Six of us set out for tonight's task after a request from a local resident to tackle litter in the area.

With the mist rolling in and visibility low, we were armed with brand new litter pickers, bags, bag holders and hi-viz jackets kindly provided by the Council and got to work.

Starting by Welling's historic cannon, we worked our way along Welling High Street, down into the resident's road, and a few smaller side roads, making sure every stray crisp packet, rogue drinks can and even a lost shoe or two were safely bagged up.

The fog certainly added atmosphere to the evening, and there was a concern we might have not noticed some obvious pieces of rubbish strewn on the floor.

Our fears were allayed however by a message from the resident shortly afterwards thanking us for making such a noticeable difference, leaving the streets looking cleaner and tidier for the community.

Another good evening's work, a bit of exercise, a good chat along the way, and proof that even on the foggiest of nights, a determined group can still make a clear visible difference.

Lesnes Abbey Woods is a hidden gem in Bexley borough - a park with ancient woodland and abbey ruins.

The Park Ranger's work in maintaining the area is supported by the lovely Friends of Lesnes Abbey and Woods (FOLAW) who meet regularly to help protect and preserve this historical place.

Ashton joined this month's conservation session - first Sunday of each month - led by Marc. This is always a great workout, not least because of the uphill climb into the woods to get started!

Alongside the other FOLAW volunteers, this time it was all about clearing brambles and holly along a pathway near the Pine Pond. Getting rid of these prickly invaders increases biodiversity, giving native growth and wild animals the chance to thrive.

Of course, there's loads to be done in woods of this size, but each month helps makes a difference. We'll be back again in March so why not come and join us then?

FOLAW also have a conservation session every Wednesday, and a monthly litter pick. If you're local and would like to find out more they have a great website.

Eleven Goodgymers came along to tonight's task for our 9th birthday. What a great turnout!

We were back at Box3Education, helping transform their unit in Bexleyheath Mall into a community space. Walking through the closed mall to get there was a little surreal!

Professor Levi met us and we soon got started with painting metal shelving units, and there was a lot of them!

We got stuck in with brushes and rollers, being super careful not to get paint on the nice floor. (Thankfully there were industrial wipes available to mop up drips!). While we worked there was lots of talking and banter, with a few jokes and hot drinks thrown in!

I noticed some black paint on my GoodGym top... I only had my-shelf to blame!

The session flew by and it was time to wash the painting gear and make our way out of the mall.

We then headed to the nearby Wetherspoons where Lisa and Graham had secured a large table for us.

The evening continued with food, drinks and more chatter, plus a chocolate Connie Caterpillar cake complete with candles and a rendition of 'Happy Birthday To Us'! Nine years of doing good and social fitness in Bexley - that's a brilliant milestone!

A great night was had by all, thanks for coming everyone. Here's to the next year!

It's rained every day this month, and today was no exception 🌧- it was tipping down at noon as thirteen dedicated volunteers, including our litter picking champion, Ashton, met for the monthly tidy up run by Friends of Lesnes Abbey and Woods in the wonderful grounds and woodland around the abbey ruins.

As the photo shows, they found plenty of rubbish, although by the time the picture was taken most of the crew had headed to Chestnuts café for a warming drink.

What absolute stalwarts braving the horrid weather 🌟. Let's hope it's drier when we join them again in March.

If you're wondering about going along, please do! It's a welcoming and friendly group, and all equipment is provided if you don't have your own.

After what felt like approximately 47 straight days of rain (give or take), we were delighted to welcome a very special guest to Saturday’s session in Danson Park… the sun! Honestly, we’re starting to think the sun might be a GoodGymer - it turned up right on time and boosted everyone’s energy levels instantly.

We teamed up with the fantastic Friends of Danson Park for a productive morning tackling overgrown bushes around the park. With bird nesting season just around the corner, it was important to get the cutting back done now, making the area tidier, safer, and ready to flourish in spring, without disturbing any future feathery residents.

Armed with loppers, secateurs and plenty of enthusiasm, we got stuck in. There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming a wild tangle of branches into neat, manageable greenery. And even more satisfying doing it together.

It was one of those sessions that reminds you why community tasks are so brilliant: fresh air, visible impact, good chats, and that smug post-task feeling of 'we did that'.

Huge thanks to everyone who came along and to Friends of Danson Park for having us.

Same again when the sun’s available? 😉