On a fresh, autumnal day, just as the trees were beginning to lose their leaves, we began with the loss of one of our crew: Karolina, being a dutiful citizen, was following public health advice by getting a PCR test instead.

Finding our way

The three remaining GoodGymmers, Sean, Shaun and Mikey, met at the specified property. However, the resident returned a lost expression at the mention of Cadwyn or GoodGym. Sean phoned the contact only to find we were expected at a different address! (Note to self: double check the task location next time). We found our way to the correct address, and, with some perseverance, Mikey found a way to lock our bikes up securely.

Our contact N showed us to the garden, which was lost to a thicket of weeds, junk and neglect. She explained the vision for the garden: a shared space safe for children and accessible for a wheelchair user. To assist in realising this ambition, we would:

• Cut back the overgrown weeds
• Remove litter and junk
• Even the ground where possible

Making up for lost time

We quickly made up for lost time, cutting down weeds and removing as much litter and junk as possible. We found a VHS tape, a cassette tape, various toys, and an over-sized England football. All the while we got lost in conversation on topics from birthday plans to Batmobile dreams.

Then, while Mikey got to work on chopping down the dense sea of nettles, Sean and Shaun conspired to flatten the earth. This involved loosening the soil and ripping out roots that seemingly ran to the centre of the Earth. Mikey discovered some weed suppressant sheets, and we used them to cover the freshly flattened ground.

After a customary group photo and promise from N of a shout-out on Cardiff Radio, it was time for us to get lost (or so we thought).

Epilogue

In the process of securing our bikes, Mikey had lost a wheel-nut. Shaun navigated us to a local cycle repair shop, where they found a spare part, allowing Mikey to cycle off to his second mission of the day over in Rhymney. Finally, a short while after exchanging goodbyes, Sean and Shaun found themselves queueing at the same café, and reflected on an eventful morning over a hot drink.