17th August marked 3 years since the first GoodGym Luton group run and task, so it was a good time to have a social to celebrate. Although there were fewer of us than last year (so many people have holidays at this time of year), what we lacked for in numbers we made up for in enthusiasm. Gill put on a fabulous spread in her back garden, including a celebratory GoodGym Pavlova. Associate Goodgymer Anabel also enjoyed the GoodGym Key Lime Pie! After food had been digested with lots of chatter and snoozing there was then an opportunity to get involved in some activity - perfect way to burn off those calories. Perhaps we need to set up a regular GoodGym badminton team... or perhaps not. 😂😂😂

It was a scorcher at Leagrave Park this morning for this months litterpick as 8 of our dedicated Goodgymers got there sun hats and sun block out so they could support the Friends of Leagrave Park and abcd-in-luton with regular community litterpick. it was lovely to walk about in such a beautiful setting, which benefits so much from a monthly tidy up. Today there was roughly 15 bags collected, a buggy and a safe... yes a safe. Its fair to say it was a workout carrying (and dragging) it back to base. The folp had provided water for everyone that wanted it which was greatly appreciated at the end of the task. Magnificent effort today team 👏

Tonight brought about the last cooking session for the Roma trust and the friends of the temple at the Shri Guru Ravidass Sangat Gudwara in town. We at Luton Goodgym have supported for 12 sessions which has helped the temple deliver a project that has brought together communities that otherwise may not cross paths and all through sharing the delights of Indian cooking. As this was the last session, our team turned out 11 volunteers to help with, prep, cooking and tidying up afterwards, as well as chatting and continuing to forge relationships with everyone on the room. 5 of us were a little late to the task as we were finishing up at another volunteerinng session in the town, but that didn't hold back the other 6 from getting stuck in. Making chapatis and putting all the ingredients together to make the tarka for the daal. Everyone took their turn tonight and the atmosphere was electric. The chai was flowing and the conversation was fantastic. Everyone had a great time this evening and we look forward to supporting the temple in the future as they always make us feel so welcome. Well done everyone and thanks for continuing to show what a fantastic bunch you all are.

Turn out for tonights task at the Shri Guru Ravidass Sangat Gudwara was great as 11 Luton goodgymers came to the penultimate cooking class as part of the temples near neighbours project, helping to integrate communities. The whole team got stuck in with cooking, washing pots and chatting to the guests from the Roma trust and the Irish forum. Mayra was especially pleased tonight as she got to wear her Red GoodGym shirt for the first time, Adrian also looked splendid as he wore his for the first time too. We look forward to seeing you guys out in those shirts again soon. After helping the aunties cook up some delicious treats, Sanjeev from the temple thanked everyone for their support over the 12 sessions and presented a cooking book with all the recipes we've helped to cook. I really feel like our support with this project has made a difference and I appreciate the opportunity afforded to us to be able to help. Well done team. you were great tonight

Today 8 goodgymers supported the Friends of Leagrave Park and Luton Borough Council with the monthly community litterpick. Despite the poor weather conditions, the team collected over 10 bags of rubbish 🗑 and covered a vast majority of the park. Whilst collecting in the woodland we came across some very pretty flowers on the river bank. Well done team, as ever you were all awesome.