Tabitha, Samina, Chris, and Beatriz gathered at Brent Mencap ready to rock. But before we could even flex a muscle, Beatriz set the bar high with a random act of kindness. A local homeless man asked for a specific refreshment, and Beatriz—being the absolute legend she is—popped next door to buy him a pint of Guinness. Talk about a stout-hearted start to the evening!

We had grand designs to get ripped tonight—both physically (with a HIIT session) and literally (shredding paper). However, our plans were cut short. A miscommunication meant the office with the shredders was locked tight, and the room we planned to exercise in was currently being cleaned. It was almost a tear-able situation, but we didn't let it fold us.

Not ones to cry over spilt milk (or locked doors), we raided the kitchen instead. We scrubbed the sides until they sparkled and emptied the dishwasher, which was a plate relief for the staff. We also tackled the inside of the fridge—it was a chilling experience, but someone had to do it.

Chris took charge of the floor duties; he really sucked it up and hoovered every inch of the carpet until the dust bit the dust.

We departed feeling virtuous, but the drama wasn't over. Chris had to make a quick dash back inside because he forgot his phone—talk about a close call! We finished the night at the pub across the road, because after all that cleaning, we definitely deserved to get served.

On Monday evening, we met up and extended a huge, warm welcome to Abolfazal for his very first GoodGym session—and he dove straight into the action! We powered through a 2km run to collect a huge stack of concert leaflets for the fantastic Queens Park Singers. Splitting the load efficiently between the four of us, we hit the streets and managed to get the leaflets delivered to the community in a phenomenal 30 minutes, avoiding any rain! We then regrouped and ran happily back to Willesden for a well-deserved, refreshing drink.

Excellent work team! Next week, our mission continues as we pivot to support our local area by delivering leaflets for the Queens Park Community Council. Come join us and make a difference!

At Clitterhouse Farm, the approaching cold weather means the greenhouse has never been more important (or appreciated). But while it keeps all the incubating veggies inside nice and toasty, who’s looking out for it? The answer, of course, is GoodGym.

To make sure the sturdy wooden frame was ready for whatever the elements might chuck at it, Tabitha, Josh, Samina, Pete, and Chris headed over to give it a good oiling — specifically with linseed oil, which is perfect not only for protecting wood from rot and moisture, and enhancing its natural grain and colour (what a glow-up!), but also for bringing back nostalgic memories of preparing cricket bats as a child. (That might just have been Pete, though.)

Before we could start, we had to make sure that any existing residents wouldn’t be harmed, so several volunteers used feather dusters to sweep away cobwebs and safely deposit quite a few huge spiders into the nearby bushes.

Then it was just a question of grabbing our brushes and sponges and giving the greenhouse a nice, solid coat of oil - all set for the months ahead!