With waterproof trousers for Sarah and I, and wet socks after a Park run at Bevendean Down for Rachel, three Good Gymers helped the volunteers of Friends of William Clarke park set up the tents for ‘Block Party in the Patch.’ Tasks included bringing down tents in a trolley from the container and setting them up, and by the end of it we became quite efficient in remembering how to set them up. With the weather looking changeable, we needed to set up all the event shelters. Luckily the weather was dry for the event and we had a great turn out. William Clarke park (The Patch) which is a hidden park behind Elm Grove, has a fascinating history as it was built on old railway land from the now defunct branch line of the Kemp Town railway, with an old tunnel still existing from Elm Grove to Kemptown. However, this community event was a celebration of the New York Block Party scene of the 1970’s and 80’s and featured a fantastic local breakdancing krew, live street art from Casettelord, an interview with New York journalist Mark Riley, two rappers with a jazz band and a couple of Block Party DJ’s with lots of dancing.

Disregarding downpours earlier in the day, an enthusiastic group of Goodgymers jogged to Moulsecoomb Primary to help out in the garden. Bypassing the historical huts constructed for pedagogical purposes, we headed to the veg patch and a collection of young trees at the back of the playground. Moulsecoomb Primary is well-known for its lush and variegated playground, and we do enjoy visiting periodically to help with weeding and general gardening.

Serenaded by the unexpected but welcome cries of a nearby urban chicken, we hacked at overgrown brambles, dug up weeds, and meticulously removed bindweed that was choking the baby trees. We were having so much fun we almost forgot to stop, but sadly the darkening sky warned us that it was time to be on our way.

Thanks team for a great task, and to Rosie for leading the first part of the run! We're looking forward to returning to more of our old haunts as we get into autumn 🍂

This week, 12 GoodGymmers made their way to One Church on Florence road, to help them clear space for a community compost to be installed. One Church Brighton is a broad and inclusive church, who do lots of different activities in and around Brighton, from worship to running community cafes, and putting on events.

6 of us braved the run up Ditchling Road, while others made their own way via bike or walking - all of us arriving to a warm welcome from out host (and very own GoodGymmer!) Michael, and Danny from local skincare company My Skin Feels - whose generous donations are funding the new composting site, which will be used by the local community.

After collecting some rather serious looking tools, we all got stuck in clearing an old flower bed and leveling the soil. Although our enthusiasm quickly waned as we discovered just how difficult removing a tree from the root is 😄. Liam, Euan and Frances did a fantastic job digging and sawing until eventually the bulk of the tree root gave way.

Whilst some of us were busy playing lumberjacks, others set about clearing the church walls and flowerbeds from weeds and litter, ensuring the space looked it's very best for the community who uses it.

A big welcome this week to two first timers to Brighton GoodGym, Jorge and Tristian. We hope you had fun and that we'll see you at another task soon :)