Ten Lovely GoodGym Folk Made a Difference in Camden Town and We Celebrated Jack's Wonderful 50 Good Deeds!!

Truly hidden amidst the electric bustle of Camden Town is an apartment block...

...Camden passersby see the shops and notice the (beautiful) church, but most walk right by the alley that leads to Barnes House Estate...

...although that changed last night as 10 wonderful folk in red were welcomed in by the equally wonderful Dan and Anna!

Our special group - of Alex, Auriela, Emily, Imogen, Kathleen, Jack, John, Michael, and Steve - started by taking in the communal garden's quietness - outside Camden Town bustled, while inside things felt gentler 🧘

Across the next 45 minutes, these lovely people scraped weeds from paving slabs, pulled weeds from grassy patches, and swept weeds into tidy compost bags! The section that looked half-weed, ended looking fresh and cared for!

And last night was an extra special occasion: Jack works in GoodGym HQ and I've seen (and benefited from) his truly excellent work - his efforts make GoodGym what it is - thank you for that, Jack, and thank you for your 50 good deeds!!

Thank you, everyone, and here's to next time!!

There's a distinct odour to gardening in April...

...some people call it mulching...

...others call it preparing the soil...

...but that's not what it smells like...!!

This lovely group - of Andy, Helen, Steve, and Tom - got the full farmyard experience on Tuesday!

Working in the twilight-lit Listening Space Garden (which is gorgeous) in Kentish Town, this group worked with the lovely Jo and Sarah to give the flower and tree beds what they wanted...

..the heavy bags displayed words like mushroom mix and extra special mulch but they didn't smell like either of those things...

...as the bags were cut and poured, and as the 'mix' and 'mulch' was spread, a distinct aroma caught in the breeze...

...call it poop or muck or manure... it was unmistakably new for Camden!!

Thank you, everyone! Your work will give life and nourishment to this very special green space!!

This special group - Imogen, Jackie, John, Siobhan, and Steve - made a visible difference on this spring evening.

Hidden just south of Gospel Oak station, Lismore Circus Community Woods is a patch of wild green that's been cared for by local volunteers for nearly 30 years. Lush and unique, it's a spot of wild (and communal) sanctuary :)

Having been welcomed by Suza, our wonderful (community champion) host, we swiftly got going with our evening task.

A mature block of Pyracantha - which is often known as Firethorn - needed a gentle trim and tidy. Cue many secateurs trimming and chopping, amidst stories and laughter (and even friendly passersby complementing our good work!)

Thank you, everyone, for your time and energy - it was lovely to see you all - and you made a visible difference to this special community space :)

8 GoogGym folk caught the (sun-filled) morning worm today :)

5.5 gentle miles + post running coffees + many laughs and much wonderful conversation :)

Thank you, everyone!

This special group of eight GoodGym folk caught the best of the morning sunshine today, and as they did they also gifted flowers and blooms to the community at Ingestre Road Estate.

Across 90 active and happy minutes, nine recycled planters (from a fancy complex in Battersea) were filled with gravel, lining, compost, and perennials :)

Thank you, everyone, for your time and energy this morning! It was just great to see you!

There is a special community that meets - in an unsuspecting basement - on Tottenham Court Road every Wednesday during the year's colder months.

Orchestrated by the brilliant Brooke and the team (including the super kind Russell) at the American International Church, different community groups come together to cook, build beds, and make a home for an evening. 💚

The C4WS Homeless Project provides warm respite from the streets and a supportive step towards stable accommodation.

Since October, our wonderful GoodGym folk have been setting up dining rooms, assembling camp beds, and finding out the best way to fight with a duvet cover.

And last night was no different ☺️

Our lovely group - of Alex, Auriela, Caitlin, Gosia, Jackie, John, Louise, Siobhan, and Steve - worked with aplomb and speed, and all whilst sharing stories and laughter ♥️

We'll certainly be back as soon as the evenings sharpen and darken 💛

Thank you, everyone, for bringing your energy and time last night!!