Super interesting task for this Monday! Our presence was requested with urgency for the Bombed Out Church re-turfing of their grass area as they had a wedding in just a couple of days!

And when someone asks for help, how can we say no? So off we go to the task on a day that was threatening to rain and make the job much harder. Luckily the rain stopped right as we all gathered around the entrance for introductions and debriefing.

It was definitely a task and a half, but we were up to measure even after some of us run a half marathon the day before! We weren't going to let some dirt keep us from completing our mission.

Like a SWAT team, we deployed our divide and conquer tactic. A few of us were in charge of clearing up big clumps and get the plot even and clear for the turf.

The rest of us had the tough job of carrying dozens of turf to key locations to ease the job of rolling them out later. Initially a trolley was used, but the tactics soon changed to a human chain , which was wonderful to see pros do what they do best. Strength is doubled when helping your neighbours and specially needed this time, but the time flew by and although it was impossible to get it all ready, we definitely a big portion of it and we're glad evening was back on track.

A special thing about this task was that it made me think that, you're not just volunteering and doing some work. You're having an impact on other people lives even if not directly. You're creating space for little miracles to happen so why not create as many chances as you can.

So anyway, here's today malapropism: many hands makes the world go round

PS. Should goodgym have a bat signal?

Walked over to Mrs B on a hot heatwave evening! Mrs B’s garden was lovely with amazing white flowers (Peonies, technical term determined by internet) and the grass had already been cut. So we decided to trim a bush type tree (technical gardening term) to stop it over growing but we couldn’t remove the tree twigs as the green bin was too full, a job for next time!

Then I did more chatting than work as Mrs B was telling me about how her garden used to be, how much she loves being out there but how her health does not allow it so much, also Mrs B's life with her late husband and her up and coming checkups in August.

Enjoyed the cooler dawdles home writing this report contemplating less tropical weather in August along with good news for Mrs B.

Smithdown in Bloom is a community group which looks after the popular Smithdown Road and surrounding streets, by adding planters, bringing some colour and greenery to the area, and other maintenance aspects like litter picking.

We received a last minute invite to join them for their planting event on Bank holiday Monday. We ummed and aahhhd over setting up the community mission, as it was a) only 3 days notice, b) bank holiday weekend, and c) set to be a scorcher. There was a little interest so we listed the task, and I prepped the task owner that we wouldn't be expecting a large turnout, but I'd be there and it would be nice to meet them with a view to arranging a session for our weekly group run some time.

Much to our surprise, a fabulous 9 Goodgymmers braved the heat and turned out to support the group. Smithdown in Bloom are developing as a group with founder Ian sadly due to move away, so they're reviewing processes, structure and looking at putting things in place to maintain consistency. The group were well prepared with lots of plants to plant, tools, water bottles and watering cans. They kindly advised the water wasn't just for the plants, we were encouraged to drink some too! It was super hot and collectively we got round all the planters: weeding them, adding new colourful plants, and giving them a good water to take root. We were approached by a group of 6 young teenage boys who asked about what we were doing, and who then kindly got involved and helped plant some plants, even refilling the watering can for us from the local shop. It was lovely to see such young people in the area getting involved.

After just over an hour we wrapped up the session and headed for a well needed iced drink (iced matcha latte with coconut milk for me 👌), cooling off before our regular Monday evening task later that same day. It was great to meet the Smithdown in Bloom team and we look forward to helping them again - we've already been invited back.

Well done everyone who attended for a great turn out on this gloriously sunny bank holiday weekend, we really demonstrated what Goodgym is all about ☀️

Another fine Monday evening, and we were back again at the Mulgrave street community garden. The garden has been growing away over the winter, and we were back on the scene to clear out all the weeds which had built up, and make space for the flowers to flourish properly. With no time to lose we got down to business and made swift progress, tallying up four hefty bags of weeds by the end of the session.

It was a classic Goodgym Monday, if you'll forgive a little sentimentality from the writer, it was a much needed boost for me. I've been recovering for much of this year from a major operation and a lot of work stress, and this session was my first day back in the wider world after my surgery. The community of Goodgym and our wider collaborators has become such a pillar of support for me and so many others, and I couldn't imagine a more welcoming community for faces old and new.

This Saturday was a truly special and uplifting gathering as nine enthusiastic GoodGym members came together, bringing energy, positivity, and a shared spirit of community and wellbeing. The morning began with many of us taking part in the fantastic park run, where everyone showed determination, encouragement, and great team spirit. It was wonderful to see members reaching milestones, improving their running achievements, and supporting one another throughout the event.

The day became even more memorable as we celebrated Jo’s fabulous birthday. In true GoodGym style, Jo spent part of her special day volunteering by helping with token scanning for the parkrun, showing once again the kindness and dedication that make our community so special. And of course, the theme of the day had to be:

“Go, Jo, for Six-Zero!”

Turning 60 was celebrated with smiles, laughter, and appreciation for Jo’s amazing energy and contribution. After the run, the team gathered for a lovely breakfast at Coffee Lodge, where everyone enjoyed great food, meaningful conversations, and time together. The atmosphere was warm, cheerful, and filled with friendship. Good luck to Steph, who wisely skipped the run in preparation of her first half marathon on Sunday, and joined us for breakfast. Good luck Steph, you'll smash it!

A special highlight of the morning was receiving the charming golden star stickers, thoughtfully given by the kind-hearted Steph. These small tokens brought big smiles and perfectly reflected the supportive spirit within the group.

The gathering ended on a high note after breakfast, with plenty of chatting, socialising, and celebrating our shared achievements. The day beautifully represented what GoodGym is all about: physical activity, volunteering, friendship, and promoting both physical and mental wellbeing. It was a memorable Saturday filled with movement, celebration, kindness, and community spirit.

Happy Birthday, Jo, and here’s to “Go, Jo, for Six-Zero (60)!”

Tsitsi and I managed to get our steps in from our respective start points to get to the task of trimming the tree for Mrs B. Both of us grateful to take a short break from the working week and enjoy, as Tsitsi called it, a "bright and breezy, perfect day for a mission".

We were very warmly welcomed. Our task was to tidy up some of the overhanging branches to support less leaves on the ground and better light. After some guidance, we assessed the tree and considered the best plan.

Tsitsi took the lead on trimming and I tidied (even more steps got in today with little trips to and from the green bin). Tsitsi did a fantastic job of giving the tree a little makeover and Mrs B was very pleased with the result.