Tonight we returned to the cemetery for more bramble clearing.

We named and numbered off stating some pointless things we get asked to do at work as a nod to health and safety day. These included cleaning pigeon poo and management appreciation days! We also welcomed back Ellie and celebrated some excellent weekend running with Rich and Michal completing the 3 Peaks and Deb's parkrun PB.

We then set off with Lucy and Abigail back marking to meet Clive at the cemetery. After the midge swarm last time, Michael wore enough insect repellent to keep the entire group safe (and anyone else within a mile radius!). We therefore had a clear run of pruning, lopping and digging. Barbara got so excited she snapped a fork!

To finish off we did some fitness relays whilst practising our hammering, then headed back to base. We stretched off then some headed to the pub.

Today we have come for the final go at eradicating the ubiquitous ground elder from the path designated for a pollinator friendly meadow. This invasive weed spreads via rhizomes, which can regenerate from just a tiny fragment left in the ground. Known for their attention to detail expert Goodgymers started fine combing the path to gather few half full bulk bags of the plant roots, which have been dragged to the nearby composting bins. Kristina wasn't worried about the ground elder infestation of the composting bins, so we have achieved a win win here with the ground elder finding a new home and weed free space ready for wildflower planting. Assortment of other roots, stones and sticks uncovered during the dig has been carefully deposited in the nearby bushes, creating enriched habitat for insects, invertebrates and the like. One hour later we were ready to raise our mattocks in a gesture of victory.

Report title credit to Leanne

Monday saw 28 GoodGym Yorkies descending onto streets of York (and Reading) to spread the positive energy.

Aim: to go walking, or running either by yourself, with members of your household, or one other GoodGymer and be out as much, or as little as you like.

Motivator: knowing that other GG Yorkies are out running and walking at the same time.

We visited places like the Knavesmire, Hob Moor, riverside walk, Germany Beck to name just a few.

Run/walk distances ranged from 2k to 12k.

Everyone did their own stuff, but we all had two things in common, that was exercising outdoors and sharing the positive energy with others.

Paul did a 6k run as a substitute to his gym class, Jenna ran a loop along the river, Mitchell took his friend for a 7k jog around Fulford, Helen and Amy did a 6,5k run around the city centre, Michael ran over 8k around Hob Moor, but somehow missed Paul and Leanne who were doing their 5k close by. Carl did a 5k loop around South Bank, Michal took his dog for a run along the river, Katie ran 5k with Vicky around the York Racecourse, Nicola did 2k around the block as her post-circuits cool down while her other half Richard went orienteering in Heworth to cover 9,5k.

I tried to bring the energy today. I walk the Knavesmire track daily and today was stopped by 2 dogs and an elderly man. He said he was extremely lonely and would be completely broken if he didn't have his dogs.'' - amazing Katie cheered a lonely person while on her walk. It's what GoodGym is about!

First run I've done in months... Thanks for being the inspiration I needed''- outstanding Louise ran 3k in Reading.

Wasn't going to run but fresh air helped to clear the work fug. Thanks for the motivation!''- general Debs ran over 2k around her neighbourhood.

Looking at our Facebook and WhatsApp feed you could feel a real sense of community and togetherness. We will be repeating that next week.