We got properly stuck in at tonight’s task at The Kingston Pantry—a vital community foodbank based in Tolworth Recreation Centre.

Four of us ran there, two cycled, and others came on foot — everyone enthusiastic to be there, including first time GoodGymer Petra.

The Pantry had been restocked earlier in the day, so our usual deep clean wasn’t needed. But Susan, ever prepared, whipped out her trusty spiral notebook packed with 'one-day' tasks—the little jobs that never quite make it to the top of the to-do list… until now.

Here’s what we tackled: • Emma and Petra deep-cleaned and organised the cupboard under the sink, and gave all the food baskets a good wash. • Claire and Jacqui took on the fridges, clearing out spills (including a sticky raspberry juice situation). • Jana sorted out the vegetable racks • Dave got into the nooks and crannies, scrubbing those corners the mop usually misses. • Luke restocked and cleaned the pet food area • Rachel and Emma gave the stationery cupboard a long-overdue tidy. • Jacqui got the hoover out and • Petra followed up with a thorough mop for a gleaming finish.

Teamwork and elbow grease, and the job list was fully ticked off!

The Kingston Pantry plays a crucial role in supporting individuals and families on low incomes trying to cope in a time of rising costs. It was a pleasure to lend a hand, free up the volunteers’ time, so that those that run it can give their clients the best experience which includes a very high environmental health status.

On a sunny mission for Goodym, Emily and Jana rolled up their sleeves and got to work transforming the garden at the Staywell Centre in New Malden. With just two hours and two determined volunteers, the challenge was clear: tackle the overgrown patio and the cracked, thirsty flowerbeds that residents overlook each day.

Emily and Jana began their garden conquest at opposite ends of the patio, digging out stubborn weeds from the paving stones until they triumphantly met in the middle – a perfect horticultural harmony! Then it was time to take on the flowerbeds. The parched, cracked earth put up a fight, but a well-aimed hose brought it back to digging condition.

Emily showed true grit clearing the weeds beneath the shady oak tree, while Jana took on the flowerbeds with focus and flair. Halfway through, the cavalry arrived in the form of Clair, the Centre Manager, who cycled in to lend a hand and, most importantly, brewed a very welcome cup of tea for the hardworking team.

As they sipped their tea and admired the transformation, there was no doubt: the Staywell garden was looking well and truly weed-free, thanks to this green-fingered duo!

This morning in the bright sunshine I cleared weeds from inbetween patio slabs and stones to make the garden a more pleasant view to look out on. During the work, coffee and a chat was had as I was remembered from my previous visit, even though a while ago.

Helping create window displays for the BHF is always one of the most enjoyable tasks we do and it was no different on Tuesday.

Summer festivals was the request, so a big team of us got to it. Tom, Petra, Anna, Claire, Jana, Dave, Emily, Laurel and Marcos were up into the BHF's 'Narnia' storeroom and the various spaces bringing down chairs, sleeping bags, guitars, a teepee, plastic flowers and everything in between. Special praise to Emily and Anna for somehow assembling a tent in a very tight space!

We seemed to have done such a good job that it was attracting admiring glances from shoppers outside as soon as it was finished. We rounded the task off with a well-earned drink at the Albion for our GoodGym social.

Donated blood - 78th donation

Sunny Saturday we joined Marilyn at Canbury Community Garden to help with a few chores. Taking on the dreaded bindweeds, doing general weeding around the vegetable beds, topping up the compost heap with the weeds we shredded. and giving the garden a good soak with water fetched from the river. The team filled all the garden containers with more river water ready for the coming weeks whilst keeping an eye on the chicken trying to make a run for it.

Canbury community garden opened in 2016 and very soon after they introduced the first flock of hens.