Well it was another fun three hour session back at the Community Hospice shop sorting through the many bags of donated items and separating the 'gems' from the 'not bads' and the 'I don't think sos'.

iNormally we might spot some extraordinary items that delight and amuse but not so much today. Neither of us could bring ourselves to look at this passion fruit dressing gown, although we were mildly enchanted by cute soft toys that come through. This owl and gingerbread man for instance 🦉.

The day’s true conversation piece, though, was an ostrich - or perhaps an emu - wall light. The species remains under investigation! Its most striking feature is the electrical cable emerging boldly from its beak, dangling for all the world to see. One assumes this is a bold artistic statement and while I admire the creative vision, it’s not a look we’ll be rushing to install at home anytime soon!

If you'd like to lend a hand, look out for future sessions. Who knows what gems you might come across!

We visit the Community Hospice once a month to support their head gardener, Jason, with gardening and general maintenance in the beautiful grounds. Today we were also joined by Denise, one of Jason’s dedicated midweek gardening volunteers.

After collecting tools from the shed, we got to work digging, planting and watering to settle five peony plants into their new home. With luck they'll bloom later in the year so we can enjoy the results of our work.

We moved on to some weeding, gently picking out the unloved plants without disturbing the soil too much.

Then we grabbed saws, loppers and secateurs to take out rampant lilac bushes and brambles in an area being prepared for future planting.

Before we knew it, our time was up. We returned the tools to the shed with the feeling of a great workout and an even better sense of achievement.

If you can spare a couple of hours on the fourth Saturday of the month, come and join us for an active session in great company. You’ll be helping to make a real difference while supporting a fantastic local charity.

Last month we cleared the contents from an art cupboard at Holy Trinity Lamorbey Primary School.

Tonight we were back with Jane, the vice principal, to dismantle the big shelving unit in the middle of the cupboard. Cue screwdrivers 🪛, saws🪚and hammers 🔨, and impressive team work in a confined space.

As the cupboard got emptier, the corridor outside got fuller with the demolition debris, so we found a trolley and did several trips to the skip in the car park.

Next door we took on the gentler task of tidying the computer room. With laptops, headphones and mice neatly organised it looked spick-and-span for classes to use tomorrow.

Cupboard swept, corridor cleared and computer room in order, we posed for a team photo and it was time to say goodbye to Jane and head home.

I'm constantly amazed by how much a posse of GoodGymers can get done in just an hour. And always with such good cheer and enthusiasm.

Looking forward to next month's visit to help tick off more tasks on the school's long to-do list .