A perfect morning at my first ever GoodGym session!

After a nice half an hour stroll up Bostall Hill, I took in the breathtaking gardens as I arrived a little early. Walking up to reception, nervous and full of excitement, Sarah and Johnny welcomed me into the GG community. I met the lovely head gardener, Jason - aka Van Gogh - credit to him for the pun in this title!

We made a start as the rest of the team showed up, with the mission to clear the pathway at the entrance and battle the thorns. A team of eight was the perfect number. Teamwork makes the dream work! Within an hour, we transformed the entrance.

Zita was a powerhouse, attacking the ivy in minutes, snipping and raking. She never stopped. Ceci was a pro with the shears and came up with great references for everyone: Sweet Caroline and Simon Says. She couldn't resist sharing a few dance moves at the end of the mission.

It was so lovely to start the weekend off with a rewarding workout, feeling that we are contributing to our local community. I discovered that Caroline went to the same secondary school as myself and met her husband at a pub in Bexley.

After a few photos, a few of us shared lunch, which was the perfect ending to the day! The hunter chicken was a great recommendation, although the lasagne looked just as tasty! Thanks to Robert for sharing his chocolate cake with us.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again next month.

Last night we ran and pedalled our way to Days Lane to do some leafleting for the Community Hospice - mixing our cardio with good deeding from the get-go!

Then we power-walked along one side of the road, posting leaflets through letterboxes to spread the word about the Hospice's fundraising Fun Day (coming next month!) and an epic Great Wall of China Trek (making 2026 the year of scenic strides).

We returned down the opposite side of the street, completing a neat flyer circuit and a great step count!

We met, we moved and - fingers crossed - we've reached some curious families and adventurous trekkers!

Next week we make a return visit to Wonder Zone Nursery to help them tackle a list of tasks. See you there!