With rain and a cold, strong wind, it was a perfect day to go canoeing. And not just canoeing, litter picking too!

With the weather as it was, a brave group of goodgymers dared to take on the task of litter picking along the River Wensum with some even going on canoes in pairs to pick litter. A few were unable to make it as unfortunately the sign up email ended up in their junk mail, but that didn’t deter some who heard news that there was still time to turn up with some spare canoes available. Speaking of news, ITV Anglia news were there to film the litter picking as well as a few photographers capturing moments from the day, which may have included the moment when a lady fell in to the water however fortunately she was ok. That didn't help calm the nerves of those trying canoeing for the first time though.

With litter pickers and gloves ready, and two scuba divers from ‘The Big Scuba’ searching the river too, the group photo was taken and it was time to split into two groups with Rosemary litter picking along the river whilst Penny and Sarah, Jasmine and Sam, Brad and Andy as well as Jonathan and Kathryn got into pairs and headed out onto the River Wensum on Canoes, although not before their safety briefing and life jackets were on!

With two hours to litter pick, time soon went by and it was time to head back to the starting point. Highlights including finding a car battery, a needle/syringe kit and a Goose egg floating on the water as well as many bottle caps and drinks cans. Other highlights included canoeing through willow trees, dropping a paddle in the water and avoiding river boats.

Thanks to Pub and Paddle for providing the canoes and for organising the event alongside Norwich Green Party.

15 GoodGymers including Mike, the task owner, met at Sprowston Community Hub to do some gardening, weeding and to help create a new path around the greenhouses, which required cutting back trees and bushes. This was an important task as they share some of the garden area with a local disability day centre, and with access to areas becoming restricted, this new path will ensure access to the greenhouses are maintained, while the day centre can also access the areas they need to.

We had two new GoodGymers so a big welcome to Rosemary and Matthew.

One of trees that needed cutting back was an elderberry one... but I couldn't really have the pun as 'Cutting back our elders' ...

It was a physical task with lots of sawing involved. The outcome was amazing with a whole new path opened up.

It was great to be at a session, although not leading it but it was nice to be involved again and see everyone.

To top off the session, me and Emma were allowed to pick some Damsons, so our homemade gin will be distilling ready for the winter.