After wrapping up at our GG task at Blackfen Community Library, I ventured out solo, walking between nearby shops, cafes and businesses asking them to display a leaflet about the Community Hospice’s Great Wall of China fundraising trek taking place next year.

Almost everyone cheerfully accepted a leaflet, and some even let stick it up in their window or on their community noticeboard myself!

Hopeful the Hospice will see some new sign‐ups!

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!

Volunteering at Bexley parkrun – A Great Start to the Weekend

This weekend, I had the chance to give back to the parkrun community in a way that was both fun and fulfilling. I signed up for a volunteering task and decided to combine it with my usual run – and I’m so glad I did.

I kicked things off by running the parkrun first, getting my 5K in with a great atmosphere and energy all around. After crossing the finish line, I switched gears and jumped into my volunteering role for the post-run close down. Helping pack away and making sure everything was in order gave me a deeper appreciation for the effort that goes into making each parkrun happen.

Task completed – and I couldn’t be happier. Running followed by volunteering turned out to be the perfect combo. It felt great to contribute while still getting my usual run in.

Overall, what a fantastic way to start the weekend! I’d highly recommend volunteering when you can – it’s a simple way to support your local parkrun, meet fellow runners, and have a bit of fun while you’re at it.

Till next time! - Cecilia D. 🍀

Scene opens on a muggy evening at Holy Trinity Lamorbey Church... a band of GoodGymers assembles once more.

They came on bikes and on foot—ordinary volunteers with extraordinary resolve. Their mission: to face the final frontier of horticultural havoc—the last section of an overgrown, weed-choked flowerbed.

Leading the charge, parishioner Kevin—armed with loppers and an iron will—took to the trees, slicing through the low-hanging branches like a seasoned warrior.

Below, the muscle crew stepped up. No brambles ignored, no weed membrane left behind. With a mighty heave, they wrestled the deeply buried plastic nemesis from the soil's grip. It wasn't pretty. It wasn’t easy. But it was epic.

In a parallel subplot, Martin—our logistics powerhouse—pushed his wheelbarrow to the limits, transporting mound after mound of cuttings and membrane waste. His destination: the sacred Waste Area, where debris would later meet its destiny—compost or skip, come autumn.

And in the shadows, the smallest but sharpest-eyed guardian of them all: Cola, Kevin’s dachshund. Her judgement was fierce. Her standards, uncompromising. No belly tickles until the mission was complete.

Three heroic GoodGym sessions. Countless weeds vanquished. One flowerbed, reborn.

The groundwork is complete. The battle is won. But the saga isn’t over.

Coming soon…

"Planting Day: Rise of the Perennials" 🌱💪🛠️

The Goodgym Bexley donation-sorting team, Caroline, Simon and Zita, got together this fine Saturday morning in great spirit and ready to tackle the metal carts full of kindly donated items.

While giggling and sharing stories, our hands were busy opening one bag after another.

There were "No bad vibes" just "Little things", something floral and pretty.

We got to hold a few Elsa and Ana dolls, and joked that someone had 'Let Them Go' 😊

Lovely morning spent with gorgeous people at the Community Hospice shop.