Mon 26th Jun 2023 at 6:30pm
Wandsworth Report written by Anastasia Hancock (she/her)
It was new task night yesterday in Wandsworth, and we were excited to run up to Sentalk, a grassroots organisation which aims to provide better outcomes for children with special educational needs, is dedicated to improving the social and emotional mental health of Autistic and ADHD children and challenges discrimination of children with disabilities.
But first, despite the sticky weather, it was time for the warm up. We did heel flicks, high knees and lunges, as well as discussing where we would go if we were to be given a ticket to anywhere in the world. NZ and Oz were very popular, as did other far flung destinations like Belize, Canada and Japan. Lots of adventuring to be done!
We soon set off for Sentalk, which involved one run in a straight line to our destination. That seemed straightforward enough, until we got to where we thought should be - and couldn't find our organisation. A bit of running back and forth later, we spotted our host Jay waving at us from down a small turn off.
It was the first time we had visited the place so Jay gave us a little idea of the sort of amazing work they do and showed us to the outside area they hoped to transform. It was overgrown and people constantly throw litter into the space. However the kids love growing plants and the aim is to make this somewhere they can install raised beds and transform into a fun, welcoming area.
We got to work, sweeping, hosing, pulling up weeds, unsticking windows, picking litter - even tackling the stinky job of unblocking the drain! With all hands on deck it was amazing to see how quickly the place began to look completely different. Hopefully we will be back to give it a lick of paint and help create a growing space for the children to really enjoy.
Job done we had a quick photo before heading over to Wandsworth common to take on a fun - but definitely tough - fitness session. We kicked off with a plank relay which saw us sprint and plank our way across the line. The winners were Team A who just pipped Team B to the post. The second race, which was another relay this time with runs and static holds, saw a photo finish and declaration of both teams claiming the glory. We finished off with a core triathlon before running back to base.
Next week we are off for our monthly visit to Doddington community roof garden followed by a pub quiz . What a start to the week!
Mon 26th Jun 2023 at 6:30pm
The children will have a chance to spend more time outside
Read moreTuesday 20th June 2023
Tom Perks has done their first good deed with GoodGym.
Tom is a now a fully fledged GoodGym runner. They've just run to do good for the first time. They are out there making amazing things happen and getting fit at the same time.
Mon 19th Jun 2023 at 6:30pm
Wandsworth Report written by Anastasia Hancock (she/her)
Paradise Cooperative garden was created with the aim of utilising underdeveloped land for urban growing and community gardening. Opposite Wandsworth Prison is a tucked away parcel of land which was once an overgrown and derelict site. After masses of elbow grease from volunteers it has been transformed into a beautiful smallholding where local people can learn and grow together. The produce is donated to local organisations and it is an important learning oasis for local kids and those visiting relatives in the prison.
It's a big site, so we go regularly to support with various jobs. In the past we've spread woodchip, watered, planted and help maintain this green lifeline. Last night our job was cut back all the plants growing over the perimeter fence onto the street.
Luckily a good number of GoodGymers met as usual to to tackle the task in hand - and it was a treat to welcome Tom to his very first session! Great you could join us Tom. We set off for the 2km run to the garden in the late afternoon sunshine. Don't forget to rehydrate today, team! Before long we arrived and after the usual battle with the locks (with an amazing padlock cracking job from Katie) we grabbed what tools we could find and got to work.
The job was a huge one, with the sycamore and the ivy creeping right out into the road. We soon found ourselves ankle-deep in clippings and branches, and a big part of the job was transporting it all to the growing pile at the back of the garden.
Still, on we pruned, chopped and trimmed until we ran out of time. It's amazing to see how much you all managed to achieve throughout the session - take a look at those photos to see the before and after!
We just had time to squeeze in a fitness session in the common, focusing on balance and strength. Tackling one legged squats with our eyes closed, reverse lunges and lateral bounds you all did a great job with some very impressive balancing on display. Ok, I admit I did take one or two snaps while you all had your eyes shut... but check out how steady you all are!
Next week we're helping create a safe and fun outside space for a SEN children's centre, which should be a fun and rewarding task. Hope to see you there - until then, have a great week GG!
Mon 19th Jun 2023 at 6:30pm