Alex Murtough

GoodGym Camden

CamdenMission
Sevan
Kash

Please, Sir, can I have my garden back?

Sunday 23rd August

Written by Kash

Mr C of Camden had a small garden at the back of his ground-floor flat, but was no longer able to maintain it after losing mobility in his left arm. The garden slowly became what seasoned GoodGymers would call a jungle. It was abundant in brambles, ivy, bushes and lost footballs, but lacked sunlight and room to move.

The space was dominated by an overgrown buddleia surrounded by walls of ivy. Clusters of thick brambles filled the gaps between the branches. On the left-hand wall grew something that could have been a sort of vine - Dutchman's pipe, perhaps? It had thin, dark stems and long, flexible branches capable of climbing walls and other plants. When Kash attempted to pull it, several metres of vine fell from the sky, while another few metres still clung to the ivy growing over the wall, giving the impression of the beanstalk from Jack and the Beanstalk.

Sevan collected most of the footballs in a single place, wondering why no children had knocked on Mr C's door, saying:

"Please, Sir, can I have my ball back?"

In 90 minutes, a remarkable transformation took place. The buddleia shrunk, the brambles disappeared, and sunshine finally shone into the garden. The GoodGymers didn't know what would happen to the footballs, but Mr C certainly had at least some of his garden back.

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CamdenMission
Cherian Li

Unpacking Memories and Sharing Stories with Ms D

Saturday 22nd August

Written by Cherian Li

Today I worked alongside Ms D to unpack and organise some boxes. As we went through the items, some brought back fond memories for her of the good old days, which gave us a lovely opportunity to chat and reminisce together.

We also sorted through some pharmacy products and safely identified those that had expired. It was a productive session, and we enjoyed a good conversation while getting the work done.

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CamdenMission
Nick Moore

Door Man.

Friday 21st August

Written by Nick Moore

On my last visit, Mr T had greeted me at the entrance to the building as the main door wasn't working, so he wanted to be sure I could get in. In the intervening period the door has been fixed, but Mr T's telling of the story behind the repair would've filled three episodes of a tv drama - suffice to say the council workmen, when they finally did arrive, knew they had to do a good job...

Again, and fortunately, the visit to the various shops along Tottenham Court Road to pick up his supplies was a little less stressful, and perhaps a bit quicker too than the door repair, which of course gave us more time to pick apart the stories of the week (and more) once I'd returned with everything he'd requested.

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CamdenMission
StephDucat

The Vouch‑er Chronicles

Friday 21st August

Written by StephDucat

As I was working not far from Ms F flat, I signed up for her weekly shopping. After work, walked to her flat and Ms F was happy to see Goodgym as last week she did not have anyone so her stock of bottled water was low, very low - zero!!The list was double page today, and I was reminded not to forget to scan her loyalty card as had Vouchers and some free smooth peanut butter!!Wowcher!! Got all her items after figuring out where they have been moved as the store re opened recently after a refurbishment, which meant things moved around. When at the till, I realised that one items was supposed to have a £1.50 voucher, but after investigation with Ms F, she forgot to select/validate it : she can still use it next week hopefully. She did bag nearly £8 in vouchers - shopping was roughly £8 cheaper today.

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CamdenMission

A pawsative result.

Saturday 15th August

Written by Islington runner

The recent hot, dry weather had done for most of Mr S's lawn. But not, naturally, for the weeds that were taking centre stage. They had to go.....both for his peace of mind and so his upstairs neighbours could look out on something nicer.

He had all the tools I might need, so I got to work in the hot sun, digging up weeds, mowing what was left of the grass, and tidying up the patio. Only then did I find out that Mr S was an experienced gardener, and hoped that I had not put a foot wrong.

His French Bulldog Mindy had said hello, before being shut inside. Much as I would have welcomed her company in the garden, I suspect her natural friendliness and playfulness may have got in the way.

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CamdenMission
Lydia Crawford

Wholesome wholemeal

Friday 14th August

Written by Lydia Crawford

Mr T needed some help with his shopping. The weather has been hot and he needed a helping hand to get his items for the coming week. I had a list of which items to collect from which shop to find his preferred brands and deals. After the shopping trip, Mr T shared some tales of his adventures and which celebs he has come across when visiting the pubs of Camden. A wholesome evening indeed.

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