Tonight was our spring social & what great weather for it!

We ran straight to OWLS allotments where we spent around 40 minutes weeding & moving compost. We worked fast so that we could get to the park for our game of rounders. We got into two teams of 9/10 people & started the game. I don't think we 100% stuck to the rules but no one cares, we just have fun with it! We all had 3 bats each & I'm proud to say our team won with a score of 10 & a half to 8 & a half rounders. Well done gang!

We then headed to the pub for food & drinks. Poor Shannen got asked for ID so couldn't buy her alcohol free beer (yes really)...I'd take it is a compliment Shannen!

Welcome to Lydia on her first session, we hope to see you again soon. Thanks also to Erica for bringing everyone she knows to GoodGym:)

Thanks for a great evening all!

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 spent a lovely Saturday morning today back at Beeston Primary School sorting out their outdoor area. We did the same last spring but it was very overgrown again after winter. We weeded & cleared up & after only an hour it looked loads better. Hopefully the children can get back out there now. A toad took me by surprise near the pond...I'm unsure who leaped further, me or it!

Ten of us headed to Meanwood Farm, braving the biblical storm and arriving drenched to the skin. Looking at the day old lambs revived us somewhat and Jen quickly put us to work on various tasks. We spent an hour potting up chilli seedlings, barrowing compost to the polytunnels, and digging it into neat rows ready for planting. The weather turned more spring-like and the lighter evening allowed us to see how the compost bins we have been turning all winter have produced excellent wormy compost. Jen rewarded us with lettuce and we ran back to HEART with our arms full of our bounty. True spirit of landworkers!

What a great night!

On a beautiful sunny, spring day, with everyone in great spirits, we all ran to Beckhill Community Garden (without getting lost) & met Lynn for the first time this year.

It was woodchip Wednesday, so half the group got to work moving piles of woodchip...Christian found a method that worked by tossing it over his shoulder! The other half weeded around the beds.

The garden is about to show at a flower show in Harrogate....this little garden has completely transformed under Lynn's leadership...Well done!!