Another afternoon, another bed (and mattress) for Anne and I to relocate for disposal - amongst the many that we've confronted this year, today's proved right up there in the physical challenge stakes, simply because mattress manufacturers don't put handles at the ends (a fundamental design flaw)...and this one proved particularly difficult to grip and move, so we shuffled it along the corridor into the lift as best we could, with occasional stops for laughter or to catch our breath.

Once in the lift we somehow found ourselves trapped on the wrong side of it, with neither of us initially able to reach the button to send it to the ground floor...

Fortunately the divan base and headboard proved a little easier to manage, and after a few more journeys along Ms B's corridor with our hands full of bed, we soon had all the parts downstairs, and after another quick breather, got them to the outside refuse area and squeezed it all into the space where the council would come to collect.

Three determined Goodgymers turned up in the darkness of this church community garden in Stokey to cut down the invasive Sycamore trees, which were growing up along the edge of the garden.

Using a Scythe we got the job done in no time at all! A very on brand halloween task without meaning to be 🎃, well done all! We then went to for some well earned drinks at the Axe.

Anne and I were met by Ms R's helpful cousin at the property where he and his wife had already started to clear space in the living room for a hospital bed so that Ms R can return home. We quickly moved a large armchair and foot rest into the next door bedroom, and relocated the sofa against one wall to then leave sufficient space for the bed.

As requested by the occupational therapist we also took some measurements of the space and noted these down along with where the electrical sockets were positioned - we then discovered that Mr H (Ms R's cousin) had also prepared a very detailed drawing showing the dimensions of the rooms, so rather than recreate the wheel, we took a picture of that too! Measure twice, cut once as the wise old saying goes...

Mrs J and her elderly Dog, Rio, have experienced considerable upheaval caused by maintenance works to their home. To help the final stages of getting things back in order, GoodGym were asked to bag up and remove some items left by workmen and removal men at her backdoor, which were creating a safety hazard.

One of the items was an antique wardrobe which Mrs J thought might be repurposed as a planter. David and Anne were instructed to set this to the side and bag everything else up.

The glitch came when trying to move the wardrobe, which clearly wasn't as weather proof as was hoped. Sadly the main body of the wardrobe was unsalvageable, so as it fell apart in our hands, it was bundled up and added to the pile for out. The base, however, had more potential so was set aside as instructed.

A quick sweep completed the job and after about an hour of work, everything was stacked neatly for collection by the council.