The rain was a test today, but not to be stopped 8 goodgymers got together ready to hit the wet streets.

Already wet from meeting at the start location, we welcomed our newest runner to goodgym Cardiff and the Vale.

Croeso Rosie, welcome to the team

A short 2.5 km to the task, we took the less busy back streets but gave up on trying to miss the puddles and decided to just enjoy it in our childish way. Plenty of stomping and splashing followed by giggling and full-blown laughter.

As soon as we arrived at the Church of St. Edward our organiser Kathie pulled up in her car, quite amazed that we had still come out in the rain. The crew helped to get the tools and bags out of the boot whilst I set up the lights ready for dark evening that was just around the corner.

Usually, we tackle the buddleia every year to keep it coming back strong and in a good shape, however, covid had meant we had not been available for this last time. You could certainly tell from the height of the shrub that it had been left to grow, we struggled to reach the top so started from the sides.

We worked as quickly as we could with some cutting back, and some just 'hulking' out and ripping the shrub to bits, whilst the rest took the large branches and cut them to better sizes to fit the bags provided for waste collection at another date. As we reached the end of the night, Llion and Michael quickly went to the pavement to cut some of the overhanging trees so that they would not block any of the public walking around.

A quick tidy up, moving the bags to the side of the Church and time for a group photo around what remained of the shrub (still some to do - we shall return to finish this task soon).

Another run back in the rain and a reminder to all, head or body lamps will be required from now onwards to keep us safe!