This was a very different task. Instead of gardening gloves and wheelbarrows, we were trained up to use a ticket scanner and give out wristbands. We were both put on the gate for Premium and Access tickets holders, plus also funneling all those on the guest list. For 3 hours we met all the happy customers (except for 1 rowing couple) and sent them through to the magic inside the arena. As the evening went on the punters grew 'merrier' and more confused! One highlight was when a gang of lads with an air of an aging boy band, came looking for the guest list. As there was a queue, I chatted away to them about the delights of York. Turns out they were The Script, taking a break from their tour to Scarborough Spa! (Ask your kids!) Finally at 8.30pm we were given our premium passes and let loose on the bar, just in time for Nile Rogers and Chic. They did the exact same set as at Glastonbury IE Funktastic!

Four goodgymers met on Friday afternoon to set up the book sale and celebrate Nikki's 400th good deed! This comes shortly after another significant event involving the number 4 and we found an appropriate book for others who might have reached the same worthy milestone. Happy birthday to everyone celebrating this month!

The curse of the Himalayan Balsam strikes the Ouse once more. Time for York's hardy GoodGymers to head into the dense vegetation, braving nettles, bugs & trees to help rid the riverbank of this invader. The constant chatter & friendly banter occasionally interrupted by squawks of, "Ooh I've been bitten / nettled" or by the discovery of eye-catching wildlife. Today's spots were tansy beetles, deer, Feargal & a fierce looking unidentified caterpillar. Amy outlined the 'bend & snap' approach & many piles of bashed balsam were produced particularly by Ed, Leanne and Paul as they carved out dens under the willows. Jenna appeared from the river having paddle boarded to the task - against the wind. Good effort everyone.

Tonight's group run saw our joint biggest turnout since we restarted after the pandemic, and whilst we absolutely love having sooo many amazing GGers turn up, it also happened to coincide with a night at our smallest task in terms of space! But before we worried about how we'd fit everyone on to a small traffic island for a spot of weeding, we welcomed Imran who was coming along to his first ever GG session tonight. Give him a big cheer 🥳

We also welcomed back Elle for her second session, having completed her first just a few days earlier. And Matt who is well-known to most through his appearances at GG weekends away, but was attending his first session in York. Great to have you both on board 👍

Tonight's task was at the Fishergate Triangle, an area of land that has been turned into a flourishing wild flower patch in-between a very busy junction in the heart of the city. Ed led the run out with Amy bringing up the rear, whilst Abigail led a walking group and Vicky leading a walk/run crew.

Upon arrival we were greeted by Maeve from St Nicks who gave us our instructions. Basically, pull up the thistles, dandelions and anything else that looks like a weed, and leave the nice stuff. If you're unsure then ask! The guys from the walking group and the walk/runners got stuck into the task whilst Rich led one group back to Tower Gardens for their fitness session with Nick.

Martin C and Issy both met us at the task, the latter having lost her voice so was obviously made to answer as many questions as possible, including that age-old debate: Cornflakes or Cheerios?? A lot of people made use of the soft bark chip floor to have a much needed sit down whilst pulling up the weeds around them, whilst Jenna got to work with some loppers and took chunks out of the buddleia that was growing by the pay phone (which, incidentally, is still working although it will cost you at least 60p to make a phone call, thanks to Max for checking)

Rich led the first group back from their fitness session and swapped over with the guys who had been making excellent progress at the task. Vicky led the second across to Nick for their turn to be put through their paces. The fitness sessions involved a game of squat, squat goose followed by some races with balls - an over and under race and some plank rolling

Then Jenna led a game of Grandmas Footsteps / Squid Game with folk hiding behind trees - unfortunately the group hid too well with those returning from the task thinking everyone had disappeared and already made their way back to base!!

It was all a bit hectic but somehow we managed to keep 33 GG Yorkies busy at a tiny traffic island. Well done to Nick for leading two fab fitness sessions and to Vicky and Rich for getting people to where they needed to be on time