Having arrived late from Rickmansworth parkrun, and nearly heading for the wrong location, I eventually joined Sheila, Rachel, Viv and Bradley (welcome to your first task) at out What3Words location.

There had already been a lot of activity despite the rain. One of the regular volunteers, David, had dug the turf up with a whizzy machine, so that we could dig holes and plant bulbs and plants. We planted one section which we then covered with wood chip that some of the team transported over by wheelbarrow.

A handy seven made their way to the Burchetts green infant school to clear away the autumn detritus. We spent the hour getting the play areas free of the golden leaves on a chilly evening. It was a job well done.

Ten happy goodgymers arrived at All Saints church ready to pull ivy, dig ditches and pile up leaves. After much chatter and some effort a large patch of fence was cleared, a ditch was prepared for future hedge planting and a habit for wildlife was created. Maybe next time we may spot the odd hedgehog or some wild life in the new hedge! A bemused passerby seemed worried by the torchlight action in the churchyard but admitted that he had recently watched Frankenstein so was easily spooked! After a group photo we all returned home.

On Guy Fawkes Night, Goodgym spun their own legend......

Once upon a time, there was a school whose drop-off and pick-up zone had become a battleground of hangry children and weary parents. The hedges loomed and the bushes bulged into the path, and every morning felt like a game of dodge-the-human.

But one parent had had enough. She rallied her merry band of GoodGymmers to tame the wild greenery and restore peace to the school run. The school gave a nod, and on a mild November Wednesday with fireworks booming all around, 13 heroes answered the call to loppers.

Among them, two new champions emerged: [Lucy] and [Julie], who dove straight in. In just thirty minutes, the path was cleared, the choppings packed away, and the gate area widened to welcome all with ease.

Of course, the obligatory photo op was had, and then, like folklore figures fading into the mist, the GoodGymmers slipped back into the night, knowing the school run was once again a smooth and noble quest.

(PS thank you Lucy for the report title!)

Lots of chocolate treat wrappers on a sunny Sunday afternoon with Angela and flora the dog