Despite the freezing temperatures and full darkness, last night’s session was the brilliant example of what GoodGym is all about.

We were out supporting the Friends of Harwood & Longsight Park, helping to make the park safer for everyone by installing motorcycle prohibition signs on existing waymarker posts. Armed with screws, glue, and plenty of enthusiasm, we worked our way through the park, attaching the signs before moving on to the next location.

It was great to welcome Israt along for her very first GoodGym session, jumping straight in and getting stuck into the task. We were also joined by Jane Wilcock from the Friends of Longsight & Harwood Park, who was completing her second GoodGym session. Jane doubled up as our guide for the evening, sharing fascinating insights into the park’s history and wildlife as we moved between jobs.

The atmosphere was pretty special: owls hooting overhead, badgers rustling in the undergrowth, and the steady babble of Bradshaw Brook providing the soundtrack to our work. Even in the dark and cold, Longsight Park showed off its character and charm.

A big thanks to everyone who came along, and to the Friends of Harwood & Longsight Park for the warm welcome (even if the weather didn’t quite get the memo).

While it can be quite tricky to visualise, before the fact, the exact volume, weight or quantity of woodchip needed to cover a set area, one thing is certain: with eleven pairs of willing hands, it can be surprisingly quick to relocate it all, and rejuvenate a space.

The task at hand featured half a truckload of freshly chipped tree of unspecified type or genus, several members of the Friends of Harwood and Longsight Park and a couple of willing GoodGymers, huddled in the rain outside Harwood Library on a grim Monday lunchtime. The objective was to spruce up several of the bedding areas outside the library by spreading said chip evenly, giving it a visual uplift and helping to transform previously muddy and unsightly patches of ground.

Armed with a dazzling array of shovels, barrows, rakes, brushes and, in one case, rubber kitchen gloves, the team made light work and established an efficient system, quickly settling into a rhythm of work. As well as prompting several comments from passing members of the community ('Doesn't it look great? Much better!'), the premise of GoodGym itself was a hot topic of conversation - and the concept, and support, gratefully received by the Friends group.

A special thank you to the staff at Harwood Library, who opened the doors and offered a brew in the warm and dry surrounds, as well as chance to contribute to the tackling of a particularly-challenging 1000-piece jigsaw into the bargain. As a community warm space, the chance to step inside and receive not only respite from the weather but the warmth of some friendly conversation, it was a lovely reminder and illustration of the importance of local libraries and similar places; and all the more rewarding to help contribute to keeping the area looking it's best.

I (David) also loved attending my very first GoodGym session and will definitely be back for more!

This week we visited Harwood & Longsight Park where we supported the brilliant Friends of Harwood & Longsight Park by installing a series of motorcycle prohibition signs to help keep the space safe and welcoming for everyone (apart from motorcyclists!)

Armed with screwdrivers, screws, glue and plenty of enthusiasm, we worked our way around the park, securely attaching signs to waymarker posts.

It was a perfect GoodGym combo: a practical task, a bit of teamwork, and a solid workout all rolled into one.

Well done to Jane for completing her first GoodGym Task.

A great evening of doing good and getting fit, with all the signs pointing to another brilliant session! ✅

Next week we are heading back to The Sutton Centre for round two of the Communitt Centre Glow-up - you can find out mor and sign up for that task here: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/round-2-glow-up-atthe-sutton-estate-community-centre