A mixed bag today, starting our Xmas tasks on Bonfire night. Our usual set up slightly changed as we went for a run first then headed to the office for Autism Spectrum Connections Cymru, who had wonderfully allowed us to use their space for this task. The task, was helping Christmas for CAMHS with their paper-chain project.

Christmas for CAMHS said -

Our paper chains are a team effort - they will be started by members of the public (like you!), and then the young people will connect them together when they arrive in the CAMHS units. Each paper chain will have a cheesy cracker joke written on the inside (we need you to do that bit too!) to add an extra bit of fun during assembly.

Paper chains, as well as being an awesome decorations that are suitable for most CAMHS units, symbolise connectedness. For young people in CAMHS units it’s really important to feel connected to the outside world and to not feel forgotten. Making these special paper chains, which will be a team effort between the community and the young people on CAMHS wards, is a real opportunity to provide a tangible reminder of that we are all still connected despite everything.

We went on a simple out and back for 40 minutes, we had runners, joggers and walkers all ready to get out and active. It's a great way to invigorate yourself during the darker evenings, and when it's followed by a great crafty session - well there's nothing better! We ended our run outside the office that was helping us this week with a space, Michael had already dropped off a few things earlier ready for the craftiness. Autism Spectrum Connections Cymru is there to promote and protect the physical and mental health of persons who have autism spectrum conditions through the provision of assistance , support, education and practical advice and to advance the education of the general public in all areas relating to autism. The promotion of social inclusion among persons who have ASC. Thanks to Neda for arranging this for us after a brief conversation on last weeks task. you are a STAR.

3, 2, 1 - let's get crafty

The tasks at hand, * cutting the wrapping paper to the correct width using scissors * use the paper guillotine and trimmers these pieces into strips * write a joke on each strip, decorate with a drawing or two * have fun!

Everyone was in great spirits tonight, laughing and joking whilst catching up with one another. Our resident DJ Darren started the tunes - with an instant NO from Michael at that Christmas song - far too early. Instead, we agreed on firework / bonfire related tunes.

We were finished by 8pm, tidied up and went to continue the social, join us next week as we start our cards for care homes task - you can write the cards or get crafty and make some if you want too - all materials will be provided again.

10 goodgymers tonight hitting the street and taking on the call of help for another local community group. Forget me Not cafe is a wonderful group that meets, using the space of St Edwards Church in Roath. Their mission,

"We provide a friendly and welcoming environment, suitable for people with memory problems and their carers also people recovering from a stroke or people who feel isolated and vulnerable"

Over the years they have developed a raised growing section at the front, a wild meadow to the back and some (finally fruiting) fruit trees. It’s been an absolute pleasure to do good alongside this beautiful group who take time out to help and inspire. When we had the call to help with the grounds, there was no way to say no. 10 eager goodgymers made their way to help, we cut back to clear the street, we mowed to encourage new wild flowers and we attacked the bindweed...... The one weed to bind us all!

Great to welcome back Will...

CROESO

Tonights tasks..... Listed in no order of importance.

Mow the meadow Cut back encroaching plants on the public path Cut back all brambles Remove the forget me knots from the wood chip path Untangle the bindweed currently destroying plants

Six bags of green waste and we are done.

Buddleia cutting coming soon, in the rainy season.... We’ve seeded some clover and hope that we see something pop up next year, but you never know with q wild meadow.