A new task for GoodGym Cambridge, heading to St Andrew's Church in Chesterton to help clear cut grass from the churchyard.

Scott and I met for a social run round Stourbridge Common, making the most of the beautiful evening. Once at the church, we were joined by Ilse, Caroline, Debbie and Beth, all keen for some GoodGym magic on a sunny Sunday.

The Church is part of Cambridgeshire Churchyards Conservation and a dedicated group of volunteers work to promote biodiversity in the churchyard. Growing wildflowers to support pollinators is a big part of the work and getting management of the grass right will determine the success. 🐝 We learned that if grass cuttings are left to rot into the ground, the soil becomes too rich for wildflowers to grow. 🌼

With the grounds spanning 3 acres, there was A LOT of grass to clear. Dispersing, we each covered a section, raking and packing into massive sacks for collection. It was one of our most physical tasks to date, and we were all really feeling it by the end of the session 😅

Scott was treated to a visit from a cinnabar moth - absolutely stunning and very on brand 🦋

We took a much needed refreshment break and a trip down memory lane with cups of Rose's lime cordial. Just the right level of tang.

With multiple sacks filled, and muscles aching, we called it an evening. Before heading off we spent some time talking with the church conservation volunteers to hear more about their plans to improve nature. A wholesome way to round off Great Big Green Week 💚

Pun credit: Scott

Another sunny evening spent improving green spaces in Cambridge 🌿

We were back at The Fields Child and Family Centre working in the children's garden, which had been taken over by weeds. In need of some help to finish the work started by the Centre team, Sal called in the big guns. Known around the city for our elite weed-fighting skills, of course Goodgymers accepted the (community) mission.

Ilse, Beth and I jumped on bikes to make the dash to the Centre and Scott ran across town double-quick time (not at all because he was running late). We were delighted to welcome new recruit, Rowan, who joined us for her first task 🫡

Met by Sal, we got straight to work. Rowan, Scott and Beth were on weeding duty, Sal was sweeping, and Ilse and I cleared the raised beds (leaving grass in one for the dinosaurs, obviously).

It was T-shirt and shorts weather at last, and as some GoodGymers were wrangling copious amounts of mint, it was feeling fresh and summery. With many hands, we had the area cleared within the hour, leaving it ready for playing and planting over the coming weeks. We had chance to hear about the positive work Sal and her teams are doing in their Centres across Cambridge, both to improve the environment directly and providing learning opportunities for the community. 💚

Before we left we had time for a quick team photo, which would not have been out of place on an album cover from the early 2000s. Less squadron and more Blazin' Squad.

We did good, got fit, and stayed connected. GoodGym mission complete 🙌

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Pun credit: Scott

The sunny evenings have arrived and we made the most of it this week supporting Cambridge City Foodbank with an awareness raising campaign.

Ilse and I met at Parkside Pools for a warm up and the all important pre-run picture (with very good light!). We enjoyed a social run along Mill Road before setting off down residential streets to get busy letter posting. It turns out Ilse is quite the leafleting pro, having helped local councillors with their campaigns in the past. This was my 5th leafleting task and the letterboxes were still getting the better of me.

We covered 2 miles in 40 minutes, helping the foodbank reach houses they have not had contact with previously.

We both agreed that it was a really lovely way to spend an evening - keeping active, staying connected and enjoying the sunshine all while doing good for the community 💛

Tonight we supported Cambridge City Foodbank through the valuable work of Your Party Youth Cambridge's mutual aid initiative.

It was a first task for Rafi and first task in Cambridge for Scott (formerly of GG Norwich) and it was a pleasure to welcome them to the crew 👋

We were all set for a warm, sunny session, but as the time came head out to the task, the grey skies darkened and the rain began. Channelling the GoodGym spirit, we persevered and ended up having a very lovely evening (as is the way with GoodGym) delivering donations and having a good chat.

Scott, Harriet and I met for a social run to the second meeting point in North Cambridge, where we picked up Ilse and Rafi to head around the corner where the donations were being stored. We were greeted by Eddie, a very motivational pooch, and seven crates of food and household items collected by YPYC at the weekend. Thanks to Rafi's VERY impressive Mary Poppins-esque travel bag, we were able to pack up about 5 of the 7 crates to take to the foodbank.

We took a speedy, weighted stroll across North Cambridge to deliver the goods to the warehouse. The walk was a perfect opportunity to chat about anything and everything including travels to Japan, death cleaning, conservation, the joys of working for a charity, and why Last one Laughing is just so good.

The foodbank volunteers were incredibly grateful as they had not been as busy as usual. With bags now empty, we positively flew back! 💪

A delight doing good, getting fit and staying connected with you all 🙌