On a hot, sunny morning*, I made my way to Bexley parkrun meeting point, but it became clear that my knees were not going to carry me 5k.

Next best thing - offer my services as a volunteer! My offer being duly accepted, I was posted to “Joe’s Corner “.

For those of you familiar with Bexley parkrun, Joe is known for being a stalwart of the event. He’s also famous for providing Jelly Babies as participants near the finishing line.

So imagine the disappointment as runners exited the woods and awaiting them was a marshal devoid of all sugary pick-me-ups!

My role was best described by one of the runners, “You’re doing a good job, but where are the Jelly Babies?”.

It's back to Run Director duties next Saturday for me, but lesson learned for future marshaling occasions!

*The photo is an old one, on a rather colder, wetter day!

We were out and about in sunny Bexley this evening, spreading the word for the Community Hospice's Open Garden Festival next month.

We popped leaflets through the doors of houses in streets close to one of the properties taking part in the Festival. Hopefully the fliers will encourage people to go along and support this event, raising vital funds for the Hospice's work in supporting local people.

Of course, at GoodGym we like to combine fitness with our good deeding. In this task walked 4km almost without noticing as we chatted our way around the streets. That's the way to do it!

In glorious sunshine, four of us joined the volunteering team at Eltham junior parkrun this morning.

Johnny and Ivar gave out high fives as the 92 young runners and their parents ran the two lap course.

As timekeeper, Peter made sure everyone got a time as they crossed the finishing line. And Sarah scanned finishing tokens.

This is a lovely way to start a Sunday - time outdoors, making something special in our community - and parkrun doesn't run without volunteers, so why not give it a go?

Two Bexley GoodGymers volunteered at Avery Hill parkrun this morning.

While Peter was on timekeeper duties, I was helping with barcode token scanning and recording runners’ results after they finished.

Despite the hot weather, I did my best to stay focused and helped to keep the finish area organised and running smoothly.

It was great to support the event and encourage runners after a tough run in the heat.

Mrs N's had asked for help weeding and tidying her patio so that her mother, recently out of hospital after a severe stroke, can go outside to enjoy the garden.

We started by moving chairs and plant pots off the patio to fully reveal the scale of the task at hand, and there was a lot to be done! So we were really pleased when Mrs N handed us those wire brooms which makes clearing weeds between paving slabs MUCH easier.

Even so, it was hard work getting the job done in the scorching heat of the hottest day of the year so far 🥵! Mrs N brought us cold drinks which really hit the mark. She explained that, being from India, she would always drink tea to cool down.

After 90 minutes of scouring and sweeping, the difference was clear to see.

Mrs N was delighted, and we were humbled when she handed us a gift bag containing some Indian tea and a box of chocolates 🫶.

By contrast to the group activities that GG Bexley mostly does, this was a ''mission' - helping an isolated older person with a practical task in their home.

Missions are listed on our website and if there's one you'd like to do, you can say what times would work for you. You have to be DBS cleared through GG and complete a short training session to become mission verified, but it's very straightforward.

We are starting to get more missions requsts coming through for GG Bexley, so here's where to find out more about getting involved.

This morning Kam and Peter joined the hi-viz team of volunteers at Avery Hill parkrun.

Parkrun simply wouldn't happen without its army of volunteers each week, and while anyone can lend a hand, volunteering under the GoodGym banner gives you an extra sense of community spirit and local pride.

What better reason to get up and out on a Saturday morning? Fresh air, friendly faces, and feel-good vibes. It's better than caffeine for kick-starting your weekend, but there is always a nice coffee on offer at the café afterwards!