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 :-)

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.

It's Tuesday, it's Group Run night and it didn't rain! Woohoo! In other great news, we had Christin, Regina, Maddie and Jess join us for the first time tonight - welcome!

Once we got warmed up, we split the group into our two tasks for the night, Northern Slopes and The Southville Centre.

Alison took a hardy group of 15 to Northern Slopes where they were continuing their task which was started (in the middle of Storm Dennis) on Saturday. Although it wasn't quite Storm Dennis, it was still pretty windy and cold up there, but the hardcore group got to work shifting brambles and clearing a pathway for when their trees are planted, so they can protect the birds nesting in the area. The tea and biscuits which were provided after this cold hard work were very welcome, then the group made their way back to warm up further back at Workout.

Like watching paint dry

Meanwhile, it was GoodGym DIY SOS at The Southville Centre tonight, where Hugh had set us up with five chest of drawers to sand, varnish and repaint and a hallway to give a fresh lick of paint to. Amid in the pedestrians going to Taekwondo and French classes, the group got them done in no time, and as we switched the fitness to task groups at the half-way point, there was even time to get a second coat in.

The group got some impressive hill sprints squats, press ups and planks in during their fitness slots too. After that, it was time to head back and revel in our new up-cycling skills. Brilliant work everyone!