This evening’s GoodGym task was a really special one, as we celebrated our 3rd birthday back at Aldermoor Farm, the very place where GoodGym Southampton began three years ago! Before we even lifted a tool, Ellie was busy dishing out birthday headwear. Bunny ears, birthday hats, tiaras and even a chicken were among the options, all enthusiastically (?) worn by the group. We paused for a group photo holding a birthday banner, making it clear from the outset that this was a special evening for us all.

We had a fantastic turnout and a real mix of GoodGymers, which made the evening even more meaningful. It was lovely to see Hannah, Lauren and Derek, who we hadn’t seen for a while and also to have people who have only started their GoodGym journey this year with us, alongside members who have been with us right from the beginning — a brilliant reminder of how welcoming and supportive GoodGym is. We also welcomed Jason from GoodGym Leeds, who happened to be visiting Southampton and decided to enjoy a spot of GoodGym tourism while he was here.

We had been set a task to cut back the big hedges which had become very overgrown, along with removing the sycamores, pruning the willow, cutting back plants to widen the paths and litter‑picking outside the farm. Just as we had started, we were joined by a journalist from the Daily Echo, who had come along to find out more about what GoodGym is all about. Wilson and Ellie both happily chatted away about how wonderful GoodGym Southampton is, while other members shared their own GoodGym journeys and what being part of the group means to them.

The task was completed and the area we had cut backed looked much better. Then to make the celebration complete, Ellie treated us all to cake. It was a perfect way to end a brilliant evening.

I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the last three years. We really are a wonderful team of beautiful people, all happy to give back and support the community around us. Fingers crossed that when we make the front page, that message comes across loud and clear (though not sure the wacky headwear will help - just glad i wasn't a chicken 🐔)

We helped the friends of Portswood Rec tend to the garden by removing branbles and other invading species from the garden plots

It was great to be able to be part of the Alive the Alleyway project in Newton Southampton on Saturday, helping to clear an alleyway for the local community. It had turned into a dumping great for unwanted household items. Our job was to come in after the council had cleared these items and to help clear the weeds and brambles and litter. It was a tough job but we got stuck in. We welcomed Debra doing her first ever task - a tough one to start with so i hope we haven't put her off! It was lovely seeing the children enjoying the space they had been given back and hope they enjoy it for years to come.

We were delighted to have our first Monday evening session at Rose Road in in the daylight which made cleaning the outreach vehicles much easier. You could really see the sparkle! We split into two teams to get the interior and exterior of three vans done in no time at all. Welcome to S who did a great job on vacuuming duties. We hope to see you again soon.

Another day helping Southampton City farm with their endless wood chip pile! It was a lovely evening in the sunshine. We are certainly enjoying the lighter nights and warmer weather. Many hands meant we were able to shift lots of wheelbarrows full and top up the paths around the farm. It didn't look like we'd actually made a dent in the pile at the end though so we are sure we will be back again soon to do some more! We had just enough time to inspect the wisteria in full bloom before it was time to head off.

We had a great time on Saturday with the friends of soton cemetery. The weather was wonderful and between GoodGym and the Friends, we had a large group of volunteers. We split our time between removing brambles and raking cut grass - but we did so well, we ran out of work!