Little Ark came to our rescue, and we were able to come to theirs as they needed our help to make bags for carrying liquids. So it was that the GoodGymers found themselves cleaning waterproof banners, and using templates to cut lengths of waterproof fabric from an erstwhile banner, all ready for stitching. Knowing our limitations, that step was left for the professionals.

Our debut at the Lantern Arts Centre was also our first session on a Sunday evening. Despite the timing, not too many of us got stage fright and six Goodgymers turned up on cue. The event was the 'Get in' where the company starts to transform the church into a theatre space for their upcoming production of Be My Baby, a play about unmarried mothers set in the 1960s.

Tasks included moving flats and props and hanging cloths and everything else needed before the following day's set build. Along with other volunteers, including members of the cast, we whizzed through the jobs so fast, we were able to do some improvisation and give the rehearsal room a thorough GoodGym clean as well. Hopefully we will be back for an encore!

A group of us carried on the work from last week and continued to plant the hedging whips (who knew they were called that?!) in Morden Recreation Ground. We got into a great pattern of whipping and sticking and lots were planted! Congratulations to Alex who completed her 25th GoodGym session!

Stopping by to help with the Community Fridge cleanup was the perfect post-work activity to end the day, even with a little bit of chaos in the mix. Thankfully, Ben arrived for the final half-hour to give our efforts a massive boost, leaving us completely done, dusted, and tidy before we headed on our way.

This morning the early birds hit a double effort to kickstart the day! A pre-office workout, helping to pack away the winter night shelter and then setting up the Open Table and all before 9am 💪.

It’s a rewarding transition, moving from the quiet wrap-up of the night's shelter to the bustling preparation of a welcoming community lunch. Whether it was hauling mattresses, moving chairs or shifting tables, everything was handled with ease, well done team.

Tonight’s group session at Merton’s Community Fridge proved that no two missions are ever quite the same. We were originally tasked with moving and replacing shelving, which involved shifting a large number of items from the storage area - but the task list quickly grew as we gained more sign ups!

In true GoodGym style, we took it all in our stride. While some of us handled a decanting of pet food job, others tackled the opportunity to deep-clean the elusive spaces behind the fridges. Whilst of course the shelves were built, moved and dismantled. Fortunately, Ben had a toolbox on hand to provide that extra GG magic, ensuring the new shelves were securely fixed to the wall.

It was a fantastic productive night - what an amazing team effort. A big welcome to Atif and Ben for joining your first ever Merton group session. We really hope to have you join us again soon.