Dodging the showers

On a day where the whole evening looked as if it was going to be a rain wipe out and with an ink black sky, I would say that the gods were definitely shining down on us as not a drop rained down on us until we were all safely back home!

This was our third visit to the Dementia Hub and the difference that we have made since we first arrived is noteworthy. From an overgrown are of garden out at the back of the centre it has transformed into a tidy and well cared for area for the centre to enjoy.

Tonight was our last visit of the year before next Spring when we will return again.

John was quick to fall to his knees and start weeding the patio area carefully removing all the grass and weeds between the paving slabs.

Barbara looking fresh and exhilarated from her cycling adventure from Action Challenge adventure from Vietnam to Cambodia ( Congratulations! )got straight into some weeding with Belinda just outside the double doors leading into the back of the centre.

Rosalind put into action her tree pruning skills and was joined by Paul to tackle the prickly bush/ tree that looked a pyracantha ( according to Nick ! ) Daisy armed with secateurs also pitched in to help with breaking down the branches so that they would fit in the blue bags I had brought along.

I know we say it every year, as if its a surprise to us all - but the evening went from light to dark so very quickly. It was a good thing I had brought along Uncle Ivo's lights to illuminate the area. We would be lost without them !

Our last task before the clocks change and a great job done!

See you all on the dark side next week :)

Julia xx

Congratulations Sarah & Welcome back Ros

Once we all convened at the Dementia Hub it was certainly a joyous affair! However, before that everyone had to find the task and it wasn't helped by the fact the postcode was that of their old venue down the road! Luckily with some calls and frantic pavement waving we all ended up at the right time and right place!

How lovely was it to welcome back our intrepid traveller Rosalind on the same night that Sarah celebrated her 50th good deed! Considering Sarah is a fair weather GoodGymer and doesn't step a toe out of her front door if theres the slightest chance of rain, I think we will all agree that its a real achievement for Sarah to have got to 50 ! Time to model that black T shirt Sarah!

Still recovering from the extreme heat of her ultra event on Saturday Barbara got stuck into some pruning together with Gillybean who was the only member of the team who had visited the task with me before.

I put Craig in charge of the high pruning and Lucy was busily weeding. Meanwhile Sarah and Ros were multitasking! pruning the grass plus having a much needed catch up chat

Whilst Barbara, Gill and I cleared up the debris Lucy, Craig, Gill and Ros headed off for a short leg stretcher run.

Gill had managed to do a wonderful sweep up with a make shift broom in the form of branches she had pruned. The whole area looked immaculate in comparison to what it had looked like on arrival!

With a lovely framed print that John had made for Sarah consisting of her Worthing GG memories ( including a token London photo too) we wound the evening up. Sarah will officially celebrate her 50th on Monday 25th September alongside her buddy Johns 60th birthday celebrations. All welcome at the The Brew House from 7:15pm onwards.

Have a great week everyone !

Julia xx

On a sunny Wednesday evening, four dedicated GoodGymers volunteered at The Dementia Hub in Worthing

The Dementia Hub is a new task for us and a centre that provides daily care and socialising activities for individuals with both early and late onset dementia. It offers respite for caregivers at home while engaging clients in cognitive exercises to enhance their quality of life. The centre's coordinator, Lynsey, reached out to the GoodGym team for assistance in clearing the back garden of weeds, allowing the clients to create a colorful visual display that would complement the vibrant colours inside the facility.

Volunteers

Gillybean Anne Paula Julia

Task Description

The main objective of the volunteering task was to clear the back garden of weeds and prepare the area for the clients to work together and create a visually appealing display. The volunteers were tasked with weeding, pruning, and bagging plants, rubbish, and brambles.

Activities

We arrived at The Dementia Hub at 6 PM and were warmly welcomed by Lynsey, the coordinator. After a brief introduction and a description of the task at hand, the team immediately got to work. Equipped with gardening gloves, tools, and bags, we began the process of clearing the garden.

Gill, Anne, Paula, and I worked diligently, carefully identifying and removing weeds from the garden beds. The volunteers paid close attention to ensure that only unwanted plants were removed, preserving the existing flora and fauna. Pruning was also necessary to maintain the health and appearance of the plants.

The garden proved to be more challenging than initially anticipated, with an abundance of plants, rubbish, and brambles requiring removal. I experienced a small mishap when encountered a thorny bramble - there is visual evidence but not caught on camera.

Throughout the one-hour volunteering session, the team maintained a positive 'get this job done' atmosphere supporting each other. Our dedication and hard work were evident as we steadily filled 14 bags with the cleared debris which Lynsey ( or her husband ) will take to the tip.

Conclusion

After a fairly intense 60 minutes, the team of GoodGym volunteers successfully cleared the back garden of The Dementia Hub, preparing it for the clients to create a vibrant visual display. The collective efforts of Gill, Anne, Paula and myself, alongside the support and guidance of Lynsey, contributed to the transformation of the garden space.

The volunteering session at The Dementia Hub not only benefited the centre but also showcased the dedication and compassion of the GoodGym community. By providing assistance in maintaining and enhancing the outdoor environment, the volunteers played a significant role in supporting the overall well-being of individuals living with dementia.

Thank you so much all 4 of you - VERY much appreciated and so good to see Paula back with us again! Big love:)

See you all next week

Julia xxx