The most important sporting event of the day

Tonight, the world watched as two closely-matched teams went head-to-head.

One has a much smaller population but had a strong set of skills. The other had a bigger population and the endurance required to keep up the pace. Both were prepped for the high expectations upon them. They arrived on the pitch just before 7pm, mesmerised their audience with their enthusiasm and commitment and they did not stop until the hard work was done.

I am, of course, talking about the two task groups who helped at the Reconnect Project and Dame Emily Park.

Team 1: A lot at stake

Not only did Mel excel herself with such a wonderful pun it now graces the title of this report, she also led a group on a stake-erecting expedition to Dame Emily Park. Unfortunately, the council mowed down the beautiful wildflowers that had been planted in the park. The GoodGymers met with Ursula, who had managed to gather posts to put around them to protect them going forward. Following the recent heatwave, this job was a lot harder than it seemed at first, and it took a lot of hardwork, force and willpower to get those stakes firmly in the ground. The group managed to put eight protective stakes in the ground and water 100 lavender plants in between. Their hard-work was rewarded by some much-appreciated biscuits, which went to good use as they fueled them to find six Gromits on their way home!

Team 2: Reconnecting

Meanwhile, the second group headed to Cafe Connect, part of the Reconnect Project in Easton. Although a small space, the cafe are preparing for a reopening in September and so had lots of jobs for us to do to help them. Libby and the team quickly set us to work in different groups, putting up magnetic noticeboards, polyfilla-ing and painting corners inside, sanding the serving table, planting tomato plants, painting the outdoor walls and moving bits to the roof. Everyone was having such a good time using their tools that it was with several disappointed 'awws' that we rested our tools and headed back with a promise to revisit to continue our work soon.

Unlike other, inferior, sporting feats of the night, none of our teams went home disappointed tonight, but proud of a hard effort and good run on a July Tuesday eve. Well done everyone!