On a dark, but warm autumn evening seven GoodGymers met to eat some cake together. After two slices each and nice time chatting we were ready to go home... JUST KIDDING... however chocolate brownies were served this evening.

We arrived at OLQM to be welcomed by Bob, the caretaker, who had a selection of tools waiting for us.

I thought I will be here on my own'- Bob

When I arrived 5 minutes before the task start Bob was becoming concerned that we are not coming, however I reassured him that we are a punctual bunch. Few minutes later the whole team assembled ready for the task briefing.

First part of the task was to trim overgrown lavender, dig over soil and remove rocks in readiness for stage two which included barrowing fresh top soil, topping up flower beds and planting tulip and daffodil bulbs.

We had such a good time chatting and neither the Yorkshire Marathon nor the 12 k's of Christmas challenge was mentioned, no way ... who would want to talk about it ;) , that we were carried away and did a bit of overtime.

With just over 1 hour on the clock and all the bulbs in soil we were ready for the second slice of chocolate brownie and a team photo before offering our services for the future and saying good bye to our host.

Ben, the caretaker met us at the gate and shown us to the wildlife space where a selection of jobs awaited. An assortment of wooden logs, sticks and tyres had to be moved from the wildlife area to make space for grass trimming. Laura, Lauren, Leanne and Michal did not wait to be told twice and went straight to work.
Meanwhile Zinnie and David started with removing roots from a pile of top soil. The soil had to be made root and weed free as it will be used to fill holes in the playing field in preparation for the school sports day in few weeks’ time. At the same time Cara and Liz went to start fishing out a variety of balls, chocolate bar and crisps packaging, yoghurt bottles, plastic cones, you name it from the school pond. They were soon joined by the log and tyre removal crew who did not want to miss the fun. A long stick and a cable loop attached to aluminium pole were used for picking out. Leanne’s catch, a plastic scoop racket, was used to make a 'super scooper'. This custom made tool has proven to be very effective for the task. Branches hitting faces and poking our bodies were not a deterrent enough as determined GoodGymers squeezed between young trees and the fence to go around the edge of the pond to pick up all the rubbish.

I found the net - Bob

The promised net materialised and was expertly wielded by Cara to pick up some remaining litter from the water.

David and Zinnie have timed their root removal task with such precision that they were putting away their forks at the very moment when the pond clearing people came for the team photo.
With all the wooden logs at our disposal it was an excellent opportunity for another photo for our log carriers calendar.

With all the tasks completed we advised Bob how to provide feedback and headed on our ways home.