8 Goodgymers joined ABCD-IN-LUTON and the Friends of Leagrave Park on their monthly litterpick. As ever there were some weird and wonderful finds amongst the 17 bags of rubbish that we all collected. Well done to everyone that took part

In conjunction with a long term restoration plan by the Council's Parks team, the Luton and Dunstable Conservation volunteer team, and the Friends of Dallow Downs, the mission in the middle of our run this week was targeting litter in a neglected area of the Dallow Downs.

Previous conservation activity to clear the scrub in the wooded areas revealed a lot of litter in the undergrowth, we got in there supported by Kevin from ABCD-in-Luton with the equipment and foraged 16 bags of litter from amongst the trees. Also dragged out was some laminate flooring, several wooden pallets, a drawer and a traffic cone.

On our return journey we stopped by Brantwood park for a quick blast of sprint intervals to really stretch the legs before calling it a night.

I’m really happy to be part of this volunteering activity. I truly love helping others and giving back to the community — it comes straight from my heart. ❤️ It was an amazing experience that made me feel proud to contribute and meet such kind and friendly people. I also had the chance to practice my English while talking with others, which made the day even more enjoyable and meaningful. I’m looking forward to joining more volunteering missions with GoodGym soon!

It was our monthly date at Leagrave Park and two Goodgymers joined the Friends of Leagrave Park for the litter pick. What we lacked in numbers we made up for with enthusiasm and we were soon wombling in the woodlands and playing fields clearing up cans, bottles and all sorts of litter, and getting a lovely walk into the bargain. Fortunately there was less litter than we usually find so maybe people are starting to take their rubbish home with them.

This morning on World Clean Up day 3 GoodGymers joined the South Luton Litter Pick, and while the community group started on picking the litter Gill, Aiman and Omar tackled the leafy suckers that were creating a hazard across the pavement. Leaf-ing the tree in a much less hazardous state we then started on relieving ( or re-leafing) London Road of the many piles leaves and weeds that have accumulated. It was great to be joined by Abdullah and Abdulrahman who are our latest GoodGym recruits. The South Luton Group were overwhelmed by our leaf cleaning prowess! Well done !

We teamed up with Friends of Leagrave Park for our monthly litter pick. Thank you to Pastor Charmaine, Martin, Dave and Omar, plus other members of the community, we managed to make the park that bit prettier. Amongst the haul was a particular tortoise, a ‘message’ in a bottle and the famous drum kit.

Let’s hope that the tortoise is still breathing, wherever he may be.