Following a swift briefing safely tucked away out of earshot from the main stage, the team set off to support Full Cycle with their community bike ride. The route meandered through the quiet backstreets of Mitcham before entering the greenery of Morden Hall Park, looping back through Ravensbury Park, and taking in the scenic views along the River Wandle.

The group kept a relaxed, enjoyable pace, offering participants a chance to explore a local loop route that was brand new to some riders. It was brilliant to assist with a fresh initiative in Merton, and hopefully this inaugural ride paves the way for many more to come.

It was great to see so many of the team supporting on our stand collecting trainers for Jog-On and helping our friends at Full Cycle Community Bike Project and Merton Cycling Campaign with an action-packed Big Sports Day!

Our mission:

• Spreading the word - chatting with local residents about all things GoodGym, cycling, and active community projects.

• Trainer recycling - collecting pre-loved shoes for JogOn and directing people to do the same with old footwear to keep it out of landfill and get them re-used or recycled.

It was a busy day with various volunteers stopping by to help and take part. With a steady stream of participants at 'trainer-pong' and some surprising competitors, it was a fantastic showcase of collaboration and a chance to show ways to combine fitness with doing good.

Some of the team helped with other jobs, supporting with bike safety checks and promoting plans for creating a cycling hub in Merton, hoping for backing from local councillors and Merton Council for an accessible, community-driven bike hub to promote active travel, reduce carbon emissions, and expand low-cost transport options across the borough.

Well done everyone and a big shoutout to those who stayed on or joined us in the afternoon when we needed a boost later in the day!

With a decent turnout for the kids' event and a handful of adults lacing up to join in in the action, too. Our marshalling skills were put to the test as we identified the participants started both events together. Fortunately, this wasn't our first rodeoand directing the flow of runners and cheering everyone on kept the course safe and clear.

Before we knew it, both the kids' and adults' events were wrapped up and we made quick work of the pack-down, hauling all the equipment back to base in record time, and capped off the mission with a classic GoodGym photo finish. Thanks to the Morden Parkrun team for having us and well done to all involved.

A small but mighty team GoodGymers stayed behind to help pack away the Merton Pride fair, proving that quality easily beats quantity when there's work to be done!

Even with the fair doubling in size from last year and fewer hands on deck, our volunteers weren't deterred in the slightest. Armed with handy gazebo-dismantling experience and a keenness to just muck in, we efficiently dismantled and cleared the stalls one by one. Working like a well-oiled machine, finishing up well ahead of the allotted time.

With the hard work complete, the volunteers headed over to Abbey Mills to enjoy some of the evening's entertainment. The Merton Pride organiser leading in the pack-away was immensely appreciative of the help. When we bumped into Andy later on he was sure to pass on thanks again. Well done team!

The GoodGym team headed along to support Sustainable Merton's group of volunteers at the Merton Pride march to provide a boost on a wonderfully bright and colorful afternoon! When a timing mix-up and a shortage of litter pickers altered the original plan, the volunteers seamlessly pivoted to support in other ways. w enjoyed cheering on the vibrant parade, and chatting to the crowd as each group set off along the route.

It was a fantastic march showcasing community spirit, music, and solidarity. While the litter-picking duties were light, our volunteers proved that showing up and lending a hand is always appreciated.

Armed with paintbrushes, palettes, and pots of glitter, it was a creative support needed today with face painting on the Dons Local Action Group stall at Merton Pride fair. The queue was non-stop from the moment I sat down, but the brilliant atmosphere kept energy levels high and the rainbows and sparkles kept flowing along with plenty of other designs.

With the lunch rush wrapped up, our two-person team stepped in to give the hard-working volunteers a boost at the end of a long shift. Dividing up the duties made quick work of the remaining chores. One of us took charge of the kitchen, tackling the various cleaning jobs, including scrubbing down surfaces, while the other took to the main hall sweeping up the floor, clearing tables and stacking chairs away. Our help allowed the entire session to wrap up significantly earlier than usual. The space was left sparkling, smelling fresh, and ready for the next service. We hope to be back with a monthly session here, so keep an eye out for the next one and join us if you can.