Tonight’s task took us to English Martyrs First School as part of our supporting the school with general maintenance – with a particular focus on painting.

Our main jobs for the evening were refreshing Head Teacher Helen’s office and making a start on the staff room

The team split efficiently:

Paul, Belinda and Roxytook charge of painting the Head Teacher’s office, getting great coverage and making excellent progress. Mel, Paul, El, Barbara and myself rolled up our sleeves in the staff room, where we prepped the space and applied the first coat, setting things up nicely for completion. Johnwas on hand throughout, capturing photographs of the task and the team in action 📸 😇

There was a fantastic team spirit all evening, and it was great to see two important school spaces already looking brighter and fresher.

We’ll be in 2 weeks to apply another coat of paint and, fingers crossed, finish both rooms. A brilliant effort from everyone involved and a lovely way to support the school community during the winter months 💪🎨

A freezing cold wind swept across our beautiful Goring beauty spot this January, but that didn’t deter an intrepid GoodGym crew from heading out for a Walk & Talk litter pick. Wrapped up and ready for action were Mel and Paul, Barbara, Daisy, Ann, Ricky (fresh from his run ), Belinda, John, Paul and Pepper the pooch!

Despite numb fingers and toes, the team set to work with real determination. Bags were soon filling up with an interesting – and at times rather risqué – assortment of rubbish. It was sad to see just how much litter had found its way onto our greensward, but hugely uplifting to see the impact we could make together in such a short time. Fantastic teamwork all round, with plenty of chat and laughter to keep spirits high despite the cold.

A very special mention goes to Anne who celebrated her 150th good deed with us on this task – a wonderful milestone and the perfect way to mark it: giving back to the community with a smile, even in freezing winds. Huge congratulations, Anne! 🎉💚

Mission accomplished, we retreated to the warmth of my house for a well-earned social. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate flowed freely, accompanied by sweet treats . A perfect way to thaw out, catch up, and celebrate another job well done.

Cold, camaraderie, community action –. A classic GoodGym session and a brilliant start to the year 💚

With John roping them off at the start, and Paul turning them in at the end GoodGym rounded up another parkrun!

It was an early start for Belinda with a key decision to make. Course checked and declared ice free, parkrun was good to go!

Belinda ran the show, directing as only she can. John and Anne helped pen the runners in, keeping the promenade free flowing!

John then moved on to manage the crucial final turn, directing the finishers towards the funnel where Anne assisted in keeping the hoards moving through.