This double-deedy-day for Dave, Gary and Fi was complete with an afternoon jaunt slightly out of the city.

They were greeted by Mrs J who kindly offered some chilled refreshments and a sit-down while she explained what they had arrived to help with. The task was to clear an area of brambles that had taken control of what was formerly a compost heap, so that the heap could be gradually flattened out by other helping hands in the future.

Armed with all of the usual suspects, including some borrowed, well-oiled shears from a neighbour and a good amount of garden sacks, they set to work unveil the compost heap.

And so began the Battle of the Bramble; covered in very scoffable blackberries, the compost heap took a fair bit of shearing, lopping, and the occasional scraping with those wonderful plastic bear claws that are designed to help the serious gardener with gathering and lifting all the prickly stuff.

Dave and Gary made quick progress in reaching the hedge, and gave it a thorough trim to keep the brambles at bay. Meanwhile, Fi began “processing” the cut pieces - this state-of-the-art technique involves attacking the vegetation with loppers, and then jumping about on the heap to break it down.

Mrs J was an incredibly thoughtful host and regularly checked on the trio to ask if they would like any refreshments. When lollies were mentioned, GoodGymmers could not say “no” and were promptly provided with a selection of ice creams and lolly (it turned out there was only the one lolly, which Dave graciously insisted Fi take - thanks Dave!).

After a pause to enjoy their ice creams/lolly in the shade, they returned to the task. While Gary and Dave lopped and sheared their way around the back of the shed, Fi continued to “process” the cuttings and had soon filled three bags.

The attentive Mrs J offered some more refreshments, and the trio opted this time for a lovely pint o’water -mana from heaven- each, which went down a treat.

Soon, all that was left to do was “fully process” the remaining chopped brambles/miscellaneous vegetation and get it into bags. Cue a bit more jumping (stomping) on the pile by Fi and then Gary, and some very optimistic jamming of brambles into a bag by Dave.

With the brambles bagged, and after a lovely chat with Mrs J, the three bid farewell to their wonderful host and headed home.