We helped at Reading Repair Cafe, at the Bike Hub, which is looking great as a community space!

With only the expert sewers able to join today, we got stuck in with repairs too where we could. Some small electronics and a couple of hose pipes were able to be fixed today, including a hosepipe that didn't want to reel itself back in, as well as several items re-sewn. Some of the more tricky items to fix will probably make a return at September's Repair cafe, but at least we were able to help provide some fixes today!

We headed out along Kings Road for a litter-picking mission to help tidy up one of Reading's busy roads. We worked our way along the street collecting the usual mix of cans, wrappers and other bits that had been left behind.

Along the way we spotted the new fruit market at Jacksons Corner, but the real highlight was seeing the newly finished footbridge over the Kennet. We managed 4 bags of rubbish, between of three us, not bad for a cold Monday in March.

Four GoodGymers met, just as the rain started, to litter pick along Oxford Road. After running there earlier in the day, it was clear it could do with picking!

Jeni joined us for her first Monday task, and got stuck straight in! We wandered and collected all sorts of stuff; crisps packets, cans, chocolate bar wrappers, but we decided that the TV we found was just too big to bag!

Monday was 'world pizza day' - thankfully no pizza boxes were found, but it did give us dinner inspiration! With the rain feeling icy, and 6 bags of rubbish collected, we went back to our starting point, and off in search of a tasty supper!

We were back at South Reading Community Centre for some more painting in their quest to give the center a face lift! This week we were focusing on some of the rooms used by different groups off the corridor we'd painted a little while ago.

After moving furniture, armed with polyfiller, masking tape, sanding blocks and sugar soap, we got stuck in with prepping all the rooms to get them ready to paint. Julie joined for her first task, and although she'd never decorated before, we had a polyfilling pro on the team!

Working around the first room with our rollers and brushes, we managed to get it looking much nicer, then we decided to divide and conquer on two rooms at once! Chris, Shirley and Julie got stuck in on the big room, while Jenni helped Harry from the facilities team with the small room. However, with a group due to use the big room later that afternoon, the race was on to get as much done as possible, so with a dash to the finish line, we got as much done as we could, with some edging and one wall still left to do...

... but we'll be back again to finish off the last bits and get to the other rooms soon!

We had four GoodGymers volunteering at Prospect Parkrun. Although the course was muddy in places, the skies stayed blue and spirits high. We were spread across the route marshalling, supporting the finish line, and helping with the clear-up once the last runner had crossed the line. It was great to see so many people out enjoying the run despite the muddy conditions, including one goodgymer Meg who managed the double duty of running and volunteering. Another solid team effort and thanks to Prospect Parkrun for having us.