Di at Baby Basics was delighted to have Team GG back to help out this week, and put us to work sorting through massive piles of children's clothing straight away.

Mani joined us for her very first task this evening, and was warmly welcomed by the group. She, Laura and Jane worked to sort out tiny clothes, shoes and toiletries in the stock room whilst the rest of the group tackled knits, hats and clothes in the main room.

Lucy was quite taken with a number of the hats she sorted, trying many on. Very dashing she looked too! Those sorting the toddler clothes got to test out their stylist skills by making up outfits from the donated clothing. I think there are going to be some incredibly fashionable toddlers out and about in the near future! In every single size of clothing there was a surplus of leggings and trousers - a whole lot of excess bottoms!

Four GGers (and sleepy mini GGer!) tackled Bransbury Park on our monthly battle with litter there. Only one bag this time with the usual food and drink wrappers / cans, and a beast-themed collar / fitness strap / bag strap which provided a perfect pun!

Only half an hour but still chipping away and making a difference to the nature in this area and beyond! I also cleared up a wet wipe dumping ground on the way home in the alley - our work is never done!

Until next month GGers!

GoodGym turned out in dribs and drabs today, but certainly made an impact on the running of the Fratton Family Festival.

Jen and Dave were first on the scene, and helped put up billboards, signage and gazebos. Their final task was to assemble a homemade banner for Fratton Together and get it mounted on their gazebo. Jen's retro knowledge of knots (clove hitch, anyone) helped get the banner hung up beautifully and with an easy mechanism to get it down again at the end of the day.

Next to the relay was Jane who finished the set up with the Fratton Together squad. She reported a good atmosphere, with the tempting smells from the food stalls, the music and everyone was happy. She then set out the volunteers' secret lunch area (behind a screen in the church) and helped mostly at the Food Pantry stall.

The anchor leg of GoodGym support came from Tracey, who helped with getting the area tidy towards the end of the day. Nice work, everyone!

3 was the magic number today with 3 of us turning up to weed and de-litter the North End street garden and both Jane and Yvonne completing their 3rd good deed of the day (it was "only" my 2nd!)

There was plenty of litter to be picked up, no good if you have a limp litter picker, mid task adjustments were needed! Lots of cans and glass, as usual, plus a discarded takeaway, half a sandwich and some gloves! Jane got all the news (plus 20 questions) from NE local Gary, who also thanked us for our help (better than the church apparently!)

Yvonne had a garden waste bag in her car so took all the weeds as well as all the recycling back home (good deed number 4?!).

Plenty of good done and dusted in an hour then we all headed our separate ways for a well earned lunch!

Yvonne and Jane decided to clean up the shore at Eastney Lake post parkrun.

We walked around the lock, tried to set sail and cycle in our search for litter.

Yvonne wanted to borrow a boat she'd found to pick up litter that was floating away but unfortunately the tide was out and we didn't have time to wait for it to return.

Jane tried out an electric bike but didn't get very far either.

Not a big haul today, just bits of plastic, cotton buds and food wrappings.

Perfect conditions for parkwalking and tail walking at Southsea parkrun, helping the vent happen for 390 parkrunners.

A pebble photoshoot was followed by the run brief and the very busy start that eventually rippled through to us walkers. Setting off along the prom withbb by lots of chat, the sea was beautiful alongside the promenade.

Passing the yomping Royal Marine, we were also passed by the front runners, still in a big pack and looking much hotter than us peaceful walkers!

Even the gentle breeze on the return leg was lovely, and super efficient scanners meant the results were processed super fast - well done everyone!