Five wonderful GoodGymmers assembled last night for a thorough litter pick around Finsbury Gardens.

The One Where Sarah Tried (Twice)

The gardens are riddled with mess, we had been assured but at first glance after our arrival, the place looked suspiciously spotless. You know that moment when you arrive, gloves on, litter pickers at the ready, and think: Have we been pre-cleaned? Well, appearances can deceive, and our Goodgymmers are nothing if not determined. Give us a patch of grass and a bit of shrubbery, and we will find rubbish. And sure enough, we did: three whole bags of it, thank you very much.

But the star of the haul was not the crisp packets, the bottles, nor even the mysterious orphaned shoe. No. The true crown jewel of the evening was an old, slightly tragic scooter bravely rescued from an overgrown bramble as if it had been waiting years for exactly this moment.

Naturally, Mark and Paul immediately recreated their BMX-driving, non-helmet-wearing glory days with gusto. Happy to report that despite some questionable driving, no Goodgymmers were harmed in the making of this report.

Meanwhile, James stole the sartorial spotlight with the most important debut of the night: his brand-new red GG T-shirt. Fresh, vibrant, and worn with the pride of someone who has absolutely been waiting for the postman like a kid on Christmas Eve. At one point we’re pretty sure he was modelling it more than he was litter-picking, but honestly? Fair enough. It looked great. All along, Veronika kept us all ticking along and on task with the patience of a saint. Hero.

Special shout-out goes to Sarah, who heroically attempted to join us not once but twice. Unfortunately, the universe , and London buses, had different plans for her. Two failed attempts, two disappearing hopes, one determined Goodgymmer foiled by public transport. We missed you, Sarah. Your perseverance deserves at least half a bag’s worth of credit. Also honourable mention to Ellie, who in true GG Haringey form, absolutely stacked it at her run club and is currently in the sick bin. Heal soon, Ellie.

In the end, Finsbury Gardens was a little cleaner, we were a little happier, and Paul and Mark were a little wobblier in the knees than when we started. A successful evening all round.

Come next week.

7 Goodgymmers got together on the edges of a very dark Lordship Rec to lend a hand to the Friends of Harmony Gardens in creating a safe path into the park

These Girls Definitely Can!

The theme for the evening was reclaiming all public spaces for everyone. And led by the indomitable, if a little directionally challenged, Latoya that's exactly what we did!

Firstly, though, we had a Goodgym task to get on with. Mike from the Friends group met us with spades, wheelbarrows, and mountainous pile of woodchip, and a task to create a safe path into the park from the Broadwater Farm entrance to the the Rec. Reader, we did. 6 of us did about 50% of the work while SuperDave in his usual Energizer bunny mode did about the other 50% by himself. At some point, he wasn't even using a spade to fill up his wheelbarrow!

Once we completed our task, Latoya took over and led us on a fun Cupid Shuffle session in the dark before leading a nice stroll through the dark Rec. Boom.

10 Goodgymmers crashed into the gates at Russell Park for an evening of painting and bonhomie. Highlights of the evening included Gramps absolutely stacking it on the run to task and injuring himself in a few places, and our Sarah's unwitting invitation for a spot of heavy caressing. You had to be there!

Normal service will resume this week at Chapmans Green - come!