On a miserable cold and wet Friday evening, 9 GoodGymers were out raking it in for the good of Heworth Community centre. A squad armed with rakes and tarpaulin cleared a freshly cut grass area and provided much needed mulch for the growing woodland, while another break away group did their best to lay a woodchip path while a storm raged around them

The social option after task was taken by a few happy to brave the short journey to the pub and found a warm and bustling atmosphere along with a pint and some hearty pub grub.

A greatful Community Centre left behind and some good pub banter complete, they all headed off for some warm and dry clothing to watch the storm rage by.

As hard as it tried, the weather couldn't dampen GG York's spirits and we still had over 20 amazing volunteers brave the conditions for the choice of two tasks. Either delivering leaflets for the excellent York International Women's Week, or heading to Park Grove for what was originally going to be painting but promptly changed once it was clear that the rain was hete to stay for the evening 🌧️

Tonight was a landmark occasion for GG York with the winner of the GG Yorkie of the month and the cape of Good Deeds both going to the same person in the same night! So give a huge well done to Lucy who not only was completing her 400th Good Deed but also had her picture taken in the frame for being pretty excellent throughout October. We also gave a round of applause to Laura who was completing her 50th good deed tonight (although she signed up after Ed had set off so unfortunately no cape until next Monday). Give them both loads of cheers 🥳

Before we set off Ed and Nicola did the admin of marking out the distribution zones for the leafletting task, with 5 crudely drawn areas highlighted on maps of the City. We then set Leanne and her team off to Park Grove, whilst the rest of the crew were divided into 5 groups of 3 and set off armed with 200 leaflets each to hand out to all the wonderful places across the city that they thought would be receptive

Pete, Ellie and Claire won the prize for being the first group back having got rid of all their leaflets. The rest of the groups slowly trickled back and stuck around for some of Lucy's tasty cake! 🍰

Meanwhile at Park Grove....

The infamous five GG Yorkies ran over to Park Grove n the rain where they met Vicky who had some surprise sheltered tasks including repainting a pink fence panel and painting the interior of a shed in colours of their choice.

For those who wanted to avoid paint splashes, there was also an optional leaf clearing task. Lucy, Leanne and Paul got stuck into the shed, painting panels (and a few spiders) with bright shades of blue, red, yellow and purple. Lets just say we wouldn't be surprised if caretaker Gary opened the shed door tomorrow to find the fresh paintwork covered in red spider footprints... Even brightly coloured spiders couldn't persuade Vicky to come near them, so she stayed outside, but under the shelter repainting a pink fence panel with Jen. Kit was the most waterproofed of everyone, so he set about clearing leaves into big sacks to be dragged into the forest garden.
The group overruled Leanne's plan to lead a fitness session in favour of putting some finishing touches on the shed and washing paint from their skin. The rain came pouring just in time for the run back to meet the other teams. Lucy sprinted off into the distance, leaving the rest of us in the breeze of her flapping 400 good deed cape, claiming that she was a bit cold. Thankfully it wasn't long before she slowed down to let the rest of the team catch up.

What a night! Well done everyone for getting out in the rain

We set up the swap stations, sorted the clothes and chatted to folk who dropped by. There was a steady stream of swappers who were delighted to know they could take as much as they like and all for free! Leanne braved the fresh air after her illness and took a fox hoody home. Jenna found more costumes for her play and James and Vicky practiced their folding techniques. Vicky helped pack it all away again too. It looks like this will be a permanent feature in South Bank. Great news for Swapaholics!

Laura was tippy tappy timekeeping

Barbara was name and number checky

James was fast fingered finish token hander outerer

Sam was clicky snappy barcode scanning

Vicky, David & Neil were pudding promoting on fire with the fliers

Santa suits were worn

parkrunners were supported

Chase the Pud Santa race was promoted

a fun morning!