We put the 'fit' in graffiti cleaning (aka Diya's 100th good deed!)

Our first ever graffiti cleaning session! Thanks to RBWM for giving us two very smart graffiti cleaning kits to use on this task. Also thanks to Diya for giving us a great big reason to celebrate after the task. More on that in a bit...

Let us spray...

The combination of special spray, wipes and elbow grease worked wonders to clean up signs, walls, green electrical boxes, bins and lamp posts. We focused on the area from College Road, over the pedestrian railway bridge, down the Crescent, into one corner of Kidwells Park, and part of the underpass that leads from there to West Street. We don't think we accidentally erased any Banksy's, just lots of tags and, um...submarines?

We were a nice big group, so we litter picked too, filling up three big bags. As ever we had lots of fun on the task, chatting and laughing as we went.

We put the 'fit' in graffiti cleaning

As it was a hot evening there wasn't much appetite for running, but we still got our fitness fix with some squats, press-ups, and Rhi, Jordan and I threw in a few hill reps too. After the task as a special treat we had access to some of my Pilates kit and did a mini foam roller session, challenging balance and core mobility. There may also have been some play fighting with the foam rollers...

Diya think she could be any more awesome?

Then came the moment we had all been waiting for! Our celebration of Diya's 100th good deed. Thanks to Georgeta for making a show-stopping Victoria Sponge, and to Anita for making some scrummy sesame biscuits for the occasion. Here is my poem to celebrate Diya and her fantastic achievement:

A round of applause for Diya,

And someone get her a beer!

A big day in her GoodGym career…

Her 100th good deed is here!

I first met Diya at the weir…

Using fancy raking gear.

She had moved from Newham to Berkshire,

And it was great to see her.

She’s given the weeds a clear,

And she’s painted far and near,

In every month of the year,

With GoodGyming she’ll persevere.

On social visits she’s a listening ear,

And her smile is always sincere.

Diya means light, and like a chandelier,

She brightens every sphere.

Diya’s also a keen sight-seer,

Loves to explore a new frontier,

For a photo op she’ll magically appear,

And her selfie-skills are top-tier.

At parkrun she’d say she brings up the rear,

But that’s just her modest veneer.

I want to write about football and cycling here,

But alas I’m not Shakespeare.

So let’s here it once more for Diya,

A truly exceptional volunteer.

Let’s give her a huge cheer,

And make this cake disappear!