With Sarah achieving her Century last weekend, today Roxy discovered a Centaur(ie) of her own. Which will turn out to be more valuable, the coveted "wings" shirt, or the undergrowth find?

Christmas! Already!

As we arrived Belinda declared "Noel". It turned out she wasn't really seasonally muddled, but wondering aloud who was signed up for the task. Just as she clarified our puzzlement, who should turn up - El.

Always prepared

As usual Val had the task board prepared. With heavy, medium and light tasks available everyone got quickly stuck in. Stumps were removed, crumbling walls protected, weeds expunged, and more of those stinking irises extracted from the ground.

Worthing's most overplayed pun

"Is there a rake?" asked Ryan. "lf there was we'd make more progress", Sarah promptly declared. Not every GoodGym session is like a school day, but we certainly learn stuff!

From high to low

We've discovered a variety of interesting items over the years supporting St Botolph's. How exciting might Roxy's find today turn out to be? A pendant depicting a Centaur heading into battle, bow and arrow in hand. How old might it be? Is it a hidden treasure from time long ago? Will Roxy be wealthy beyond her dreams? Or will Sarah ask her dad about it and he'll say it came from Claire's Accessories circa 2022!

Celebrate Good Times! come on..... Next week we are gathering for Milestone and Birthday celebrations after the task. Will we get a record turnout - we do like to party together. Roxy has a target to meet before next Monday. Will she make it? Come along and find out........

Following a very brief break after parkrun, five of us headed back down the promenade to take part in the Worthing BID seafront planting. Bringing the promenade alive with colour for both visitors and locals to enjoy.

Sustainability and colour

We were pleased to again be allocated the seafront bed we have been working on for the last few years. A selection of plants were made available to us. Sustainable plants provided by the council, and plants to give colour by the BID. With plants selected, and wheelbarrow loaded, we headed for our bed.

Gardeners Whirled

At the bed, we spun into action. Already full of poppies close to bursting into colour the bed was first weeded and cleared of anything unwanted. With much deliberation about weed or not weed we uncovered enough bare soil to position the new plants to provide colour as the poppies die back.

Water, Water, Everywhere

But not a drop was needed here today. An overnight/early morning downpouring from the sky meant the soil was moist enough to welcome the new planting. If it is going to look good all season though, it will need regular watering. If you are passing by please provide a generous soaking if you are able to.

Mayoral Approval

The new Mayor popped by to see how the seafront planting was going on. It was her first official engagement since her inauguration. We proudly expounded the merits of GoodGym to her - she was impressed!

Volunteering gives you wings

Doing the double today moved one of our GoodGymers out of the Black, back into the Red. Today Sarah gained her wings. 100 good deeds. Amazing! Celebration for this achievement should already be booked into everyone's calendar!

It mattered today! Overnight rain and a strong westerly breeze made for a tough run/walk for the 578 individuals committed enough to take part. And GoodGym was there in support.

What goes around, sometimes disappears!

Before running, Sue took responsibility for the ever important course check. The all clear was declared and the run could proceed. It turned out that there was indeed much more space at the "Galloper" location than in previous weeks.

It's a set up. Again

John as usual assisted with set up, ensuring a long and winding funnel to keep the finishers busy as they head through to be scanned.

Not wild, not west

Unusually, Belinda was not in the role of Sheriff today. She was designated Marshal - and that's not a promotion as it was in the days of the Wild West US of A. Along with John she provided eyes on the course, focused on cheering and safety.

Bah, Brr, Ah

No, not Barbara, she's on a ultra volunteer shift (two actually) elsewhere! It was Roxy who braved the cold, mobile in hand, to scan those finishers.

It's a wrap

With Ryan and Sarah assisting with the clear up and close down after running parkrun ended and coffees beckoned.

It was GoodGym

It's always fun helping at parkrun. We try to have a GoodyGym volunteer focus once a month. Don't forget though, parkrun is not just for GoodGym! Recently there has been a shortage of volunteers for essential roles. It's a great reason to be up and out on a Saturday morning, and a lovely community to be part of.

Bark and Broom

Another Monday and another GoodGym task :)

We returned to a task venue that we haven't been to since last year and one we used to visit very regularly. Kamelia Day Nursery used to be one specialising in care of babies and young children with extra needs but these days it welcomes all babies and toddlers.

This evening we met with Deputy Nursery Manager, Vicky who gave us a small wish list for this evening.We were asked to weed the mud kitchen area before laying new bark and raking it through. We were also asked to sweep the playground areas which had become covered with a thin layer of sand. John, Ricky and El got on with the sweeping which proved to be quite a job and needed further enforcements later !

Barbara set about doing some weeding followed by helping John with the sweeping of the sand he had carefully collected .The remainder of the team started on weeding the mud kitchen in advance of distributing the bark. I nipped home to pick up another broom which Roxy set to work with. By the time I got back all the bark had been beautifully distributed and raked into place. As I wasn't there to witness this transformation, all the team can take take credit for it ! However I have a feeling that Craig , Stéphane, Sarah and Ryan played a part !

After the bark was completed, Stephane did some great weeding and tidying of the border of the mud kitchen whilst everyone else pitched in with shifting the sand and other debris that had been collected.

Tools down and we discussed and arranged our next social ( the important things in life! ) which will be Monday 9th June after the task . Details TBC but it seems there will be a lot to celebrate again!

Have a great BH Monday - next week we will meet on Wednesday. Details to be uploaded later today.

Julia xx