Back at Little ARK's new space, we found the move-in had finally happened. With the space now full of furniture, equipment and boxes, some strategic rearranging was required to create enough room to work. Once pathways had been established and work areas cleared, the GoodGym team split up and got to work, while another volunteer set about giving the insides of the newly installed cabinets a thorough clean.

We returned to our old adversary for a third time: the sticky residue on the large picture windows. With a mural due to be painted on Sunday, this was the last chance to get the glass properly clean. Our nemesis led three dedicated GoodGymers to spend more than 90 minutes scrubbing, rubbing and polishing before the final stubborn patches finally gave up and at long last we had shiny, clean panes.

Elsewhere, the exterior gate was transformed from black to a much cheerier blue, several internal and external doors received a deep scrub from Jade, and tall Jon was inevitably nominated for the high-level task of cleaning the ceiling air-conditioning vents.

Throughout the evening, Syebvonne kept the operation running smoothly, producing whatever was needed at exactly the right moment, whether that was cloths, water, chairs or one of her many enthusiastic offers of tea. With another big chunk of the snagging list completed and the space looking better than ever, it was a very satisfying way to round off the week.

Arriving a little ahead of schedule gave us a brief chance to catch up before diving into the cleaning. We then got stuck into wiping down tables, lifting and stacking chairs, and giving the main hall a full-body workout with a thorough vacuum and mop.

Working with our usual swift efficiency, we smashed through the hall tasks in record time! Spotting a bit of extra energy left in the tank, we noticed the men’s toilets were calling out for some urgent attention. Undeterred, the brave crew grabbed the cleaning supplies and tackled the extra challenge, leaving the entire space sparkling before heading off.

Doing good, getting fit, and braving the tough job, fantastic effort, team!

We headed to Merton’s Community Fridge to give the clean-up team a post-shift boost, blitzing through the box-washing, sanitising, and recycling sorting with ease.

We wrapped up all the jobs ahead of schedule but the venue had a little surprise in store before we could make our exit. A faulty catch on the door decided to jam, briefly threatening to keep everyone locked inside for the night! Thankfully, after a few tense moments and some clever door troubleshooting, we managed to coax the latch open and avoid spending the night in storage. An early finish with a touch of unexpected escape-room drama, fridge-tastic!

The GoodGym Merton volunteers stopped by Merton's Community Fridge to lend a hand to the end-of-shift clean-up team. Being regulars who are well-versed in the routine, the we hit the ground running and tackled a variety of jobs, from scrubbing down storage boxes to sorting, flattening, and processing the recycling and rubbish.

Working with seamless efficiency and great banter, together, we and the Fridge volunteers whizzed through the checklist so fast we wrapped up in record time. Trading a workout for a fresh, squeaky-clean community hub made for a incredibly satisfying post work session. Well done team!

What a way to celebrate two whole years of GoodGym Merton! To mark our 2nd birthday this November, we doubled down on the fun with two action-packed sessions in creative spaces at Revive Wandle Roots and Little ARK heading off to enjoy a well-earned birthday drink.

It was incredible to see such a brilliant turnout and reflect on just how much our community has grown over the last two years.

Admittedly, we got so caught up in the catch-ups and celebrations that we completely forgot to snap a group photo! Luckily, John Shirley saved the day and grabbed a quick picture with a few of the team before heading off. We hope to see you back in Merton again soon, and definitely well before our next birthday!

A massive thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey so far. Cheers to two years of doing good and keeping fit, and to many more to come!

Monday’s task was a case of many hands make light work - and a little elbow grease makes for a great transformation!

We headed to the creative arts space at Merton Abbey Mills to lend a helping hand with some preparations for Little Ark's new premises in south Wimbledon. There was plenty of furniture in need of repurposing, so we rolled up our sleeves and got stuck in.

First up, there was sanding, smoothing things over and getting surfaces ready for their next chapter. Then came the priming – because every good transformation needs a decent foundation! We also got to grips with covering metal panels in colourful sticky back plastic (giving Blue Peter vibes for some of us) to make shelves So it was a case of keeping things wrapped up neatly and making sure there were no sticky situations (well, not too many!)

Bit by bit, tired furniture was getting a fresh lease of life, ready to take pride of place in Little Ark's new home. It was wonderful to see how a little teamwork, some practical skills (looking at you particularly, Chris) and enthusiasm could make such a difference.

A big thank you to everyone who came along and helped. Here's to Little Ark's new home, a fresh start for some well-loved furniture, and a future that's looking bright (pink). We nailed it!🔨