GoodGym Worthing: Rooting for Change at the School Garden

On a sun-drenched breezy evening in Worthing, a cheerful team of GoodGym volunteers gathered at a local school, sleeves rolled up and spades at the ready. The mission? To tackle a set of stubborn, root-bound flowerbeds and get the school garden ready for planting butterfly friendly plants.

Amongst the team, El brought a bit of ergonomic brilliance to the task—adopting a smart corkscrew technique with her fork that made clearing roots easier on the back and surprisingly effective. It didn’t take long for others to take notice!

John wasted no time in getting stuck in with practiced determination. He was soon joined by Roxy whose energy and laughter kept spirits high as she wrestled with a particularly knotted section of roots.For the 2nd week running she unearthed a relic, this time of the canine variety in the shape of a jaw bone and teeth most likely belonging to the fox skull we dug up during our last visit.

Nearby, Ryan focused on systematically breaking up compacted soil and roots with plenty of sweat and toil but always a smile on his face :)

MeganPaula and Ricky teamed up to dig over a corner bed where roots had nearly taken over completely and where Ricky was particularly determined dislodging a stubborn tree root.

Stéphane brought a calm and steady energy, methodically working through one of the trickier beds and tree roots . His determination to get the job done was evident when he and John tackled another extremely persistent large root. Stephane always has a few good natured jokes up his sleeve to keep us all smiling!

Meanwhile, Anne , Belinda, Sarah, and Gillybean were tackling two overgrown flowerbeds bordering the classrooms. Armed with forks, trowels, and serious focus, they cleared thick weeds and undergrowth to reveal planting space ready for action. In very little time, both beds were transformed — clean, clear, and ready for planting.

The heavy work was softened by camaraderie, determination, and the a final victorious cheer as the last stubborn root gave way.

By the end of the session, the flowerbeds stood 90% cleared and turned and almost ready for fresh planting. Head Teacher, Helen came along to admire the transformation - Don't worry we will be back again soon to finish them.

Time to celebrate - Sarah wears her wings

The group headed to the pub, where there was no shortage of reasons to raise a glass. Roxy was marking her 50th GoodGym task and her birthday last week. She was surprised with a framed collage of photo memories ,each image representing one of her good deeds, a heartfelt tribute from the team. Sarah celebrated her impressive 100th GoodGym task and received a beautiful hand-crafted needlework portrait of herself in 'action'— beautifully stitched by John, capturing her perfectly. She was also modelling her much sought after GG 100 angel wings tee shirt which she did perfectly in her natural stylish way :)

Ricky was also in the spotlight, toasting both his 150th GoodGym and 200th parkrun milestones. He came well prepared for the occasion—bringing along two delicious cakes to share with the crew.

There was a slight delay in the celebrations for El, Anne, Megan, and myself as we had stopped to assist Stephane who had unfortunately taken a tumble on his bike en route to the pub. Though bruised and a bit shaken, Stephane was in good spirits and, after being checked out at A&E, was thankfully given the all-clear. The group, as always, pulled together—proving once again that GoodGym is more than just a running group; it's a community that looks after its own. Special mention to El for her speedy bandaging skills and to Anne for wheeling the bike home.

It was the perfect end to a memorable evening—filled with digging, laughter, surprises, and the kind of camaraderie that makes GoodGym Worthing truly special.

Until next week ..........

Julia xx

With Sarah achieving her Century last weekend, today Roxy discovered a Centaur(ie) of her own. Which will turn out to be more valuable, the coveted "wings" shirt, or the undergrowth find?

Christmas! Already!

As we arrived Belinda declared "Noel". It turned out she wasn't really seasonally muddled, but wondering aloud who was signed up for the task. Just as she clarified our puzzlement, who should turn up - El.

Always prepared

As usual Val had the task board prepared. With heavy, medium and light tasks available everyone got quickly stuck in. Stumps were removed, crumbling walls protected, weeds expunged, and more of those stinking irises extracted from the ground.

Worthing's most overplayed pun

"Is there a rake?" asked Ryan. "lf there was we'd make more progress", Sarah promptly declared. Not every GoodGym session is like a school day, but we certainly learn stuff!

From high to low

We've discovered a variety of interesting items over the years supporting St Botolph's. How exciting might Roxy's find today turn out to be? A pendant depicting a Centaur heading into battle, bow and arrow in hand. How old might it be? Is it a hidden treasure from time long ago? Will Roxy be wealthy beyond her dreams? Or will Sarah ask her dad about it and he'll say it came from Claire's Accessories circa 2022!

Celebrate Good Times! come on..... Next week we are gathering for Milestone and Birthday celebrations after the task. Will we get a record turnout - we do like to party together. Roxy has a target to meet before next Monday. Will she make it? Come along and find out........

Following a very brief break after parkrun, five of us headed back down the promenade to take part in the Worthing BID seafront planting. Bringing the promenade alive with colour for both visitors and locals to enjoy.

Sustainability and colour

We were pleased to again be allocated the seafront bed we have been working on for the last few years. A selection of plants were made available to us. Sustainable plants provided by the council, and plants to give colour by the BID. With plants selected, and wheelbarrow loaded, we headed for our bed.

Gardeners Whirled

At the bed, we spun into action. Already full of poppies close to bursting into colour the bed was first weeded and cleared of anything unwanted. With much deliberation about weed or not weed we uncovered enough bare soil to position the new plants to provide colour as the poppies die back.

Water, Water, Everywhere

But not a drop was needed here today. An overnight/early morning downpouring from the sky meant the soil was moist enough to welcome the new planting. If it is going to look good all season though, it will need regular watering. If you are passing by please provide a generous soaking if you are able to.

