We had a fabulous team out this morning to help with the monthly Dallow Downs Litter Pick. When they list the task as a litter pick they don't always warn us about the scale of the task, but there is very little that can discourage the GoodGymers in Luton. We started off with litter pickers and hooped bags, but then Sophie - the task owner mentioned that, hidden in the trees was a mountain of items that looked liked they had been tipped from one or more of the houses backing onto this once green space. Always up for a challenge and a work out, several of the team relinquished their bags and were led by Gill up into the trees. Omar retrieved two tyres, and not long after Gill found two tyres still attached to their wheels. These were soon carried down the hill to the entrance of the pathway. They might have been feeling time, but soon Fawaz and Abdulrahman were walking down with a double matress. Two more matresses were unearthed, and additional execricse was gained from some competitive matreess racing fromAbdulrahman and Fawaz on Team A and Ezrik, Atsiba , Teklay and Mohammed. While the team of two did finish first, the VAR decided there may have been some cheating, as they gave themselves a head start. And Abdulrahman and Fawaz then had a further race while carrying kitchen cupboards up high. Nuriya and Zainab did a fabulous job of continuing with the litter picking in the park while all these shenanigans were going on. It was just a shame that Zain ended up slipping down the hillside in the mud at the end of the task, with no matresses there to break her fall. Congratulations to Mohammed as this was his first GoodGym Community Task. We think he enjoyed it, and hope we haven't put him off getting involved in future tasks.

Another successful party for the older residents, this time of the Bushmead Area of Luton. They were expecting over 80 guests, and the GoodGym Team arrived bright and early to help with the cooking. Later in the morning the sub-team set off to the community centre to set up the hall and once all was ready the food was transported across ready to be dished up. Then it was all hands on deck to serve the guest who were waiting with relish for their dinners.

After the dinner there was music and dancing and it didn't take long before Gill, Abdulrahman and Fawaz joined Vera and some of the guests on the dance floor. And we were all impressed with Adbulrahman's newly learned dance moves.

After some Carol singing and an introduction to the Chief Executive of the Council, it was back to the kitchen to start the arduous task of washing up and cleaning down. It was a long day but everyone left with smiles on their faces, and Christmas wishes ringing in their ears.

Another prepared more than 140 meals, 140 desserts, and drinks today for a Christmas lunch. The atmosphere was full of love, joy, and happiness as we spent this special time with the elderly residents at Futures House 🎄❤️.

It was a beautiful day, and we enjoyed it very much. Abdulrahman

The team assembled early to decorate the hall, lay the tables and help cook Christmas Dinner. When the guests arrived they were then even busier making sure people had drinks and serving the food for the three course meal. As the entertainment started they made sure the tables were cleared and and the washing up was done. And finally, as the last guest left, they packed up the hall, took down the decorations and took all the rubbish out to the dust bins. it was a long day day and our hard work was really appreciated by the guests and organisers. Well done team.

Eight Goodgymers helped the Wigmore community begin their Christmas celebrations. They wrapped presents, hosted with food and drinks to tables helped with the washing up, clearing up and joined in with the fun and dancing.

Tonight's task was obviously very appealing as we had a great team at the Chaul End Community Centre, all set to do battle with 4 sacks of potatoes, 10 bags of carrots, 5 bags of parsnips, and a mountain of sprouts. With vegetable peelers and paring knives in hand, we set about peeling just about everything i sight, and with such a big team it didn't take us too long before everything was peeled, carrots were chopped, potatoes cut up for roasting and the parsnips and sprouts put ready for cooking. Tomorrow the veg will be cooked up for a Christmas meal for around 100 senior citizens. We really hope they enjoy their meal, they certainly won't be going hungry.

A GoodGym super team of 6 gave up their time to litter pick on this sunny sunday morning. Joining forces with the ‘Friends of Dallow Downs and Winsdon Hill’ community group, we worked together for an hour and a half to clear the area of as much rubbish as we could bag up. Unusual finds this morning included an abandoned fridge freezer full of murky swamp water, a huge flatscreen tv, parts of a bed and many of the usual. Beer cans, drinks bottles, plastic and remnants of food packaging. Clearing this litter away will make a huge difference to the local park users and wildlife. Great work, team!!!