Three GoodGymers grabbed their gloves, litterpickers, and refuse sacks to take part in the Great British Spring Clean 2026. Stefanie, Sam, and Ben ran the short way towards Hulme to tackle any litter and discarded waste.

The empty and unused warehouse was our first port of call, with a quick clear up on the perimeter, with council notices evident on the gates. More bottles, cans, laughing gas cannisters, coffee cups, takeaway waste, and a Coronation St DVD lay around the corner, with a few bottles (broken or otherwise) too. After crossing the bridge, we struck upon the aftermath of a small party, with Budweiser can strewn across the grass with the odd Stella can thrown in too. There was also a toy globe that was broken and split (possibly a subtle metaphor...) and another more grown-up toy hiding in the bushes too.

Overall, we collected 7 refuse sacks plus 3 cannisters. All reported to Keep MCR Tidy for collection soon.

Mrs B is a fiercely independent lady and despite numerous health setbacks, is resolute that she can get around on her own two feet. To help with that, I went along to put together a new 4-wheel (just number of wheels not 4-wheel drive...) mobility buggy.

With an old toolbox and sparse instructions, I set to work, ably refreshed with a fizzy vimto. First the wheels were attached, then the handles and brakes, then a seat and hidden bag to keep valuables, and finally a safety bar.

After tightening the screws and checking the handles for height, Mrs B seemed very pleased with it. I disposed of any packaging and cleared up as I went, leaving Mrs B to enjoy the rest of her Sunday.

NB. No photo of the finished product but of a park on the way home.

Welcome to Denisa for your first GoodGym outing!

Today we were in Peel Park Salford to help with some gardening and park maintenance alongside a few other local volunteers.

With litter at a minimum, we focused on weeding and clearing some dead plants from one of the beds before filling in bare sections with fresh mulch. Bit by bit, the grass and weeds were removed while someone waiting on a train spent their time trimming a lavender bush that was past its best.

A combination of wheelbarrows and dragging tonne bags to the site made sure the bed was looking much tidier and hopefully healthier for the plants that were still there.

Good session, with several Peel Park parkrun runners/volunteers in attendance, and a nice morning for it too. The next session is on 19th April.