Another task switch for the ever-flexible GoodGym Bristol team as the task beneficiaries couldn't make it - plogging to the rescue with different routes for runners and walkers.

The runners agreed (well, were persuaded under duress) to pop into Old Market Assembly if they were passing to checking they DO have a booking for the panto theatre-goers after far too much "Oh no, they haven't", "Oh yes, they have" email exchanges and unanswered phone calls and messages. Phew.

Ousmane joined us for the very forst time having already conpleted his TaskForce training AND had volunteered as photographer - thank you and welcome! And Becky was back, having not waited 5 years again this time.

Everyone chipped in with Caroline backmarking, Vaguely Northern Darren run leading, Jason choosing the runners' target zone, Richardpromoting GG to everyone with his merch-wearing and Kingsley keepy-uppy conversations about footballing. Or something. Ed and Melanie were even helped by a petrol tanker driver who brought litter to us so we didn't get too close to his tanker delivery. Excellent team effort, everyone.

Looking forward to the rest of our December sessions :-)

A little leaf clearing and weeding next to the sheep’s paddock. The sheep were watching on to make sure we did a good job and decided that Jades bag looks rather tasty and tried to eat the straps. Guilty party spotted and bag moved to a safer place.

This was my first mission. It was a pleasure to meet Mr P and his partner. Mr P made my day by telling me that I was late 20s!

I only made a small amount of progress in an hour. A return trip required...

Some bramble fun in the sun. Great to make a start helping Mrs L clear a sea of brambles in her garden but plenty still to do 😊

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas?

Step one in the instruction manual of putting up a giant Christmas tree. Take one barrel and liberally sprinkle with rocks. Put tree in barrel and move upright. Add more rocks to taste or when the tree no longer wobbles.

Step two and three involve some light work. Choose clockwise or anti clockwise and wind lights around the tree, and again, and again, and… when there are no more lights turn them on, step back and go “awww”.

Step four, add Christmas decorations like chocolate chips in a hot cross bun. Now take pictures of the great work.

The final step isn’t really to do with the tree but time to enjoy some lovely no alcohol mulled wine and a Christmas biscuit.

Great to see Megan and Rahil for their first goodgym session today and well done everyone :)

Until next time…

What chance to do weeds have when GoodGym Bristol is on a mission (well, a Group Run/Walk, but you get the idea)? No chance, nada. If only we were sure of what was a weed and what wanted to stay...

We were faced with two big shrubs that may or may not have stabby thorns, a lawn of weeds that was apparently gravel underneath, some flower beds behind actual beds and paving that was half weeds.

And GO!

Charles had brought us a big, empty wheelie bin that didn't stay that way for long (empty that is, we left it on its wheels) as the shrubs took shape, leaving as many berries for the birds to munch over winter. We could even see the beautiful sign that had been hidden when we arrived.

Kingsley successfully got right to the top so there were no punk haircuts going on in St Paul's. Becky came back for loads of fun for the first time in 5 years - hope its not so long before we see you again! Freya had a break from hockey, Marianne squeezed in a good deed before going to play Florence Nightingale and a Good Samaritan on his way passed gave us some cookies to go with our post-deed drinks. Oh, and the strange looks from the ambulance and police car, but no fire engine so we didn't get Emergency Services Weird Look Bingo.

With sweeping and litter picking underway, wed soon filled not just one but two great big green wheelie bins, returned the tools and had an end-of-task photo (with Freya still wanting to finish more). Moving an abandoned "Road Closed" back by the main road, away we ran and walked for more chat with Kingsley sharing his new stress-busying tips. With GoodGym being top of the list, of course.