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!

A bright and slightly chilly evening saw our small but mighty team of five heading to English Martyrs School, where we were warmly greeted by Helen, the head teacher. She filled us in on the school’s plans to give their gardens a boost in time for the new season — and we were more than happy to help!

With tools at the ready, we split into two mini teams to make the most of our time. John, Roxy and Julia got to work on a bed full of lily-like shrubs, carefully digging them up, dividing the roots and replanting the new sections all along the flowerbed. It was a satisfying and surprisingly creative job — and by the end, the border was looking much fuller and ready to flourish.

Meanwhile, Ricky and El tackled another flowerbed that needed a good weed and clear-out. The pair worked methodically to remove stubborn roots and prepare the soil, setting it up perfectly for the bulbs that will be planted tomorrow.

By the end of the session, both areas looked tidy, refreshed and full of promise. Helen was delighted with the progress, and we left feeling proud of what our compact crew had achieved.

A lovely evening of teamwork, green thumbs, and garden transformation — well done, team! 🌱💪

With a visit from the Bishop imminent the GoodGym faithful gathered under the Bells of St Botolph’s to assist Rik and Val in ensuring she could see church grounds looking their best.

Dressed to impress

After achieving 50 Good Deeds status last week, Ryan arrived excitedly in his new shirt. Check out the photos to see how good he looks in black! Imagination required, perhaps!

All welcome here, except….

Except Iris! We’ve done our best over the years to give Iris a clear “not welcome ‘ere message”. It’s fallen on deaf ears. Today Ricky got stuck in to battling with that Stinking Iris, discarding every clump encountered. We will not be defeated!

Oh, Ivy isn’t welcome either….

Most of the team got stuck into the eviction of that constantly creeping ivy. Tendrils clinging to branch, trunk and wall were no match for the determined band. All welcome, unless you’re not, was the battle cry of the evening.

Taking it to the edge

John looked for the easy job - Sarah arrived late, so it wasn’t already taken! With brush in hand, and definitely no hoedown the edge of the bed was rediscovered. Nap time anyone….

Cleared that up then

A final flurry of clearing left the area suitably presentable for any visiting dignitaries to see what a well cared for church St Botolph’s is.

A very productive hour or so with my friend Sam

It seems that a walk, a chat and filling 4 large bags of litter is a wonderful way to spend a sunny and warm September afternoon. 🤩

A lively crew gathered this evening at the house supported by Turning Tides Homelessness charity for a front-and-back-garden spruce-up—and two big celebrations!

🎉 Ryan’s Fantastic 50! Ryan marked his 50th good deed in classic style, confidently wielding a power tool to give the shrubs a stylish trim. Ricky followed close behind with rake in hand, sweeping up every last bit of debris.

🎂 Happy Birthday, John! Birthday boy John spent the evening on his knees weeding the front beds—joined for a cheerful catch-up by Sarah and a quick hello from Tamsin.

🌱 Welcome Back Team! After a busy summer away, Mel and Paul returned with energy . Mel tackled the clearing, while Paul focused on precision pruning, transforming the front garden’s look in no time.

🚴‍♀️ Barbara’s Back from Kenya! Fresh from an epic cycle trek in Kenya 🇰🇪, Barbara rejoined the group, sharing a teaser of her adventures (we can’t wait to hear more!).

💪 Resident Power! House resident Adrian grabbed the strimmer and made quick, efficient work of the back garden—what a star!

To round off the evening, we headed to the pub to raise a well-earned glass to John’s birthday and present Ryan with his 50-task memory frame. Cheers to community, milestones, and gardens that look as good as we all felt! 🌿🍻