TRAID are pioneers in selling second-hand clothes, putting pre-loved vestments back on racks so they get another shot at being seen out and about (rather than rotting away in a wardrobe somewhere). But while TRAID might not approve of fast fashion, they still have to move with the seasons, and that means boxing up their current stock so new recruits can have their moment to shine. And there was quite a lot of that stock at the Kilburn TRAID! So Beatriz, Chris, Emily, Faz, Lee and Tabitha rolled up their sleeves so they could roll up some sleeves - as well as the other parts of the clothes they were packing away. That was only half the battle though, with no time for hangers on, as our six got to grips with endless, endless hangers that needed storing too. They really pulled their trousers up though (as well as the many second-hand trousers that needed dealing with), sorting the job in double-quick time. In fact, it looked like they might be ready to (cat)walk away ahead of schedule – until disaster struck. Faz’s jacket…had gone missing.
It’s the one thing we didn't want to happen. But no clothing left behind, so we ripped those taped up boxes back open, sending garments flying as we desperately attempted to find it. A real needle in the haystack operation, if the needle was something you could wear, and the hay was also stuff you could wear. Thankfully Tabitha emerged triumphant, clutching the missing coat above her head. The evening was saved, the circular economy was back on track, and we could be on our way again. See you again in January, TRAID!

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!

Beatriz, Emily Tabitha Pete and Lee worked hard to help pack up all the stock for Traid charity shop in Kilburn

Tabitha Pete and Lisa met at Beer ' n Burger in Willesden Green. Welcome Lisa! whose first time it was at Goodgym Brent. We did a short warm-up before jogging to Kilburn Grange Park where we met up with Amy, Beatriz and Karen and AJ, our host. AJ provided us with gloves and tools and explained what we needed to do. We split into two groups, AJ, Pete and Beatriz went off to tackle the removal of a small dead tree in a garden planter while Karen, Lisa, Amy and Tabitha stayed in the park to collect fallen leaves. We hacked at the tree and were luckily joined by a neighbour Phil who provided us with his big saw, with that help the tree came down in no time. Meanwhile the girls in the park worked really hard and filled 4 huge plastic sacks with leaves, removing leaves from almost all of their area of park. We then dragged all the bags full of leaves and branches to the gardening tools area of the park where we left them for collection. Some of us then jogged / walked back to B n B others who lived closer jogged / walked home. A quick drink to refresh ourselves and collect things from B n B. Well done everyone.