Tuesday 28th July
Written by Jana
It was a hot and sweaty evening, but that didn't stop an incredible team effort as we helped Voices of Hope prepare for their move into Kingston Library. We wasted no time getting started, splitting into teams as soon as we arrived. Dave, Luke, Marcos, John, Jana, Sabir and newcomer Hannah took on the heavy lifting, carrying desks, cabinets, pinboards and other bulky furniture down flights of stairs and into the waiting skip.
Another team tackled a ground-floor room packed from floor to ceiling. We uncovered everything from children's books, stickers and umbrellas to an old projector screen, mountains of shredded paper, a coat stand and even a monkey face cut-out board, which naturally became the star of our group photo later!
It quickly became clear that the fastest approach was a human chain. Claire, Anna and Emily kept everything moving, with paper sorted for recycling while the rest of us passed item after item towards the skip.
Outside, John soon earned the title of "King of the Skip", climbing aboard to pack everything in while Dave joined him to make the most of every inch of space. By halfway through, the skip was already nearly full.
Louise kept us organised, directing what needed clearing next, while cardboard was flattened and everyone pitched in. After a quick water break to admire how much we'd achieved, we tackled one final room full of heavy boxes, discovering a fascinating old book filled with historic photographs of Kingston Library that may even be of interest to the museum.
As the last items disappeared, Sekar swept whilst Anna vacuumed and Louise, Hannah and Marcos helped pick up the many small paper pieces off the floor. Nikita kept the human chain flowing of the last few bits to the skip. Hannah even rescued a few children's books for her classroom.
In just one hour we'd filled a skip, emptied multiple rooms and left the building ready for Voices of Hope to move into their new home. We celebrated with chocolate bars, plenty of smiles and a brilliant group photo—some of us perched on the skip, others pulling faces through the monkey cut-out.
A fantastic evening of teamwork and an amazing amount achieved in just one hour! 💚
Tuesday 28th July
Written by Kingston upon Thames runner
For the second time this week the bed needed its daily drink to cope with the unprecedented temperatures. Armed with the trusted wheelbarrows and new, shiny watering cans and buckets. 5 goodgymers set to work and hydrated the bed with plenty of water. See you all again on Friday.
Sunday 26th July
Written by Kingston upon Thames runner
This mornings job was to extract all the weeds from the paving slabs around the monument and a general tidy up ready for the legions next event.
Saturday 25th July
Written by Kingston upon Thames runner
Duo GoodGamers Sabir and Marie-Noëlle joined the weekend gardener squad down at Canbury Community Garden.
In the 3-round main event, H2O heavyweight Sabir lugged water using a wheelbarrow, a water barrel, and a bucket to refill the garden's main reserve. It was an absolute knockout victory over dehydration!
Undefeated by the high temperature, Marie-Noëlle completed a staggering 18-round watering can marathon to refresh the sun-baked vegetable patch.
💦 tomatoes drenched
💦 courgettes submerged
💦 cucumbers flooded
💦 runner beans absolutely soaked
A successful backyard hydration mission!
Sunday 26th July
Written by Kingston upon Thames runner
Today we arrived at the goodgym flowerbed to continue the task of preserving life in the ongoing heat. The Thames water level seems to be dropping/ taking a hit. Our swans also came to say goodbye morning.
Thursday 23rd July
Written by Kingston upon Thames runner
This evening, 2 of us met to trim the overhanging trees and bushes, also clear the driveway of debrie so Mr A could get to his washing line in safety. It also paved a way for him to have some outdoor space to sit in. He was most grateful.
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