IT was time once again to help out Bemmy Lanterns with their annual winter lantern parade. All the local school kids in the area worked with artists and teachers to create some fabulous lanterns, showcasing the talent, and creativity of the youth. Then we came along after the parade and smashed it all up. Each year they make new lantern designs, so these ones would only be taking up precious space, that's where GoodGym deconstruction skills come in!

Special shout out to Jason, who smashed his 400th good deed this session! Well done and thanks for all you do for GG Bristol!

Thank you for coming along and helping out everyone! Bemmy Lanterns were very happy for our help, and have asked if we are interested in helping again next year.

The Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade is a well-loved and established tradition in the area. It stars children of the local schools with home-made, colourful lanterns.

Two veterans of previous parades were keen to help out once again. Arriving punctually they nervously awaited their assignments. Would they be testing their mental fortitude and diplomacy to the max, by stewarding diverted roads? Or would they be walking the route alongside the parade?

Fortunately the evening's brief was simple: place the huge, delicate, lanterns in their correct starting locations, and then tidying up after the schoolchildren had departed.

None of the portended risks—gusts of wind, irate drivers, a sudden rainstorm—dared to make an appearance. The volunteers were able to depart knowing another Good Gym mission had helped light up the local community.

The early crew were busy in the rain unloading all the “end” location stores and were soon moving furniture and attaching signs to all manner of fence and building. Mainly we tried to not get in other people’s way or be asked any questions! The HQ team split up in smaller teams to help with marshalling, carrying some of the bigger laterns to the start of the parade and walking along side the bands in the parade. As always a great event and everyone did an amazing job with helping out! Big welcome to Siula who did great and earnt her very first good deed on this task.