This morning, eight Goodgymmers Emma, Sophie, Milly, James, Sue, Daryl, Keith and Lea, met at TOSH eager to get going. We spread out as several rooms needed painting. Keith was master filler again, looking for holes and making them disappear. Daryl attacked the kitchen backsplash with vigour, so that it shone after he had finished. James opted for the atrium as he spends a lot of time in there during his workshops. And as he said: “then I can look at the room and think: I painted that!”. You certainly did, James. Sue was filling holes as well as painting in the atrium. And Millie, Sophie and Emma, who amazingly managed to get there in spite of busses not turning up, concentrated on painting the meeting room. All this very much appreciated by Cora and Holly who supplied us with delicious Monkey Bread and Garlic and Chilli Jam knot bread…. And with a treat like that, we were left wondering: “when is our next task here?!?!”

Five Goodgymmers, Caprice, Daryl, KC, Keith and Lea, set out in glorious sunshine to drop some flyers in Talbot Village. Caprice took the “flyer drop” rather too literally: not once, twice, no three times did she drop the flyers. Mind you, they were very, as in VERY, slippery! Lea was worried about her DNA being left at potential crime scenes after she cut her hand open on a particularly nasty letterbox. Actually it’s surprising how many awful letterboxes there are! You cannot but feel sympathy for postmen… Many steps were taken, many flyers dropped and some well-earned sustenance at the end of the drop!

Ten Goodgymmers, Sophie, Emma, Millie, James, Caprice, Daryl, Oscar, Martin, Keith and Lea turned up tonight at St Augustin’s church. Ruth there had a “tall” task for us: cleaning the walls at the front of the church and hoovering curtains. Armed with buckets, cloths, towels and hoovers we put in plenty of elbow grease. A tall task?!?! Well… up to a certain height only though! Built in 1891 and a grade II listed building: the walls are higher than high and no ladders allowed. In spite of that: Lea and Keith were on bucket duty, James and James (see photo) had a blast together hoovering! Martin from Goodgym Luton blended in perfectly with the Bournemouth lot. Newcomer Oscar tucked in right away and Sophie, Emma and Millie will hopefully not have sore arms tomorrow, happily scrubbing away there. And, of course, our happy leaders Caprice and Daryl were there getting their ‘goodness-knows-how-maniest’ tasks complete! And well done Martin for spotting the mouse in the pews… At the end of our mission the (lower part of the) walls shone brightly! Thanks everyone for all your hard work.

Two Goodgymmers joined forces with three Bournemouth Ploggers to look for litter around Alum Chine. Beachcombing had us pick up loads and loads of tiny nurdles, all washed up by recent high winds. On West Overcliff Drive a double mattress was found (and now duly reported to the council). Not too many interesting finds, just a little spade, which will find its way in my grandbaby’s beach toy box and a colourful bag to put your swim stuff in, now soaking in suds before it will go in the washing machine. And the “devil” then… well, walking around with a second litterpicker in my backpack, somebody commented on the devilish shadow! Some photos added to show WHY we do it… Anyway, another Goodgym mission ✅.

A big congratulations to Sarah as today's session marked her 100th good deed with GoodGym!! She loves getting her hands dirty and this was the perfect task to celebrate that achievement. She even got a cheeky Vegan Doughnut for her efforts! Go Sarah. We can't wait to see you in your new 100 Tshirt! This Saturday's mission was to help Martha at The Talbot Village Trust. The woodland on the estate had become very overgrown and we were were given the task of of clearing away the overgrowth. Using the loppers and the saws provided the group got to work cutting back the brambles and the overgrown Laurel. It was an incredibly satisfying task clearing space for the beautiful oak trees,allowing them room to flourish. After a good hour of hard work, Martha treated the team to a hot cuppa and sweet treats, she is so good to her volunteers!! After refreshments we got straight back to it, what a great team effort, in just three hours we smashed it! Thanks to Lea and Eleanor for some action shots and a big shout out to everyone else who sacrificed their lazy Saturday morning. You really are the best of the best!! Hopefully it won't be last time that we help The Talbot Village Trust. It's been a pleasure to meet Martha and we wish her all the best with her work at The Trust. Next session is this Monday at Hope Housing, so hopefully see you there!