This week’s GoodGym task took us to one of our favourite local beauty spots — Goring Gap — for a satisfying and sociable litter pick. With the autumn leaves beginning to fall, the area was looking gorgeous, but there was still plenty of stray rubbish hiding among the trees and along the paths.

Armed with litter pickers, gloves, and a good dose of enthusiasm, our team fanned out across the park to tidy up. We managed to fill several bags with bottles, cans, crisp packets, and the usual mysterious “unidentifiable objects” that always seem to appear! Passers-by gave us smiles and thank-yous, which always makes the effort feel even more worthwhile.

Trash Talk & Tasty Treats

Once the task was done and the area looking cleaner than ever, we headed back to my house for a well-earned social — complete with drinks, nibbles, and some cake. It was a lovely way to unwind together, chat, and celebrate another GoodGym evening well spent ( plus a significant milestone Birthday)

I would just like to add a huge thank you for the incredibly generous birthday gift you all clubbed together for my 60th! I’m really touched by your kindness and thoughtfulness — it means a lot to me. I feel very lucky to be part of such a wonderful GoodGym family. Thank you all for making my birthday so special and Tamsin for organising the collection for me ❤️🎉

Also a huge thanks to everyone who came along and contributed both to the clean-up and to the good vibes afterwards. The park looked better for our efforts, and our spirits were definitely lifted by great company and good food!

Well done team — see you next week for another task and another round of good deeds! John is in charge- happy days!

Given the weather forecast in other parts of the country we were rather anxious that Worthing parkrun might have to be called off but luckily the worst of the wind and rain managed to leave us alone. Eight of us turned out to volunteer and several of us ran.We volunteer as Goodgym at Worthing parkrun a few times during the year and Ricky had suggested this task as a way of marking his ten years to date as a "Worthingite". Goodgym and parkrun have played a significant part in his activities during that time so it was a good way to celebrate! At his first ever parkrun Belinda and John were the first two people he met and spoke to and little did he know he would meet them again just two days later at his first Goodgym task! Today was also John's 250th occasion of parkrun volunteering.

Ricky got up extra early to do the course check, Belinda was Run Director, Barbara and Daisy were marshals, John, Ryan and Sarah helped with set up and/or close-down and Gill was a parkwalker. When it came to running, there were around 500 participants and Ricky achieved his fastest time this year since his recovery from injury. After parkrun we wll went off for coffee and results processing.

It’s the C word time

No, not the C word that garden centres seem to be promoting already. Its Cutting Back time. The holly and the ivy that adorned the outer wall of the cemetery stood no chance against the might (and height) of Craig! Ably assisted by Stéphane and John the wall was cleared of the invading greenery and the pathway swept.

Raking up that old joke

Meanwhile Ryan, Sarah, Ricky and Paul raked their way around the cemetery. With Sue wheeling the fruits of their labour to the compost area as quickly as the raking progressed (there it is!) the graves and paths looked neat and definitely tidier than when we arrived.

Overgrowth, undergrowth

Meanwhile Gill headed into the overgrown area behind the no entry sign to lead the clear out party. With support from Roxy, El and Megan the unwanted growth stood little chance.

The Final Cut

For weeks John and Paul have been keen to release their chainsaws on a GoodGym task. The opportunity to cut down to size one of Craig’s larger conquests could not be resisted. Paul’s tool was out, and the branches trimmed, before you could say “group photo time”.

With a visit from the Bishop imminent the GoodGym faithful gathered under the Bells of St Botolph’s to assist Rik and Val in ensuring she could see church grounds looking their best.

Dressed to impress

After achieving 50 Good Deeds status last week, Ryan arrived excitedly in his new shirt. Check out the photos to see how good he looks in black! Imagination required, perhaps!

All welcome here, except….

Except Iris! We’ve done our best over the years to give Iris a clear “not welcome ‘ere message”. It’s fallen on deaf ears. Today Ricky got stuck in to battling with that Stinking Iris, discarding every clump encountered. We will not be defeated!

Oh, Ivy isn’t welcome either….

Most of the team got stuck into the eviction of that constantly creeping ivy. Tendrils clinging to branch, trunk and wall were no match for the determined band. All welcome, unless you’re not, was the battle cry of the evening.

Taking it to the edge

John looked for the easy job - Sarah arrived late, so it wasn’t already taken! With brush in hand, and definitely no hoedown the edge of the bed was rediscovered. Nap time anyone….

Cleared that up then

A final flurry of clearing left the area suitably presentable for any visiting dignitaries to see what a well cared for church St Botolph’s is.