Louis, Christine, Viv and Jen all met up at Pinder Hall ready for our instructions to ensure a smooth pack down of the Cookham Arts Festival 2026.

A quick before photo...

The first job was to retrieve the paintings from the displays to return to the artists, collecting the hooks as we went. We then helped to collect in the screens and remove any stickers ready for them to be stacked under the stage.

Dismantling the screen legs, easels and other stands was next on the list along with stacking away tables and chairs.

Jen went below stairs to help put the screens and legs back in their rightful place under the stage.

Just time for a quick group photo and an after photo showing a spectacular transformation.

I p'ain't' going to lie, however, I had an 'ink'ling this was going to be an enjoyable task.

Today was the day to do more furniture rearranging, retrieve the screens from under the stage, hang the pictures....and enjoy a some n-ice refreshments including lunch and ice lollies.

We managed to 'draw' Louis in for his first task. I think he was 'hook'ed by the end of it.

'Water Colour'ful and 'picture' perfect exhibition... a good 'show' put on by us yet again.

I am 'canvas'sing for more volunteers to join us in helping to pack it all away in our usual expert and 'art'ful way on 30 August.

I've reached the end of my art based puns now suffice to say this was all my own work.

On the 20th day of May, Goodgym said to me...

9 Goodgymmers gymming 8 people snipping 7 reams of tinsel 6 strings of lights 5 bare baubles 4 bare bottoms....

9 Goodgymmers made their way to green skills library to held with the de-assembly of the old bauble decorations in the nicholsons centre

There was lots of reminiscing about the good old days of Smokeys, but we still made quick work of the task and soon had a pile of naked baubles in the corner!

another successful task down!

Twelve enthusiastic GoodGymers set about sanding old pallets at Wessex School to re-purpose as a stage. Many hands made light work so the task was completed in record time! Fortunately there was plenty of weeding to fill the spare time. Amy won the prize for the largest weed and Ed tackled the stinging nettles. We were careful to leave the pretty cornflowers, strawberry plants and a few wild flowers for the children and bees to enjoy! A fun chatty evening!