When a Task Goes Slightly Off the Rails...

After a somewhat concerning sign-up sheet showed just two names earlier in the day, we were delighted when a magnificent eight GoodGymers appeared at St Botolph's Church ready for an evening of weeding and good deeds.

Sadly, our enthusiasm wasn't quite matched by the task preparation! Due to a slight mix-up with dates from our lovely hosts, Rik and Val, we arrived to find ourselves very much left to our own devices. With no hosts in sight and only a handful of tools available, it was time for some GoodGym improvisation.

Fortunately, John's legendary backpack stash came to the rescue. Producing enough tools to keep us occupied, we set about tackling the weeds around the edges of the church grounds. It wasn't quite the grand gardening mission we'd anticipated, but plenty of weeds met their demise nonetheless.

A particular highlight of the evening was welcoming back Roxy and Mali. It was fantastic to see them again after a while away. However, one important question remains unanswered: what happened to the puppy version of Mali?! Somewhere along the line, that tiny pup has transformed into a fully-grown dog before our very eyes. You might say she’s really grown into the role

Despite the damp-squib nature of the task, spirits remained high, conversations flowed, and the church grounds are looking a little tidier than before. We may have turned up for a major gardening project and ended up with a minor one, but when life gives you weeds, we pull them out !

The good news is that Rik and Val will be expecting us next week, when hopefully we'll be tackling the task that was originally planned. Unfortunately, I won't be there as I'll be away on holiday, so the group will be in the very capable hands of John

I'm sure he'll keep everyone rooted to the task... and if not, he'll probably have the right tool for it hidden somewhere in that backpack!

Two GoodGymers headed to the prom to give our flowerbed (bed 6) some much‑needed love and attention. With watering cans in hand, we soaked the thirsty soil before planting fresh plants to bring colour and life back to the space. Working side by side, we cleared tired patches, refreshed the bed, and made sure everything was well settled in for the weeks ahead. A simple, sunny session that left the promenade looking brighter and ready to bloom again. El also added some plants to bed 5 and Julia and Barbara contributed plants.

Tonight was all about milestones, memories and moments worth celebrating — proof that at GoodGym we’re not just growing gardens, we’re growing friendships too.

Before the festivities began, seven of us headed over to English Martyrs School to lend a hand with some very much-needed outdoor weeding. A huge special welcome also goes to our first-timer,Charlie It was lovely to meet you and we really hope this was the first of many good deeds with us.

The task itself required a delicate touch rather than brute force. Armed with determination (and slightly creaky knees by the end!), we settled down around the outside play area, carefully teasing out tiny clumps of grassy weeds from the bark and liner. Intricate work, yes — but as always with GoodGym, the conversation flowed so easily that the task flew by.

During the session El and I took a few moments to admire some of our previous handiwork at the school. We revisited the pond area and the large flowerbed we'd previously rescued from a jungle of brambles and weeds. It’s always satisfying seeing the difference our collective efforts make and remembering that little jobs steadily grow into big transformations.

Then it was time to swap gardening for glasses at the Brew House as we moved on to the evening's celebrations — and there was plenty to celebrate!

First up was El reaching an impressive 50 good deeds. It genuinely feels as though El has always been part of the group; she fitted in from day one and has brought positivity, warmth and enthusiasm to every task. Fifty acts of kindness is a brilliant achievement and here's to the next fifty (which, knowing El, will probably arrive before we know it!).

Paul reached his incredible 250 good deeds today. A Quarter of a thousand acts of kindness is no small achievement and represents years of showing up, mucking in and giving back to our community. Whether it's tackling tasks with his usual good humour or simply being one of those dependable people you know you can count on, Paul has made a huge contribution along the way. Two hundred and fifty good deeds is something really special — and we’re delighted to celebrate this milestone with him

The milestones keep on coming because then we celebrated the unstoppable Barbara and her extraordinary 400 good deeds. Four hundred! That's hundreds of hours given, countless tasks completed and an enormous impact made on our community. Barbara really is one of the cornerstones of our group — a true GoodGym legend.

And finally, huge congratulations went to Sarah and Ryan on their recent wedding! It was such a joy to celebrate this exciting chapter with them both. While GoodGym often brings people together through shared tasks, this may be our finest example yet of teamwork becoming a lifelong partnership ❤️

With gifts presented, glasses raised and plenty of laughter shared, the evening reminded us that while the tasks themselves matter, it's the people that make GoodGym so special.

Worthing RUN - Fest Report

Our GoodGym crew arrived bright and early to help get everything race-ready for the half marathon, 10K, and family mile. We got stuck straight into shifting stacks of water and Powerade, making sure runners would stay hydrated, and carefully unwrapping what felt like hundreds (okay… thousands!) of medals ready for those well-earned finishes.

Once the races got underway, things quickly picked up pace. With thousands of runners crossing the line, it became a whirlwind of medal handing, drink توزيع, and cheerful encouragement. It was busy, a little chaotic at times—but exactly the kind of organised madness we thrive in!

We were lucky to have glorious sunshine all day. Perfect conditions for us volunteers soaking up the rays, though definitely a bit toasty for those pounding the course—extra kudos to every runner out there giving it their all.

As always, the highlight was the teamwork. Everyone mucked in, supported each other, and kept things flowing smoothly even at peak finish-line frenzy. It really showed what a fantastic group this is.

Massive thanks to you all for your energy, teamwork, and smiles—you truly went the extra mile (and then some)! 🙌

I can't end the report without special mention and welcome to Zuzanna on her first task with us- what an absolute superstar she was - quietly , efficiently and unobtrusively giving out water right on the finish line to over heated runners 😇 Bravo 👏 wr how you will join us again doing. Thank you El for bringing your little sister along 🙏

Enjoy your Bank Holiday Monday and see you all again soon 😀