Louis, Christine, Viv and Jen all met up at Pinder Hall ready for our instructions to ensure a smooth pack down of the Cookham Arts Festival 2026.

A quick before photo...

The first job was to retrieve the paintings from the displays to return to the artists, collecting the hooks as we went. We then helped to collect in the screens and remove any stickers ready for them to be stacked under the stage.

Dismantling the screen legs, easels and other stands was next on the list along with stacking away tables and chairs.

Jen went below stairs to help put the screens and legs back in their rightful place under the stage.

Just time for a quick group photo and an after photo showing a spectacular transformation.

I p'ain't' going to lie, however, I had an 'ink'ling this was going to be an enjoyable task.

Today was the day to do more furniture rearranging, retrieve the screens from under the stage, hang the pictures....and enjoy a some n-ice refreshments including lunch and ice lollies.

We managed to 'draw' Louis in for his first task. I think he was 'hook'ed by the end of it.

'Water Colour'ful and 'picture' perfect exhibition... a good 'show' put on by us yet again.

I am 'canvas'sing for more volunteers to join us in helping to pack it all away in our usual expert and 'art'ful way on 30 August.

I've reached the end of my art based puns now suffice to say this was all my own work.

There were lots of loose screws actually, more of that later however.

Today was Part 1 of a 3 part mission to support the Cookham Art Club's annual exhibition.

Today was all about furniture removal and setting things up for judging day on Saturday.

Lots of the required furniture is stored away under the stage so Viv crawled down into that small space to help bring out screens, legs, signs, stands and easels.

Tables and chairs were relocated and put into position as directed. Another team were helping attach the screens to legs - unless we found any loose screws...of which there were plenty 😂.

Screws tightened, legs placed and screens attached - it was tough going in the heat.

We finished the task with a more gentle sitting down job of checking in some of the paintings that were going to be judged and/or exhibited. After a quick tutorial from Task Owner Wendy, this job was easel-ly done!

After a much needed ice lolly/ice pop break it was time to finish and part company until our return on Sunday for the big exhibition set up.

Nine keen good gymers arrived at Norden Farm on a mission to create a local beach for the summer holidays. Tonnes of sand were emptied using shovels, spades and hands. Teamwork made light work of the task and bags were emptied in record time! After some efficient raking the beach was covered by large plastic sheets to protect it from a cat's playground. Hopefully the giant sandpit will provide hours of digging fun for the summer play-scheme.

The Craft Coop needed help transporting their shop fittings and other belongings out of the Nicholsons Centre before it is demolished. Five amazing GoodGymers offered their time to help, and joined the shop managers and their family members, plus Neil from Bridge Rotary The plan was to load up cars with the stuff and then unload them at the other end. Heidi turned up with her Mini and we did wonder how many items we could fit in, but luckily there were other car boots available too. We loaded the cars up, then walked some of the bulkier items round to the Town Hall. We unloaded the items, taking them through a rabbit warren of passageway and stairs, to the storage room. Several carloads later we completed our task and the storage room was full! Thank you to Angela, Christine, Diya, Sheila and Viv for giving up their time and energy - the Craft Coop is extremely grateful.