on our first head torchless run of the year, we headed to Holgate Allotments.

We were met by Paul and tasked with breaking up an already flattened shed and carrying it to where it will be collected.

By using a range of techniques, including sawing and jumping, half the group completed the task, whilst the other half cut back brambles.

By the end the plot was in slightly better shape so hopefully it can now be let.

We then finished with a game of peg pinching with the prize of re usable cable ties. The enthusiasm for both the game and the ties varied but overall another good group run out.

Shout out to Jenna for the delicious baking back at base too!

Our last head torch group run for a while saw a bumper 26 GG Yorkies turn out for the choice of either soil inversion at Rowntree Park or prepping a flower bed at Southlands Church.

Knowing full well how difficult it can be organising a group of GGers (what is our collective noun?) at the end of a task, tonight started with a warm up which saw Ed introduce some of the exercises the gang would be doing later on as part of the fitness session. We then set off a steady group led by Nick to Southlands church, whilst Laura backmarked the bigger group which headed to Rowntree Park

After the brief run across we met Vicky at the task who had been left instructions by task owner Christine, who unfortunately couldn't be there tonight. Whilst Vicky is confident she got the details about the task correct, we're bot entirely sure that the tools were quite right as there surely must have been better options for shifting wood chip than a small bucket and two children's wheelbarrows! To her credit, Charlotte did make the most of the only full-size barrow, even if it was pretty broken

Whilst one group tackled the wood chipz the rest of the Rowntree Park crew cracked on with soil inversion at two designated areas. One proved significantly easier to get the spades in than the other so there were a few grumblings from Nikki when she was moved over to the tougher area, although her suffering didn't last long as she was handed a tiny wheelbarrow and joined in with the wood chip spreading

Over at Southlands Church....

The two groups came together at the end of the night for a fitness session (with some of the moves we'd rehearsed earlier). The workout featured 10 exercises, with 20 seconds rest between each one, and with each exercise being done for 30 seconds. Vicky was so disappointed that there was no can-can as one of the exercises that Ed caved-in and added a bonus exercise at the end. And this time we were determined to get it right. So after a quick tutorial from Leanne, everyone lined up, linked arms, and performed what felt like a perfect can-can. Although the video tells a much different story!

On what will definitely prove to be the last cold Monday group run of 2025, we headed out to Green Lane allotments. A new area, but digging over abandoned allotments so that they can be reused is old hat for us. Colin from the allotment association met us there and quickly pointed us in the right direction, and then bonded with Nick and Stef as three exiled Brummies.

A small group peeled off to clear a large pile of branches that were in the way of a hedge that needed cutting, while the rest of us got stuck into digging over the allotments. As usual, the soil was choked with weeds. Not unusual, lots of the allotment had been covered over with carpet in a failed attempt to kill off the weeds. Unusually, and unwelcome, the carpet was at least three layers thick in places (plus bonus parts of old fridge and plastic sheeting, because reasons). Not to be defeated, we applied the old faithful brute force and ignorance approach to ripping it out. Other top finds included Laura's mysterious void (possibly the remains of an air raid shelter give. all the brickwork Leanne unearthed) and a "fossilised dinosaur".

After 45 mins of heavy work, the general consensus was that the allotment was improved to the point that someone might want it, but would benefit from another GG visit.

The party pace group headed straight back to base while the rest headed for some cheeky prize hill reps at the windmill. The prize being a bonus rep for the first few four to the bottom of the hill. Then just a steady jog back, a quick stretch and home to warm up.

Tonight we welcomed back Leticia for only her second Good Deed as we joined forces to distribute the event leaflets for the upcoming York International Women's Week

Our trio of GG Yorkies went door to door around the pubs of the Minster area starting off at the Gillygate and finishing up at Kings Square. All but one establishment (poor form Pivni) were more than happy to take a few programmes. We even discovered some new venues we'd never heard of before but will definitely be back for a swift half or 2.

After about 45 mins we'd got rid of all of our programmes and made our way to the Minster to watch the fancy new light display

Amy is also very deserving of her Good Deed for providing the transport for 4 boxes worth of programmes. Taking 2 to the task and another 2 to the Barret's to be distributed at the Uni