Tonight, we arrived at the South Mitcham Community Association for a deep-cleaning marathon that really tested our range. We didn't just stick to one corner; we were everywhere, scrubbing tables and chairs, removing the mysterious sticky residue that community centres seem to generate and scraping off specks if paint. Once the furniture was looking suspiciously clean, we pivoted to the bookcases and another room upstairs for some thorough book organising and more - cleaning!

It was great to help out at this community space and with such a great turnout we could take our time. Which meant we had a few minutes to spare and a chance to sit down and take a moment to thank Caroline with a card and gift. After a year of leading us as Area Activator, she’s stepping down. Thanks for all your support.

The early bird (Jon) had already cleared the beds and was working on the vacuuming with Henry when I arrived (on time). So with the floors being handled, the focus was on the chair shifting which was a massive game of Tetris, moving and rearranging the hall until the space was officially reset.

With extra hands this morning, the Open Table setup was finished in record time so one of the team found extra jobs and headed outside to clean the windows. There was even time for coffee.

Welcome to newbie Marina who was already getting stuck into setting up when I arrived at Martin Way Methodist church tonight. After making the beds we headed into the kitchen/eating area to help finish off laying up the tables.

It seems everyone had been using the wrong cutlery (since last year!), so tonight there was a formal intervention and the rights knives, forks and spoons made their way out for dinner. Who knew!

Congratulations to Marins on completing your first GoodGym session. it was great to meet you and hopefully see you again soon.

We hit the Little ARK Sew-cial to help wrap things up. First, we got stuck stuffing draft excluders helping attendees (including Zahrah who had arrived earlier to learn how to sew!) finish off their projects and clear away the mountain of fabric scraps.

Once the machines stopped, the speed-cleaning started. We cleared tables and swept the floor in record time, proving that thread is no match for a broom. The space was transformed from a textile explosion back to a tidy hall in a flash.

Tonight, we took on a fresh challenge at a new location: Morden Park Baptist Church. We dived straight into the kitchen, emptying cupboards and scrubbing every inch. Our efficiency was so high that we even had time to tackle both halls, clearing away the cobwebs and giving every surface a thorough clean.

Seeing three spaces completely transformed in under an hour is incredibly rewarding - especially since we were down a few regulars and a small group.

A huge well done to the team and a massive welcome to Zahrah on her very first session. We hope to see you back for another mission very soon.