We had a lovely sociable afternoon gathering sprigs of bay, ivy, holly, rosemary, spruce, cedar and more leafy evergreen bits, ready for the Age Concern wreath making fundraiser at the Spencer Denney Centre tomorrow evening.

A very warm welcome to Rupi, who joined us for the first time. Great to meet you!

Thanks to Age Concern task owner Rachel for inviting us to be involved and to foliage expert Ranger Tom for helping us find the best sprigs.

Same time next year? 

7 Goodgymmers met at the Mencap Society hub in Highview House.

Colin, our task owner, and hardworking volunteer at Mencap showed us the front garden which needed tidying up. There were trees to trim, shrubs to shear, weeds to wrangle and leaves to sweep, plenty to keep us busy!

Tony set to work tackling the bigger trees and brambles, while Ben took charge of sweeping the leaves from the paths. Viv took aim at the front of the garden cutting back the overhanging plants. Didem, Anna and Anne-Laure and Jess set to work on the weeds, all not entirely sure what should be pulled out!

In just 30 minutes the team had made a huge difference to the area and the change was clear to see. The rest of the time was then spent tidying up the clippings and getting more of the pesky weeds out! Two full green bins later the team had done a superb job.

Colin invited us in for tea and cake and to see the members who were their for their Wednesday night club. It is such a lifeline to many people in the community and it was great to be able to help them.

At Braywick Plant Nursery, Anna and Sheila were tasked with looking after the perennials that had been brought inside for the winter. We have them all a top dressing of plant food which should give them a boost, then cut back any spent foliage. They looked much better by the end

Pun Gent!!

That was the order of the day as 5 Goodgymmers met Dave and Catherine from Friends of Oaken Grove Park to help clear more sludge from the pond.

With everyone having been before we got stuck straight in using spades and wheelbarrows to scoop the sludge from the pond.

The sludge was then moved to the edge of the park, avoiding getting it on the bike track.

The majority of Park users were pleased to see the pond getting some attention, although others found it a bit stinky!!!

With the water level in the pond clearly reduced we were pleased with our efforts but relived to head home to clean up!