The Return of the Weeds: A Garden Showdown at the Community Rooms

It was another sunny session at the Community Rooms garden, and our team of GoodGym volunteers turned up ready to do battle with a familiar foe: the relentless, ever-returning weeds! We were greeted by our task hosts Val and Rik.

Val's vision was clear - to create a pathway through the overgrowth in preparation for laying paving stones down the middle of the garden. The weeds had clearly not taken a break since our last visit, but neither had our determination.

It was lovely to see Daisy back again, joining Barbara in tackling the thickets of stubborn weeds with impressive speed and stamina. Roxy and Ricky were on weed-duty too, digging deep to loosen some particularly entrenched roots.

Meanwhile, Paula was on paving slab patrol — shifting heavy stones like a pro to clear space for the path. Paul and Craigproved to be absolute machines, digging out vast amounts of weeds and making light work of some truly overgrown sections.

As always, the teamwork and shared sense of purpose made even the toughest bits feel manageable. With the path almost ready for its new paving stones, we’re well on our way to transforming this community garden into a more accessible and welcoming space for everyone.

Until next time, weeds — we’ll be back!

Check out all the good stuff that's happening in the next month or so !

Have a great week 😄

Julia xx

Sunny Skies – A Worthing Beach Clean

On a gloriously sunny June evening, with the sea shimmering and the sky clear, our brilliant GoodGym Worthing crew gathered for a feel-good litter pick along the beach. The golden hour light set the perfect backdrop for a community-powered mission, and the sea breeze carried the cheerful energy of everyone arriving.

This evening’s team included our regularsGillybean , Roxy , Craig, Sue , Megan, and the ever-dedicatedStéphane – sporting a wrist splint but still smiling after his recent accident. True to form, he wasn’t going to let that stop him from getting stuck in!

It was also great to welcome Susan to a Monday night and what a perfect evening for it. However I must apologise for not capturing you on the group photo - I'm not quite sure how we lost you but you and I did enjoy a good chat together.

Armed with litter pickers, gloves, and good vibes, we split into small teams and made our way across the pebbles and promenade. It didn’t take long to uncover the usual suspects: crisp packets, bottles,cans, rogue flip-flops, and even the occasional mystery item best left unmentioned! We all headed under the pier to clear up the usual debris and took the opportunity for a stunning photo ( just a shame Susan isn't in it :(

With the sun still fairy high in the sky, the group gathered once more, bags feeling heavier. Together, we’d cleared a significant stretch of the beach, helping to protect our beautiful coastline and all who enjoy it.

Thanks to everyone who came out and made this evening not just productive but full of happy banter, camaraderie, and that unbeatable GoodGym buzz. Here's to many more sunny seaside missions!

#GoodGymWorthing #BeachCleanDreamTeam #WorthingWonders 🏖️🌞🦀

GoodGym Worthing: Rooting for Change at the School Garden

On a sun-drenched breezy evening in Worthing, a cheerful team of GoodGym volunteers gathered at a local school, sleeves rolled up and spades at the ready. The mission? To tackle a set of stubborn, root-bound flowerbeds and get the school garden ready for planting butterfly friendly plants.

Amongst the team, El brought a bit of ergonomic brilliance to the task—adopting a smart corkscrew technique with her fork that made clearing roots easier on the back and surprisingly effective. It didn’t take long for others to take notice!

John wasted no time in getting stuck in with practiced determination. He was soon joined by Roxy whose energy and laughter kept spirits high as she wrestled with a particularly knotted section of roots.For the 2nd week running she unearthed a relic, this time of the canine variety in the shape of a jaw bone and teeth most likely belonging to the fox skull we dug up during our last visit.

Nearby, Ryan focused on systematically breaking up compacted soil and roots with plenty of sweat and toil but always a smile on his face :)

MeganPaula and Ricky teamed up to dig over a corner bed where roots had nearly taken over completely and where Ricky was particularly determined dislodging a stubborn tree root.

Stéphane brought a calm and steady energy, methodically working through one of the trickier beds and tree roots . His determination to get the job done was evident when he and John tackled another extremely persistent large root. Stephane always has a few good natured jokes up his sleeve to keep us all smiling!

Meanwhile, Anne , Belinda, Sarah, and Gillybean were tackling two overgrown flowerbeds bordering the classrooms. Armed with forks, trowels, and serious focus, they cleared thick weeds and undergrowth to reveal planting space ready for action. In very little time, both beds were transformed — clean, clear, and ready for planting.

The heavy work was softened by camaraderie, determination, and the a final victorious cheer as the last stubborn root gave way.

