We delivered another 2 missions at Raynes Park Station today, assisting the Friends of Raynes Park Station. While a contingent of our finest were 'inducted' into the mysteries of station training, our seasoned veterans got straight to work: shoveling compost and embarking on a bucket relay up to Platform 3's planters.

We were rooting for extra hands post training, and wouldn't you know it, our timing was impeccable. Just as the trainees completed their session, the compost bag was emptied and the final bucket delivered to the awaiting planters.

Thanks to everyone who made it along - we really did prove that many hands make light work and have helped ensure the planters will be completed very soon.

Four GoodGymers rolled (on bikes) into Squirrels community scrapstore's yard. Inspired by Rufu's bold promise to Barbara that the place would be unrecognisable by the time they were done, the team embraced the challenge.

Despite the warm weather seemingly "cementing" the weeds stubbornly into the concrete, we diligently scraped, pulled, and swept the area, making short work of the tenacious growth and even banishing the lingering dead moss. The impressive collective effort resulted in a satisfying haul of 3 crates of weeds, a bag of rubbish, and a clear yard. But this is just the start as there are a couple more spots to tackle on a return visit.

GoodGym Merton hit the ground running (and cycling!) tonight for a fantastic session at Wimbledon Guild. A small group run, a couple of enthusiastic cyclists, and a determined solo runner made their way to the task to clear the area.

Armed with gloves and garden tools, what followed was an impressive flurry of weeding, and chopping back bushes that left almost three sides of the building transformed. Eight bags of green waste and a mighty pile of branches - not too shabby for a mid-week session.

The hard work didn’t go unrewarded. A sweet surprise in the form of cake gave everyone a well-earned boost before heading off. Thanks Jon for having us, we will be back in a few weeks.

A warm welcome to Jo - great job on smashing your very first GoodGym Merton task! Also to Jon for signing up as a member and a big cheer for Audrey, who’s now added the home team badge to her group sessions milestone. Lovely to have you all with us!

Next week is a big one with two group sessions and our 6-month anniversary social - plenty of chances to get your GoodGym fix. Whether you're a regular or visiting from afar, we'd love to see you at one, some, or all of the sessions so do come join the fun!

Monday: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/wwf-x-goodgym-merton-help-with-various-outdoor-jobs-at-the-squirrels-community-scrap-scheme-hut

Wednesday, training task: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/induction-session-ahead-of-supporting-friends-of-raynes-park-station-with-jobs-at-the-station-ccdf0c6d-e37c-4f5d-97e9-3def6b3cb096 followed by task: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/help-friends-of-raynes-park-station-with-moving-compost social: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/celebrating-six-months-of-goodgym-merton

The GoodGym services of Jade, Caroline, Mike, Rachael and Rufu arrived promptly at Raynes Park Station for their induction journey.

First stop: orientation around the embankment. Next stop: a very warm welcome by the station master including a guided tour of the site, where important protocols were delivered with first-class clarity. Safety briefing highlights included a firm reminder: do not cross the yellow line and tracks are strictly off-limits!

With minds focused and spirits on track, we mapped out our future route for moving compost/soil which will hopefully go some way towards choo-choosing the best plan of action for our upcoming return visit.