13 GoodGym-ers braved the incoming dark night to run along the Lewes Road at rush hour to Stanley Court, which is a YMCA supported accommodation.

We were last there in spring to help clear the small back yard area and to create a useful open-air space for gardening and other recreational activities for the residents. Over the summer the dreaded bind weed has made its presence known again so we were clearing the back yard, cutting back, pulling weeds and getting rid of the bind weed.

We also did some litter picking in an alley way next to the court, where lots has been abandoned in years. It was a real adventure to navigate in the poor light, but we managed to do the job.

A familiar face joined the team for the first time in Brighton - Welcome Jo!

We all made a big difference in a small area, and this is very satisfying!

Hoping that the little garden thrives over the winter.

Afterwards we jogged along to the Level Park to do some speed training, watched on by the ever-present skateboarders.

Follow us to see what’s on next

Yesterday was a return to the Brighton Hove Food Partnership’s Clubhouse on the Downs at Wilding Waterhall. A return to re-wilding for some running GoodGym-ers and a discovery of a relatively new community project for new-er GoodGym-ers, who adventured the ascent to the hill (and descent even more 😉) on their bike!

Formerly a golf course, this rewilding area now boasts diverse flora & fauna, stunning views, wild horses, and ample space for hire. Since our visit last year, this clubhouse has become a well-used space for several wellbeing projects, immerse in the nature to generate a multitude of good emotions to its beneficiaries. The continuing improvement and maintenance of the assets requires multiple contributions, often in kind, from construction builders, renewable energy developers, rangers of the city green spaces … and indeed the always most welcome help of GoodGym Brighton. We were tasked to clear the pavements surrounding the clubhouse from weeds to make the structure more easily accessible by all.

Did you like it, GoodGym-ers? In Harrison’s words: “I would just say that it's been a motivation and an inspiration to be a part of the GoodGym. I felt completely welcome from the very first moment and everyone is so nice and friendly - who would have guessed? I've enjoyed all the activities so far, getting outside and helping the place look nice! It's very heart warming to hear and feel the genuine thanks from the people we help and the public that witness us doing it, it really feels like we are putting something positive out there, so thank you!”

Brrr! Yesterday was a cold and rainy evening – a shocking return to the English weather for Stefania but nicely warmed up by the greetings of a grand group of Brighton GoodGym-ers ready for action!

We conquered Victoria Gardens by running several loops and alternating running fitness exercises with speeding up legs to keep us warm before leading to our task. But, this was not there available to our surprise! Never minded, and freewheeling, this GoodGym session turned to be a great social gathering at Lord Nelson Pub, where Michelle organised a quiz night for us, thank you!

GoodGym Teams: ”Good-ER Gym-ERs” and ”Great Guys” quizzed the names of cakes and guessed colours by answering multiple (and more) questions, but there is never a black or white answer for everthing, isn’t here? (Tom’s quote 😉)

We welcomed Matthew to join the fun and return to our future group sessions!

On a humid September evening we ran and cycled down Lewes Road to Moulsecoomb Primary School to help them prepare their school field for the first day of term the following day.

However, this wasn’t just your bog-standard school field. Upon arrival Warren gave us a little tour and showed us the replica Iron Age Roundhouse, a Clay House, some beautiful flowers and a vegetable patch all covered in wild grass plus a new greenhouse. The students get to explore the buildings in their history classes and they help out (and sometimes even enjoy!) maintaining the vegetable patch too. We were joined on the task by first time Goodgymers Andy and Tom - welcome to both!

We were tasked with removing the Bindweed from the Vegetable patch, weeding and moving and bagging the ready-to-go compost from the compost patch. Fittingly, and much like a school disco, we split into a boys group and a girls group, and although we didn’t dance separately we did all roll our sleeves up and get going! Apart from a few vicious (and as yet unidentified) insects in the vegetable patch everything went swimmingly and we were able to leave Warren with a few manageable tasks for the children to finish on their return.

No pub for us afterwards, all the Brighton Goodgymers needed an early night before the first day of school the next day 🤓

A good - if rather warm! - time had by one and all on the August installment of the (in)famous GoodGym Brighton monthly trail run.

We tackled an 11km loop of the River Adur, starting in Shoreham and finishing in the surreal art deco surrounds of the Hummingbird Resaurant at Brighton City Airport.

A uncharacterisitcally flat route for the South Downs meant lots of time to take in the scenery, appreciate the wildlife (egrets and swans - a - plenty) and catch up with other GG-ers as we ran. Our trail followed part of the Downs Link, taking in beautiful views of the Adur Valley, Lancing College Chapel and ye olde Beeding Cement Works. The Hummingbird Restaurant proved a perfect spot for some post run re-fuelling, watching the small planes and helicopters taxi around (bringing back vivid memories of Budgie the Little Helicopter) and an occasionally spectacular landing on the small runway.