By the end of the session, the flowerbeds stood 90% cleared and turned and almost ready for fresh planting. Head Teacher, Helen came along to admire the transformation - Don't worry we will be back again soon to finish them.

Time to celebrate - Sarah wears her wings

The group headed to the pub, where there was no shortage of reasons to raise a glass. Roxy was marking her 50th GoodGym task and her birthday last week. She was surprised with a framed collage of photo memories ,each image representing one of her good deeds, a heartfelt tribute from the team. Sarah celebrated her impressive 100th GoodGym task and received a beautiful hand-crafted needlework portrait of herself in 'action'— beautifully stitched by John, capturing her perfectly. She was also modelling her much sought after GG 100 angel wings tee shirt which she did perfectly in her natural stylish way :)

Ricky was also in the spotlight, toasting both his 150th GoodGym and 200th parkrun milestones. He came well prepared for the occasion—bringing along two delicious cakes to share with the crew.

There was a slight delay in the celebrations for El, Anne, Megan, and myself as we had stopped to assist Stephane who had unfortunately taken a tumble on his bike en route to the pub. Though bruised and a bit shaken, Stephane was in good spirits and, after being checked out at A&E, was thankfully given the all-clear. The group, as always, pulled together—proving once again that GoodGym is more than just a running group; it's a community that looks after its own. Special mention to El for her speedy bandaging skills and to Anne for wheeling the bike home.

It was the perfect end to a memorable evening—filled with digging, laughter, surprises, and the kind of camaraderie that makes GoodGym Worthing truly special.

Until next week ..........

Julia xx

Roxy, Hudson and I spent a very pleasant hour walking , talking and litter picking around Goring Gap. The sun was shining and whilst doing a goid deed we also got Roxy to 49 tasks meaning we can celebrate her 50th on Monday!

With Sarah achieving her Century last weekend, today Roxy discovered a Centaur(ie) of her own. Which will turn out to be more valuable, the coveted "wings" shirt, or the undergrowth find?

Christmas! Already!

As we arrived Belinda declared "Noel". It turned out she wasn't really seasonally muddled, but wondering aloud who was signed up for the task. Just as she clarified our puzzlement, who should turn up - El.

Always prepared

As usual Val had the task board prepared. With heavy, medium and light tasks available everyone got quickly stuck in. Stumps were removed, crumbling walls protected, weeds expunged, and more of those stinking irises extracted from the ground.

Worthing's most overplayed pun

"Is there a rake?" asked Ryan. "lf there was we'd make more progress", Sarah promptly declared. Not every GoodGym session is like a school day, but we certainly learn stuff!

From high to low

We've discovered a variety of interesting items over the years supporting St Botolph's. How exciting might Roxy's find today turn out to be? A pendant depicting a Centaur heading into battle, bow and arrow in hand. How old might it be? Is it a hidden treasure from time long ago? Will Roxy be wealthy beyond her dreams? Or will Sarah ask her dad about it and he'll say it came from Claire's Accessories circa 2022!

Celebrate Good Times! come on..... Next week we are gathering for Milestone and Birthday celebrations after the task. Will we get a record turnout - we do like to party together. Roxy has a target to meet before next Monday. Will she make it? Come along and find out........

Will Belinda be able to restore the sewing machine, and make a GoodGym coat, before the official ones arrive?

How's that for a conversation starter courtesy of Mr R?!😅 It is, however one which I don't know the answer to 🙈

With the recent last Spring Bank Holiday of the year on Monday we opted for another mid week task and all arrived at Goring Gap for a litter pick. Usually we fill multiple bags of all sorts of rubbish and oddities .Today we found less rubbish but even stranger fly tipping.

Belindaand Birthday girl Roxy found two abandoned sewing machines ! There was one Singer antique one and one more modern boxed one. They were both fairly swiftly stashed in the boot of Belinda's car for John to renovate then both cherish.

Armed with a litter picker and bag, we set off on a sociable stroll around the roads. As always it was great to catch up with each other's news and hear what everyone got up to over the recent BH Monday. Stéphane had enjoyed a long weekend in Norwich and El had a really pretty new haircut.

Even thought there was less rubbish ( which was great ) we still managed to find plenty to fill our bags.

As I sit here in the departure lounge at Gatwick Airport writing this I'm officially handing over next Monday's task at St Botolphs Church and the subsequent report toJohn. With this in mind you will be guaranteed to have a long and witty report to share your Tuesday morning coffee with 😍☕️

As for me I have surprised my unsurprisable husband with a long weekend in Porto to celebrate his 65th Birthday.

Byeee for now. See you all very soon.

Happy GoodGyming

Julia xxx