Back to School for Round 2 of Painting!

GoodGym returned to our local primary school this evening for Part Two of our big corridor-makeover mission — and what a team effort it was!

Richard, the ever-organised facilities manager, had everything laid out and ready to go the moment we arrived: Regulation cream paint, brushes, rollers, trays… the works. With supplies in hand, we jumped straight back into transforming the corridor we began on our previous visit. The group quickly settled into a rhythm, and the once-tired walls started to brighten again under fresh coats of paint.

Meanwhile, a brave trio — Paul, Paul, and Mel — volunteered for a mission within the mission: giving the girls’ toilets a much-needed refresh. Hats off to them for stepping up!

But the evening’s GG Hero Award simply had to go to Belinda, who fearlessly took the lead into the boys’ toilets, confronting both the walls and the smell. She was soon joined by Roxy and Paula, forming a powerhouse team that got the job done with determination (and possibly held breath). Absolute legends — bravo! 😇😇😇

Barbara also deserves a big shout-out for taking on paint splodge clean-up duty — a task requiring keen eyes, steady hands, and a sense of humour as she chased down rogue drips and smudges before they could set in. Every team needs a detail hero 🙏

A special shout-out as well to John, who took over photography duties for the evening. A refreshing change from the usual snapper — and much appreciated!📷

Another fantastic night of teamwork, transformation, and community spirit — proving once again that when it comes to a pot of cream paint, GoodGym knows exactly how to whip it into shape! 🎨😄

This evening’s GoodGym crew headed over to the local primary school to help give some tired walls a well-deserved refresh.

Paul, Stéphane and the school’s friendly facilities manager, Richard, rolled up their sleeves and got straight to work in the main hall, carefully transforming the space surrounding the noticeboards with some smooth fresh cream paint.

Meanwhile, Paula, Mel, Megan, Barbara and I tackled the cloakroom, turning what started as a scuffed and well-used area into a clean, welcoming space ready for the children’s coats and bags. With teamwork, laughter and a bit of friendly paint-splatter competition, we made great progress.

By the end of the session, both the hall and cloakroom looked brighter and fresher, Huge thanks to everyone who came along — and to Richard for keeping us supplied with brushes, rollers and also to Head Teacher , Helen for staying on too.

Another productive evening of doing good and getting paint on our sleeves (in the best way)!

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.

A lively crew gathered this evening at the house supported by Turning Tides Homelessness charity for a front-and-back-garden spruce-up—and two big celebrations!

🎉 Ryan’s Fantastic 50! Ryan marked his 50th good deed in classic style, confidently wielding a power tool to give the shrubs a stylish trim. Ricky followed close behind with rake in hand, sweeping up every last bit of debris.

🎂 Happy Birthday, John! Birthday boy John spent the evening on his knees weeding the front beds—joined for a cheerful catch-up by Sarah and a quick hello from Tamsin.

🌱 Welcome Back Team! After a busy summer away, Mel and Paul returned with energy . Mel tackled the clearing, while Paul focused on precision pruning, transforming the front garden’s look in no time.

🚴‍♀️ Barbara’s Back from Kenya! Fresh from an epic cycle trek in Kenya 🇰🇪, Barbara rejoined the group, sharing a teaser of her adventures (we can’t wait to hear more!).

💪 Resident Power! House resident Adrian grabbed the strimmer and made quick, efficient work of the back garden—what a star!

To round off the evening, we headed to the pub to raise a well-earned glass to John’s birthday and present Ryan with his 50-task memory frame. Cheers to community, milestones, and gardens that look as good as we all felt! 🌿🍻