9 goodgymers made their way to Left Bank to help repaint some storage cabinets.

We welcomed back Katie on her first group run post-covid.

We ran the long way to Left Bank. Going up towards Headingley and back down Cardigan Lane. We made a slight error in navigation - which I'm blaming on the GPS - but Helen quickly helped us find our way back on track.

The Task

We had 4 cabinets to paint, and so we split into pairs and worked together to get the task done. We must be experts at painting, because we had painted all of the surfaces within record time. Therefore we had time at the end for a bit of friendly competition of table tennis. Winner stays on. Elspeth wins the award for most competitive!

After refreshments courtesy of Left Bank, we headed back to HPBC via Woodhouse Moor. Another task successfully completed and another 2km run done!

Well done everyone, see you next week.

We banked another good deed this week - at the wonderful Left Bank Leeds. A creative space for the community, Left Bank hosts lots of events, workshops and activities, all set within a converted church. It's well worth another visit.

A warm welcome to Zainab , who joined us for her first goodgym task. Let's give her a cheer!

The run

9 goodgymers were treated to a hot and sweaty 2km run. We tried staying in the shade for as long as possible by running around Woodhouse Moor. Inevitably we had to leave the shade behind us for the last part of the run, but thankfully it was all down hill!

The Task

We were welcomed in to Left Bank with open arms, offered some light refreshments, and then got to work varnishing the picnic benches (not in use!)

Katie, Josie and Helen were the most diligent out of the group since they were finishing their bench, just as everyone else was starting.

Everyone else eventually caught up, and we found we had actually got through the task in record time (we'd run out of benches)! It was therefore time to switch to an impromptu litter pick. It was suggested to do a tag-team litter pick / relay, which was quickly dismissed as being a rather silly idea...

Nevertheless, we had an ace team of litter pickers who quickly gathered up lots of the litter around the perimeter of Left Bank. At one point, Sarah and Josie were even taking the time to pick up tiny pieces of confetti. That's dedication!

The Run Back

Great work everyone we managed to get a lot done in a short space of time. All that was left was a jog back to Hyde Park Book Club. We ran back via Burley Park (as it's always nicer to run through parks!)

On today's run we had a first time attendee to goodgym! Make sure to give Paul a cheer. We also had Sarah join us, who has now taken part in two areas, having previously run with Goodgym Lewisham.

The Run We ran through Meanwood Valley Trail and went the long way to the farm , about 3km, taking the ascent in our stride as we climbed Sugarwell Hill.

Once we'd arrived at the farm we were pleased to see the Alpacas, who were all huddled together near the entrance to the farm. A great way to end a run!

The Task

Tonight we were given a lesson on how to mulch apple trees, which turns out to be rather scientific!

Wood chip is used to help prevent weeds from sprouting, to help the trees retain moisture and help to fight off pests and disease. Ben at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm is the real expert, so you're best to come and ask him all about it the next time we go back to the farm. In the meantime, you can find out more here

We split into groups. Katie and Paul were stationed in the orchard and laid down the wood chip around the trees, whilst the rest of us took it in turns to fill barrows and transport the wood chip to the orchard.

Credit due to Katie and Paul, as Ben was complementary of the arrangement around the trees:

That looks very artistic!

By the end of the task, we had relocated at least 30 barrows full of wood chip, which was now protecting 6 more apple trees. Good work everyone!

Parting gifts

As a thank you for our efforts we were given bags to pick our own lettuce, which we all took home to enjoy.