On a chilly but calm late October evening, a small but mighty GoodGym Worthing crew gathered at Splashpoint Leisure Centre, ready for sone beach debris haul.

Ricky headed off for a run and did 3 laps of the pier before I had even got there!

Before we’d even set off, our first discovery of the evening appeared — a shopping trolley sitting proudly right by our meeting point! Gillybean and Stéphane wasted no time in returning the trolley to M and S !

Once we’d had a laugh at our unexpected find, we headed off towards the pier to tackle the litter lurking beneath. Armed with gloves, grabbers, and good humour, we filled a couple of bags with rubbish, driftwood, and all sorts of seaside debris. Belinda and Paul headed on a secret mission to check out an unexpected stationary object on the beach but luckily it was just a large rock sitting on there beach!

"A trolley good effort" from a small but powerful team — proving once again that when it comes to looking after our lovely seafront, GoodGym Worthing always cleans up nicely! 🧹❤️

Huge thanks to everyone who came out on a cool October evening to lend a hand — you’re all pier-fect! 🌊👏

Given the weather forecast in other parts of the country we were rather anxious that Worthing parkrun might have to be called off but luckily the worst of the wind and rain managed to leave us alone. Eight of us turned out to volunteer and several of us ran.We volunteer as Goodgym at Worthing parkrun a few times during the year and Ricky had suggested this task as a way of marking his ten years to date as a "Worthingite". Goodgym and parkrun have played a significant part in his activities during that time so it was a good way to celebrate! At his first ever parkrun Belinda and John were the first two people he met and spoke to and little did he know he would meet them again just two days later at his first Goodgym task! Today was also John's 250th occasion of parkrun volunteering.

Ricky got up extra early to do the course check, Belinda was Run Director, Barbara and Daisy were marshals, John, Ryan and Sarah helped with set up and/or close-down and Gill was a parkwalker. When it came to running, there were around 500 participants and Ricky achieved his fastest time this year since his recovery from injury. After parkrun we wll went off for coffee and results processing.

With a visit from the Bishop imminent the GoodGym faithful gathered under the Bells of St Botolph’s to assist Rik and Val in ensuring she could see church grounds looking their best.

Dressed to impress

After achieving 50 Good Deeds status last week, Ryan arrived excitedly in his new shirt. Check out the photos to see how good he looks in black! Imagination required, perhaps!

All welcome here, except….

Except Iris! We’ve done our best over the years to give Iris a clear “not welcome ‘ere message”. It’s fallen on deaf ears. Today Ricky got stuck in to battling with that Stinking Iris, discarding every clump encountered. We will not be defeated!

Oh, Ivy isn’t welcome either….

Most of the team got stuck into the eviction of that constantly creeping ivy. Tendrils clinging to branch, trunk and wall were no match for the determined band. All welcome, unless you’re not, was the battle cry of the evening.

Taking it to the edge

John looked for the easy job - Sarah arrived late, so it wasn’t already taken! With brush in hand, and definitely no hoedown the edge of the bed was rediscovered. Nap time anyone….

Cleared that up then

A final flurry of clearing left the area suitably presentable for any visiting dignitaries to see what a well cared for church St Botolph’s is.