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 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.

This was a great task - with GG members from Leicester and Portsmouth also joining in and some new members locally!

Yoyo enjoyed a litter pick along Chilworth Road saying it was good, easy to organise, and it felt great contributing to the community.

Nick from Leicester litterpicked a road into Asfordby village. Two bags of grot plus 2/3 bag of crushed cans left at the wombles Air Ambulance appeal collection point. Adding to the £17k raised so far by collecting and weighing in the cans from across the borough!

Judy from Portsmouth GG tried to litter pick the sandy beaches of Jersey - thought they were very clean so finding litter was tricky!

Jane from Portsmouth GG tidied up the bushes at Milton Park - but wasnt able to catch any of the big big bubbles floating past as she did so!

Sarah filled two bags with litter whilst walking along the River Itchen near Brambridge.

Dave from Portsmouth GG picked locally in Pompey.

Amanda did her litter pick on the way to the pub - sounds like my kinda litter pick!

Ellie filled a bag local to where she lives - not just from her garden!

Wilson filled a bin bag just from her 10 min walk home from work - sad but true.

All these litter picks build up and help to keep our environment clean 😊😊😊