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.

Our second week returning to St. Paul's Community Hall, how much of the railings can we complete this time, and with a bigger group?

Our numbers had doubled, but we were limited to paint holders..... We could also feel the light slipping from our fingers into darkness matching the paint in our pots.

Michael continued with “encouragement”, whether asked for or not.....

We’ve Got This

Everyone had their own way, Su, Darren and Julian working like the limbs of an octopus. Neda, Natasha and Adam getting down to work, taking it seriously...

It’s nice to paint something different>

Jonathan and Dylan the lyricist got to great work, they were our two pros from the week before, making easy work of the painting. And finally..... Our later arrival, Dylan the dabber!

We managed a good amount of painting, we even painted part of the floor! There was talk of holidays, music from our very own goodgym band, and the upcoming half marathon.

Go goodgym Go

The countdown began, was extended, and then some more. Until, the paint had been used from all our pots.

we’re not leaving until you’ve finished you’re pots>

As we headed back to the start location we agreed our plans for the cheer points for Sunday’s half marathon.

See you all on Sunday, and then next week (session here)

On an unexpected sunny evening we made our way to help Stargarallot, soon the light will be leaving us much earlier so lets enjoy it whilst we can. 3 goodgymers tonight, working like a group of 30.

Our tasks were, clearing as many raised beds as possible in out allotted time. Covering the soil with some donated cardboard to suppress any new growth, and feed the worms. Challenge accepted.

We got to work, Michael taking a few photos before getting gloved up and hands on also. We made our way through 3 beds, 3 wheelbarrows of waste to become compost, plenty of cardboard and many many smiles and fun.

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.