This evening was a first of a two part task.

We were faced with a forest of nettles that needed to be liberated to the weed pile in order that other plants could breathe and see the light. Even the path was obscured by them in some parts.

On the outskirts of the plot on the pavement was a significant amount of leaves which if left would have ended up a slippery mess in the next rainfall.

So we set to it with brushes loppers spades and all double gloved (thank you Elaine for the loan of marigolds to put under our gardening gloves).

The nights have drawn in and we worked under torch light - it feels a very warm feeling to see glows of lights and hear the chat of Goodgymmers we can brighten any dark night I reckon.

Jake was on form tonight coming up with tonights pun and managed to get another one in as he was sweeping the leaves up - saying 'Leaf me to it'. (And a huge well done for 40 tasks completed Jake)

We managed to clear the path and a significant about of nettles uncovering many smaller bushes and plants that will have the space and light to grow now and a ladybird!

We will be back for part 2 next week

This week, we were back at St James Garden with Friends of St James' Garden to finish what we started last week.

4 runners met on hope street where we were thrilled to welcome two newbies: Mel and Mel. Hope to have you join us again soon!

As St James garden is so close to our meeting point we treated ourselves to a few hill reps before heading on over. Very impressed with all the runners for persevering!

Once there we met 7 more goodgymmers and were tasked with weeding all the pavements around the Husskinson Memoral. I think you can tell from the before an after pictures what a huge impact we had!

Thankfully the weeds and grass came up surprisingly easily - the turf almost came up like a carpet and we were able to clear a huge area. Well done to everyone!

Despite torrential rain forecast, ten hardy GoodGymers headed to Pagoda Arts, a fantastic organisation who provide opportunities for people to engage with Chinese cultural activities.

There was some drizzle as three GoodGymers met at Hope Street to run to the task, and we welcomed back GoodGymer Jo from GoodGym Exeter, who doesn’t let work trips stop her from joining tasks. We enjoyed the shelter of the trees outside the centre whilst the group gathered, and fortunately the heavy rain predicted held off, not that that would have stopped us! The non-runners kept themselves active too, with Pauline cycling and Lucian and others arriving by foot.

The task was to clear the outside area and we soon set to work. Litter was picked, brambles and thistles were removed, and the team did a fantastic job of scaling the very steep slope outside the centre and getting it looking spick and span. We were all very impressed with the “large leaf grabber” which Jake used to make short work of clearing the fallen leaves.

During our clearing Sian came across a small knife which had been discarded. Safety first, Ema was quick to remind the team of the process for sharps and arranged for it to be safely disposed of with the centre’s sharps kit. We were pleased to make the area much cleaner and safer for the centre’s community.

There was a clear difference made and the Pagoda were so delighted with the work done, they treated us to a round of Chinese tea, which Sallyann correctly identified as jasmine. We enjoyed our cuppa to the relaxing sound of the tai chi class which was going on in the main hall (and which Miriam was tempted to join!).

Pagoda Arts have already booked us in for the next Chinese New Year and there was talk of further sessions to help out in Autumn. It’s a lovely organisation and we’ll be pleased to be back there soon.