GoodGym Brighton made a heroic return to Somerset Point, where we have contributed various tasks over the years to keep their garden looking fresh.

On this sunny August evening, we met at the usual spot and began our efforts by running up an epic hill to reach our destination. The task tonight: weeding. The tool shed: open. The snails: everywhere.

Juliet and Sherman took charge of the shears and dealt with some unruly bushes round the front (ooer), ensuring that access to the building was kept clear for people with limited mobility. The rest of us got stuck into the weeds that seemed to have sprung up in every available space. It always amazes me how rapidly a big group of people can make a big difference to a task like this, and we left Somerset Point looking remarkably neater than when we arrived.

To finish up, we jogged down to the seafront for a sunset run. After assuming single file formation, we executed a straightforward workout in which the person at the back sprinted to the front, while the rest of us jogged continuously. Edel workshopped some bootcamp-style chanting to take this to the next level (although I'm not sure it was possible for us to look any cooler). Finally, we had a collective stretch in the last of the sunlight, before making our way to the pub for a well deserved cold beverage.

Delighted by the lovely warm and sunny evening, yesterday’s Brighton GoodGym group session helped the Waterloo Street Community Garden, a secret beauty and well used community space between The Old Market and the Waterloo Street Arch. The Old Market opened in 1828 as a covered marketplace for sales of meat, fish and vegetables, supplying the residential development of Brunswick, which was originally independent from Brighton and Hove village. Now it is an independent mixed-arts venue under the name "TOM – The Old Market".

Last year we helped the Friends of Waterloo Street Community Garden to win an outstanding award from the Royal Horticultural Society in the Britain In Bloom competition. And this year, 11 of us were here again to timely help our friends to maintain the royal title! So, we moved all the pots to clear the area and reach every hidden corner to then join a sweeping fest with brooms and dustpans!

Best of luck, dear friends!

Today the GoodGym gang ran 7 km to Wellsbourne Community Garden and back.

We welcomed new members Paul, Paul and Paul.

Stalwart member Rosie was running her 50th session!

We met Lucy, our task owner, at the Wellsbourne Healthcare Centre. She explained they had a volunteer gardening day tomorrow. Our task was to dig holes to plant wild flowers and plants to attract pollinators. We readied our destructive green fingers and shovels and got to work. Others made swift work of tidying and weeding the garden.

Stefania did a fitness exercise session to work on all those muscles we had neglected while running and digging.

To thank us, lovely Lucy kindly gave us cooking herbs from the garden and chocolate. How nice 🙂!