nurseries are back after a Winter break. The warmer weather means that some of the plants will soon be able to go to the outside sales area. Meanwhile many weeds had taken up residence in the shingles. Anna and Sheila took on the task of removing the pesky plants to make the area look more presentable. Five bags of weeds later, including a couple of run-ins with some nettles, the area had been cleared and looked much tidier. We were pleased with what we had been able to achieve in a couple of hours

We had sun and rain at Ray Mill Island today, but we were not deterred as we set about our tasks. Sheila and Anna shovelled some compost and barrowed it back to the compound. Anna went to take cuttings of some shrubs around the Island, and brought them back to pot up. Amy felt like getting physical and took on digging out the hibiscus plants so they could be transferred elsewhere. Not an easy task! The roots were all tangled up with nettle roots and chicken wire which had been used to line the area for a previous use. And they were next to a fence, so limiting access. With true GoodGym grit and determination, Amy gave it her all, and was joined by Sheila. Once the hibiscus was loose enough to give a good wobble, Amy employed the Butt technique, and the hibiscus gave up the fight and was out of the ground! We heeled it in to a temporary spot and left the rain to water it in. Amy then had to leave, but spurred on by the success, Sheila and 2 other volunteers tacked the second plant, and employing the same technique, managed to dig that one out too! Way to Go! We all went home muddy but satisfied with our progress