Thanks to Maidenhead United FC for inviting us to be part of the fun at their annual MacMillan Coffee morning. There was a real buzz as people from the local community came together at the Maidenhead Athletic Club (MAC) clubhouse for a cake feast and lots of activities. We hosted a litter pick and there was also a walking football tournament, a walk round the park, a track session, and did I mention the cake!?

The litter picking group included regular GoodGymers, new GoodGymers, MAC members and walkers. It was great to see such a big turnout and a warm welcome to Lucy and Miranda, who were logging their first GoodGym good deeds.

Extra kudos to Sophie, who ran 10 miles on her way to the session!

We found the usual depressing mix of bottles, cans, plastic wrappers and discarded vapes, plus some bigger items of packaging. The Braywick Road offered particularly rich pickings. We were determined not to let us get it down though - we made a positive difference and that's something to celebrate.

7 Goodgymmers answered the call for volunteers to knit or crochet Easter chicks or bunnies, which will each be filled with a creme egg and sold in aid of Alexander Devine Children's Hospice. At the time of writing, 29 have been completed, with maybe some more on their way before next week's deadline. Each will be sold for £3, meaning that we will have contributed at least £87 to this worthwhile charity. Well done to the team of Clare, Claire, Gillian, Jess, Nicola, Rosie and Sheila. Egg-cellent work!

At the end of a busy January of GoodGyming some of us have been feeling a bit spaced out. We're ready for February...and beyond! And we've been making sure the library is ready too, by making space themed decorations.

The decorations will go up soon as part of the countdown to the Maidenhead Big Read Festival, which will blast off over the weekend of 4th and 5th March, with lots of free events to inspire everyone to love reading.

This task was more creative than physical, but GoodGymers were also motivated to get some extra steps in whilst delivering their creations to me, and it has been a treat for me to receive them.

I've returned from a GoodGym session to find rockets and astronauts on my doorstep, I've received an amazing spaceship with beautifully crocheted aliens at a Pilates class, and I've even answered the door to discover the answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.

Well done to everyone who dived into the tin foil, paint, cardboard, wool and sequins and made a contribution. You're all stars. We have an amazing mix of fantasy, fact and fun, and it's going to look fabulous!

I'm also delighted to report that this session rockets us into our biggest month of GoodGyming ever. We've really started 2023 with a Big Bang!

Amy, Anna, Clare and Tessa met at Kidwells Park for a chilly but sunny lunchtime litter pick. It was very encouraging to see crocuses starting to pop up - spring is on its way! We were pleased to discover that there was a ‘good’ amount of litter: not too much, but enough to make for a satisfying task! The combination of sunshine, fresh air, exercise, a chat and a good deed picked up our spirits and at the end we all set off (for a swim, a run, a bike ride and a walk respectively!) feeling positive!

Thanks to Tessa for reporting on the Kidwells crew!

Meanwhile Georgeta, Gillian and Jen couldn't make it to Kidwells, but did a great job tackling the litter in their neighbourhoods instead. Jen reported that her kids didn't think she was too cool when she showed up at school pick up with a litter picker and bag of rubbish, but we think she's totally awesome - much like all the other GoodGymers out getting fit and doing good deeds today.