This week’s GoodGym task took us to one of our favourite local beauty spots — Goring Gap — for a satisfying and sociable litter pick. With the autumn leaves beginning to fall, the area was looking gorgeous, but there was still plenty of stray rubbish hiding among the trees and along the paths.

Armed with litter pickers, gloves, and a good dose of enthusiasm, our team fanned out across the park to tidy up. We managed to fill several bags with bottles, cans, crisp packets, and the usual mysterious “unidentifiable objects” that always seem to appear! Passers-by gave us smiles and thank-yous, which always makes the effort feel even more worthwhile.

Trash Talk & Tasty Treats

Once the task was done and the area looking cleaner than ever, we headed back to my house for a well-earned social — complete with drinks, nibbles, and some cake. It was a lovely way to unwind together, chat, and celebrate another GoodGym evening well spent ( plus a significant milestone Birthday)

I would just like to add a huge thank you for the incredibly generous birthday gift you all clubbed together for my 60th! I’m really touched by your kindness and thoughtfulness — it means a lot to me. I feel very lucky to be part of such a wonderful GoodGym family. Thank you all for making my birthday so special and Tamsin for organising the collection for me ❤️🎉

Also a huge thanks to everyone who came along and contributed both to the clean-up and to the good vibes afterwards. The park looked better for our efforts, and our spirits were definitely lifted by great company and good food!

Well done team — see you next week for another task and another round of good deeds! John is in charge- happy days!

Covering until Wadars find a permanent volunteer for Friday afternoon shift in the cattery

Covering for a volunteer that couldn’t do their shift

Paula and Barbara spent some time with Margaret in the garden today, giving things a good tidy-up. Together they dug out an old laurel bush, did some weeding, and generally made the space look much neater.

Margaret was her usual cheerful self, smiling the whole time and chatting away while everyone worked. She really does brighten up any day — it’s always such a pleasure to spend time with her.

By the end, the garden looked fresh and cared for again — you could say things are really budding along nicely! 🌿