What a way to make a living…

‘Remember remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot’.

It’s the annual anti-establishment celebration that lights up the sky and at the Carribean centre in Liverpool, Goodgymers went to lend a hand. In the briefing room there were pictures of other anti-establishment heroes like Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali. Maleka briefed us all and designated us spots on the site with various different tasks, queue control, contraband checks, sparkler selling, donation collecting and general high-vis wearing, torch shining approachability. We were so approachable that one punter randomly left his two children with Bekah as he went back to his car to get some cash. A bit put on the spot in a less than desirable situation Bekah improvised with a game of statues… misheard by the kids as a game of musical statues so Bekah had to sing a tune and judge their statue-ness at intervals until their guardian returned.

Leo also excelled in his role. A shout went out on the group Whatsapp that someone had sneaked in some fireworks and was refusing to relinquish them; Leo stepped in and through some diplomacy managed to relieve the punters of their shop bought bangers. Meanwhile Miriam was on car watch and queue management, keeping the pedestrians safe by turning away cars attempting to breach the barrier, and keeping a clear thoroughfare. This week was Gasper's last in Liverpool, and we were privileged he spent two of those nights on tasks with us! You're welcome back anytime Gasper, we hope to see you again.

The firework display was spectacular: a wall to wall twenty minutes of explosive chemistry that impressed everyone. We were told that the display had £3,500 worth of fireworks with some funding from the council but mostly subsidised by the Caribbean Community Centre. Despite the generous donations that we took, the centre says that the event is run at a loss but it is so worth it to see the community coming together for something joyful. The food was incredible. Everyone was in good spirits. Sian was the one who organised this session and we were grateful that she did as we all agreed we would go back again.

Gaspar, Leo and I attended a briefing at the Liverpool African Caribbean Centre to prepare for the fireworks night event that we will be helping out with tomorrow. The very capable Maleka, who is in charge of the event, talked us through what to expect on the night and the various volunteer roles as well as what to do in potential worst case scenarios - which can be quite bad when it's a fireworks event! - but also reassured us that in the six years that they have run the event there has never been an injury or an accident, so fingers crossed we'll extend that run to seven. We did a walk around the site in the pouring rain to make sure that we all understood where everything is and where we will be stationed on the night, with the rain doing little to dampen our enthusiasm.

It was a dark but thankfully clear Monday night that saw a good group of Good Gymmers meet at Mulgrave Street for our weekly task! We were excited to welcome Gaspar to his first task after meeting him last week in Everton Park! After a round of introductions, Khan arrived to set the brief. We set out weeding and litter picking the garden with a lot of the classic question "is this a weed?" being asked amongst the group. We all enjoyed chatting together as we tackled different parts of the garden. It was lovely to see some of the fabulous planting efforts of a recent Good Gym task.
Khan thanked the group with hot tea and Bueno treats which was much appreciated in the cold. Tea in hand, we all headed off into the night towards home. Another good gym task success!!