Today was all about preparing for next weeks Wassail. This is the traditional event held to see off any malevolent spirits and ensure a good harvest. Its become a great focal point for the local community and has got ever bigger over the last few years with volunteers and local residents and their families meeting up to sing, drink apple juice and generally make a lot of noise!

We spent our time clearing the orchard space of brambles and any roots that could become a trip hazard. Phil used his Northern Slopes scything skills while the rest of us raked and chopped away with shears.

At the end there was time for a coffee and another installment of the Orchard Book Club. Author of the day was Murakami, with particular mention of his short stories and book about running. To be continued....

4 GoodGymers met on a sunny, but chilly Friday morning at Windmill Hill City Farm. Lots of leaves cleared and we beat Bert! Stay safe and dry this weekend.

The ivy was maybe taking a fence but we took offence to this. Our task today was to clear the ivy away from the fence around the church. Armed with a plethora of tools on a gloriously not rainy morning we set to work. A lot of chopping, pulling and chatting and time flew by. A lovely new location for a task and after a quick break for assorted hot drinks and biscuits we had a final chop. Done!

Congratulations to Melanie on her 400th parkrun at Ashton Court just before the task (and Darren on his 450th)

Until next time…

Another round of weed clearing down at the Berry Maze. A local resident had found out about the volunteering going on and wanted to help, which was lovely to see. After clearing up, Barney dished out some spare raspberry roots for us to take home, which was also lovely.

Cheers for making it out to the session, see you next time I hope!