Mayoral Approval

The new Mayor popped by to see how the seafront planting was going on. It was her first official engagement since her inauguration. We proudly expounded the merits of GoodGym to her - she was impressed!

Volunteering gives you wings

Doing the double today moved one of our GoodGymers out of the Black, back into the Red. Today Sarah gained her wings. 100 good deeds. Amazing! Celebration for this achievement should already be booked into everyone's calendar!

It mattered today! Overnight rain and a strong westerly breeze made for a tough run/walk for the 578 individuals committed enough to take part. And GoodGym was there in support.

What goes around, sometimes disappears!

Before running, Sue took responsibility for the ever important course check. The all clear was declared and the run could proceed. It turned out that there was indeed much more space at the "Galloper" location than in previous weeks.

It's a set up. Again

John as usual assisted with set up, ensuring a long and winding funnel to keep the finishers busy as they head through to be scanned.

Not wild, not west

Unusually, Belinda was not in the role of Sheriff today. She was designated Marshal - and that's not a promotion as it was in the days of the Wild West US of A. Along with John she provided eyes on the course, focused on cheering and safety.

Bah, Brr, Ah

No, not Barbara, she's on a ultra volunteer shift (two actually) elsewhere! It was Roxy who braved the cold, mobile in hand, to scan those finishers.

It's a wrap

With Ryan and Sarah assisting with the clear up and close down after running parkrun ended and coffees beckoned.

It was GoodGym

It's always fun helping at parkrun. We try to have a GoodyGym volunteer focus once a month. Don't forget though, parkrun is not just for GoodGym! Recently there has been a shortage of volunteers for essential roles. It's a great reason to be up and out on a Saturday morning, and a lovely community to be part of.

Bark and Broom

Another Monday and another GoodGym task :)

We returned to a task venue that we haven't been to since last year and one we used to visit very regularly. Kamelia Day Nursery used to be one specialising in care of babies and young children with extra needs but these days it welcomes all babies and toddlers.

This evening we met with Deputy Nursery Manager, Vicky who gave us a small wish list for this evening.We were asked to weed the mud kitchen area before laying new bark and raking it through. We were also asked to sweep the playground areas which had become covered with a thin layer of sand. John, Ricky and El got on with the sweeping which proved to be quite a job and needed further enforcements later !

Barbara set about doing some weeding followed by helping John with the sweeping of the sand he had carefully collected .The remainder of the team started on weeding the mud kitchen in advance of distributing the bark. I nipped home to pick up another broom which Roxy set to work with. By the time I got back all the bark had been beautifully distributed and raked into place. As I wasn't there to witness this transformation, all the team can take take credit for it ! However I have a feeling that Craig , Stéphane, Sarah and Ryan played a part !

After the bark was completed, Stephane did some great weeding and tidying of the border of the mud kitchen whilst everyone else pitched in with shifting the sand and other debris that had been collected.

Tools down and we discussed and arranged our next social ( the important things in life! ) which will be Monday 9th June after the task . Details TBC but it seems there will be a lot to celebrate again!

Have a great BH Monday - next week we will meet on Wednesday. Details to be uploaded later today.

Julia xx

Powering through the undergrowth

16 dedicated members of my GoodGym team came together to transform an overgrown and unmanageable garden at a residential property supported by Turning Tides, a local charity working to end homelessness. The house currently provides shelter and support to six individuals on their journey toward independent living and stability.

The garden, previously neglected and overrun with brambles, weeds, and overgrown trees , had become a barrier to enjoyment and use for the residents. Our team set out with the goal of creating a welcoming, safe, and usable outdoor space where residents could relax, socialise, and reconnect with nature.

Huge thank you to John who brought a selection of battery operated power tools. If it wasn't for them and Nicks strimmer that I brought along, we wouldn't have achieved nearly as much in the time that we had.

Throughout the hour that we were there, the team completed the following tasks:

Clearing: The team worked quickly to remove thick overgrowth, brambles, ivy and invasive weeds from flower beds and borders. Many thanks to you all that clambered all over and behind the flower beds to achieve this.Sue , fresh back from Krakov was particularly good at this :) Sarah showed off her multi tasking skills by entertaining Mali the puppy together with helping with the clearing !

Special mention to Belinda who delayed her work trip away to come along tonight -this meant a 5.30am start the next day instead.

Lawn Recovery: El and Ryan did a brilliant job strimming whilst John mowed . The combined effort gave the area a much-needed refresh.

Trimming and Pruning: Paul used the power hedging tool and literally ripped through the bush ( not sure of its name ! ) Between him and John they also sawed through overhanging tree branches to improve light and access.Stéphane helped with a bit of branch hanging too!

Another two mentions to Megan and Paula for doing great work and being extremely good company to be around too.

Birthday girl Gillybean did a fantastic job unearthing a concrete path removing weeds and grass and creating space for residents to sit and soak up some sunlight.

Weed did it

The transformation was immediate and impactful. What was once an inaccessible, overgrown plot is now a clean, inviting, and functional garden space. A Resident leaned out of the window and expressed her heartfelt thanks which meant alot to us all. This project not only improved the physical environment but also strengthened community ties, boosted morale among residents, and gave my team a chance to make a tangible difference locally.

To the pub

Some of us headed to the pub for celebratory drinks and cake that Roxy had kindly made. Together with Gills Birthday we had several other personal achievements to celebrate. Huge congratulations to the following

Anne on her 50 Mile run across the downs. Barbara Patagonia Trek Roxy 2 marathons at Brighton and London Mel Cycling adventure up North ( solo and team events)

We are super proud of you all.

Thank you to you all for a fantastic turnout

Have a great week all of you :)

Julia xx