To quote Ruth, we achieved ‘allot’ in an hour helping tidy Newbridge Primary School’s allotment. It needed a whole allota love indeed; the small beds, compost bins and surrounding area had been left for the bindweed to cover and choke everything in its wake. Surprisingly some hardy rhubarb and strawberry plants had continued to grow, fighting for space amidst it all.
Ruth, Tanya, Cosmo and Kate set to the task at hand with lots of energy, focusing initially on one bed, removing all the weeds and bindweed that got in their way. Once this was achieved and it was time to add some fresh new plants! Chives, Rosemary and Basil were added to the edges and no doubt the children will be greeted with the lovely fragrance as they walk by. Flowers were also added for a bit of colour. It was an hour well spent, and we’ve had a thank you from the headmaster for our contribution (true story). Good work all, and hopefully will be invited back to help finish the job.

Once again it was a privilege to marshal at the weekly junior parkrun that takes place at Odd Down cycle circuit in Bath.

Dozens of children aged between 4 and 14 made their way round the 2k course often accompanied by their parents to make it a whole family affair.

They went round with determination etched on their faces and you knew the pride they would feel at the finish.

Our task was to cheer them on and it was great to see the young runners put on an extra spurt as we encouraged them. This time, instead of a giant foam hand giving out high fives, I was in charge of a cow bell. I hope the neighbours didn’t object at the noise.

It’s good to be part of something that is of such benefit to children’s welfare. The junior parkrun Health and Wellbeing survey in 2024 found that three in four children feel happier after taking part in a junior parkrun. It’s not just about happiness – 65% of children said they feel proud of themselves and 57% feel more confident.

GoodGymer Tanya should also be feeling proud after making her way up the hill to the task and running back down afterwards.

I need to work on my diary management. It appeared that I chose the wrong weekend to schedule a cycle ride around Bath's infamous Two Tunnels Circuit.

It would appear that everyone was away.

Undeterred, Meyrick struck out alone. It was a lovely day after all, and it was either that or a ten mile run.

This is a great cycle route, especially is the weather is as sound as this. Starting at the riverside, northside opposite Lidl, and passing the end of Pulteney Street before heading along the canal to The George. From there it's just a east route along to Midford and then through the two tunnels back into town.

Loving these warm May evenings. Always great to combine that with the riverside location of St John's Court. This is a retirement home, with some care provided to guests as well. What they need us for is help, for a wide range of things that they struggle to sort themselves.

Since it was a nice evening, they had us gardening. Three GoodGymmers, Mary, Stephen and Meyrick arrived to support.

Much of it was weeding - the patio needed the weeds clearing between the mosaic of stones, a job for which they provided a rather handy tool (battery powered of course, GoodGym won't ever ask you to use electrically powered devices). Mary made quick work of this, and then moved onto more traditional weeding, with hands and gloves.

Stephen assisted Mary, whilst Meyrick was pruning the bushes of any rogue saplings spawned from the local trees that had become invasive.

When cab drivers want to start work in London they have to prove they have “the knowledge” - an intimate understanding of the city’s streets and locations.

I suspect something similar operates among the posties of Bath. Key information about roads and the secret numbering of houses that can only be passed on to other postmen and women, leaving the rest of us bemused.

On Tuesday I navigated the intricacies of Newton Road and Redland Park and found myself up all sorts of alleys and along trails of disappearing house numbers. It was Bath GoodGym’s mission to deliver flower show leaflets to the area on behalf of the Twerton and Whiteway Community Network.

A hundred of them found their target doormats and will, I hope, inspire the householders to go along to the event on Saturday 14 June, reviving an old tradition and bringing the community together.

We were back at Sydney Gardens again this week, after a mere seven days had elapsed since our last visit. We are very popular and in demand though, and they also have the Mayor visiting next Sunday.

Today was all about the impending arrival of said dignitaries and how we could help contribute to a safe and pleasant day for all involved. Dedicated GoodGymmers Cosmo, Tanya and Meyrick were in attendance and we were set to work by our supervisor (Gill from the Friends of Sydney Gardens) to finish tidying up the area around the Supper Room, where we had previously worked.

Mostly brambles and nettles, there was enough to keep us occupied for the hour of our stay.