Tim, Nigel, Tom, Peter and Rachel headed to Queens Walk Recreation Ground in the Meadows for our task this week. This was a new location for us, just down the road from the Meadows Foodbank where we have spent many-a-Wednesday evening.

Keen beans Peter and Tom had met a little earlier to do a 5k run before this task, while the rest of us walked and trammed our way to the meeting point.

We met Emily from the Clean Champions on arrival who gave us our litter pickers and hi-viz, and after donning our head torches we set off around the park to see what we could find. Emily joined us too, so between us all we managed to fill 6 bags.

Thankfully the weather was a little bit kinder to us on this task and we didn't get too cold or wet. But we all agreed that the clock change and warmer days cannot come soon enough so that we can enjoy some lighter tasks and get back into some mid-week gardening!

Well done to Tim and first-timer, Laura Jayne, who completed this task with Guidance and Growth.

Laura-Jayne said: "I really enjoyed it, I’m glad I went. I got stuck in straight away raking. I probably could have stayed longer in the green space if given the option".

What better way to counter the Blue Monday sads than with a bumper two-hour task? And what better way to welcome our two new GoodGymers Steffy and Stephen?

After a quick introduction from our hosts, the regular Shifting Your Mindset volunteers, we split up to cover as many bases as possible and help the team serve the community a nice hot meal.

Hairnets and aprons donned, Rachel, Steffy, Stephen and Sehrish were in the kitchen helping to plate (or rather carton) up meaty or vegan shepherd's pies with veggies and gravy, with Tom and Nigel taking orders, topping up the squash supplies and serving dishes. Meanwhile, Tim and Leah got to hand out the desserts - a selection of muffins, donuts, biscuits and other snacks.

As things started to slow down after the initial rush, a few of the team headed out to the streets nearby to see if they could find anyone else in need of some dinner, while Leah and Nigel sampled a bit of the vegan shepherd's pie (verdict: delish!).

We were warned that things would get a bit bonkers after 8:30, and so they proved to be! It was all hands on deck to serve up the remaining portions to anyone who wanted seconds, then we were on to cleaning and putting away the massive baking dishes and pots, wiping down the surfaces and oven, and clearing away the tables and chairs.

The team would love to have us back again, and we'd love to go! We'll organise some sessions in the future, but in the meantime if you'd like to head along any Monday or Friday night, you'd be more than welcome. Just say you're with GoodGym, we're part of the family now!