Various tasks awaited the group in the garden at INS this morning, requiring similar tools but very different levels of force.

Adam and Karla set about the more genteel task of weeding the raised beds, carefully discerning between friend and foe before discarding the offending weeds.

JP, Chris, and Rosie took to the alleyway to scrape moss from the path to make it safer for service users. After a brief interlude to break down a cabinet for later disposal at the tip, all debris was swept up and we left the place looking much tidier than when we arrived.

Christmas lights on display along our 4km run to INS, a charity in Twickenham who help adults with neurological conditions, their facilities needed a bit of cleaning and tidying so we jumped into window cleaning mode. It didn't take long for our gang of Goodgymers to get them all sparkling, inside and outside.

It was good to hear all the chatting while working, even an impromptu physio session for T! Job finished in record time and the staff at INS were very impressed.

A group of us ran the 4km back to Richmond taking in the sights - a longer run than usual but a great way to finish off a Monday evening.

Great work everyone!

It’ll Be All White On The Night

Seven of Richmond’s finest GoodGymmers made their way to lend a couple of hands (and an artistic eye or two) at INS Twickenham. INS (Integrated Neurological Services) is a not-for-profit organisation that supports people who have had their life impacted by neurological conditions such as a stroke. Their therapy room had been freshly repainted by another group of brilliant volunteers, and the team at INS had asked for GoodGym to help finish the job by freshening up the skirting boards, which no longer seemed to match the crisp white walls.

T, Chris and Adam were already working away when the group run (made up of Sam, Liz, Nina and Lucy) arrived from their 4.5k run up. Sarah from INS had a plethora of paintbrushes at the ready and we all got down on the floor to get on with the task.

No point skirting around, but we did a great job. We so efficient there was even time to paint the radiators too. The room seemed to glow! A quick wipe up of the paint drips (thanks to Chris and his cleaning cloth), a team photo and then we head back out into the impending storm to make our way home. Paint no stopping us!

A warm welcome as always at INS to help prepare the front of the building for their fundraising event taking place this week. They are putting a marquee on the front drive to carry out their '30' event: anything from 30 miles to 30 cupcakes! To get it ready, we helped to remove weeds and vines from the surrounding stone borders and fences, filling up lots of bags, ready to take to the tip.

The visit also gave the opportunity to check out the painting task for our next visit in October, we would love to see you there!

Congratulations to GoodGym Richmond member Sam who has now qualified as a run leader 🥳 Sam took us through our paces this evening with a thorough warm-up followed by a 5km run across Richmond Bridge, along the river and through the grounds of Marble Hill House to our task at INS in Twickenham.

The INS centre offers support to those with neurological conditions, including many recovering from a stroke. Their outside garden space has been well created to provide wheelchair access, including flower beds at appropriate height.

Task owner Sarah had brilliantly prepared for us, with plenty of tools for the job, and a very welcome glass of water each! The mission was to remove the weeds that were staking claim to the garden in every corner! Between 13 of us, we removed so many and the lovely sound of chatter, digging, scraping and sweeping filled the garden as we worked!

At the end of the task, Sam led us back a slightly more direct route to Richmond, adding on just over 4km to our total run distance.

INS have already welcomed us back so if you missed this chance, keep an eye out for further listings.