Spital Cemetery stalwarts Sue and Maggie were joined by Sheila and Karen for the first work party of the year. We also welcomed Sarah for her very first GoodGym mission. Taskowner Karen gave us a safety briefing , and we were off to find some graves that needed attention. We cut back bushes, and even the lower branches of large trees to reveal hidden gravestones. Our reward was to be able to read the touching inscriptions, now revealed.

Armed with hot (ish) water, sponges, buckets, telescopic brushes and a hose pipe, Sheila, Sue and Jen made short work of cleaning the outside of 3 of the People to Places minibuses. There was plenty of chat as we cleaned and we even had time for a cuppa made by taskowner Dave.

It was Sheila's first time at this task and she took to it like a bus to water and particularly enjoyed drawing the GG logo in the grime before we started.

Next week we are at the Holyport depot for more of the same.

On a beautifully sunny, but chilly, morning, Georgeta , Sue and Sheila joined about 10 other volunteers at Ockwells Park for a community orchard pruning session. Rosie, one of the Rangers, took us through all the things to consider when pruning a fruit tree to enable the fruit to grow well. And then we were let loose on the trees! We divided into groups and each tackled a tree. With guidance from Rosie our confidence grew, and we piled up the cut branches under each tree. We certainly learned a lot and several of the apple trees are now in much better shape for next season. We can't wait until next autumn when we can taste the fruits of our labour!

Sue and Jen in Windsor town,
GoodGym stars who never frown.
Five mini buses lined in a row,
Waiting for sparkle, a gleaming glow.

With hoses spraying arcs of light,
Brushes scrubbing with all their might,
Sponges dancing, cloths that shine,
Each bus transformed, one at a time.

Laughter bubbles with suds that gleam,
A duo powered by purpose and team.
For People to Places, their care runs deep,
Promises polished, commitments they keep.

By dusk the buses proudly stand,
Clean and bright from loving hands.
Sue and Jen, with spirits high,
Washed the wheels as kindness passed by.

On a damp and blustery day, Christine, Sue, Maggie and Sheila joined taskowner Karen Davies at Spital Cemetery in Windsor. While Karen put up some poppies for Remembrance Sunday, the rest of us tackled a wild rose overgrowing a grave belonging to 2 sisters who had both lived to a ripe old age. All of a sudden, who should make a surprise visit, but Amy and Rachel fresh from a Pilates class. Amy presented me with the most beautifully crafted medal adorned with a spade and GG cap to celebrate my 1000th Good Deed. We all continued working until we had finished the job and left the cuttings in a bag for Tivoli to pick up. As the rain began to fall, we retired to the shelter of the chapel doorway and enjoyed some delicious carrot cakes made by our very own super-chef, Rachel. Wonderful! Thanks to everyone for making the session so special - I felt thoroughly spoilt!