It is always a highlight to head to Gale Street Organic Community Garden, and this evening's task was no exception.

We met the wonderful Nabassa, who gave us a briefing about health and safety (...and the tasks). We couldn't believe the transformation since our last visit. The jungle had been cleared showing just how huge the site is! Community can achieve great things when they come together.

Whilst clearing, they uncovered a pond and that was task 1 for our session. Splitting into two teams Mason and Martynas got stuck in (quite literally) clearing the pond, and Lukas and Imran made a start weeding the vegetable patch ready for more planting.

It was all excitement as Mason moved a rock by the pond and uncovered a slow worm 🪱 Not actually a worm, but a legless lizard, it shone golden in the sun and mesmerised us all ✨ The photo doesn't do it justice, but does perhaps capture how cross it was to be disturbed. We quickly replaced the rock and were careful in that area.

For the second week in a row, Martynas found himself perched precariously on the edge of a pond. That didn't deter, and he was even in luck, finding a vintage horseshoe buried deep in the mud. Half an hour later, Mason hit the bottom. They'd done it! We cleared the very squelchy mud into a pile, leaving the pond casing ready to be cleaned up and the area developed, supporting even more biodiversity in the garden. 🐸

Meanwhile, in the vegetable patch Imran and Lukas had cleared a whole section of weeds and started harvesting coriander seeds. Delicate work.

The group reconvened and moved onto the next job, shifting a whole load of discarded conveyor belt from the old Dagenham Ford Factory. Creating a human conveyor, the team got the job done, with Mason drawing the short straw, taking up position deep in the bushes and getting "attacked by Mother Nature". We appreciate you 💪 It was a proper workout as the rolls were heavy and awkward to fit together to store. Lukas started singing the Tetris theme and that says it all.

Tonight's post-task activity was bottle flipping. Surprisingly effective for holding attention and it was hard to pull everyone away for the group photo. Kudos to Daniel who showed expert skill 😎

A satisfying hour's work, and we came away a bit muddier and a lot lighter having spent time in nature, connecting with others. Everyone was eager to get back soon for more 💛

When Maggie had a surprise grass cut at the church yard, she put the emergency call out and four super GoodGymers answered to help clear it 💪

Scott arrived off the back of a 10km training run, Harriet cycled across town, and both Jacob and myself being local, could take an easy stroll. Convening in the church yard, we welcomed Jacob to his first session 👋 Although a familiar face, it was great to have him join a task!

We were met by Chris, who is a pro at grass clearing, having been involved for a number of years and sometimes clearing 8 lots a year! From first glance there didn't seem to be much grass, but it didn't take long to realise there was plenty to be collected!

We raked and chatted, catching up on fine dining experiences, The Odyssey and, of course, race training. We had a lovely little pause to meet a very cute pup who joined us in a bit of grass clearing, but was mainly interested in a bit of fuss, which we were all more than willing to give 🐶

It's warm work, so the refreshment break was very welcome. Both elderflower and lime cordial on offer this week. We heard more from Maggie and Chris about the Churchyard Conservation Awards, which support parishes to protect biodiversity. St Andrew's is going for Silver, which requires active management including wildflower areas, wildlife information boards, animal boxes and clearing of grass cuttings.

Within an hour we had cleared 3 large bags of cuttings 😅 With the judges coming in the next few weeks, we were glad to be able to help. Good luck 🙌

Pun credit: Scott 🍰

Two Goodgymers volunteered at Fulbourn Hospital Parkrun. Catherine did a great job cheering on runners while marshalling. She then joined me and another volunteer to help with post run closedown, collecting up all the cones used to mark the course and rabbit holes. What a heroine! We rewarded ourselves with a nice hot drink and cheese scone and a chat with some of the other parkrunners. It was a lovely way to spend the morning.