Tonight was all about milestones, memories and moments worth celebrating — proof that at GoodGym we’re not just growing gardens, we’re growing friendships too.

Before the festivities began, seven of us headed over to English Martyrs School to lend a hand with some very much-needed outdoor weeding. A huge special welcome also goes to our first-timer,Charlie It was lovely to meet you and we really hope this was the first of many good deeds with us.

The task itself required a delicate touch rather than brute force. Armed with determination (and slightly creaky knees by the end!), we settled down around the outside play area, carefully teasing out tiny clumps of grassy weeds from the bark and liner. Intricate work, yes — but as always with GoodGym, the conversation flowed so easily that the task flew by.

During the session El and I took a few moments to admire some of our previous handiwork at the school. We revisited the pond area and the large flowerbed we'd previously rescued from a jungle of brambles and weeds. It’s always satisfying seeing the difference our collective efforts make and remembering that little jobs steadily grow into big transformations.

Then it was time to swap gardening for glasses at the Brew House as we moved on to the evening's celebrations — and there was plenty to celebrate!

First up was El reaching an impressive 50 good deeds. It genuinely feels as though El has always been part of the group; she fitted in from day one and has brought positivity, warmth and enthusiasm to every task. Fifty acts of kindness is a brilliant achievement and here's to the next fifty (which, knowing El, will probably arrive before we know it!).

Paul reached his incredible 250 good deeds today. A Quarter of a thousand acts of kindness is no small achievement and represents years of showing up, mucking in and giving back to our community. Whether it's tackling tasks with his usual good humour or simply being one of those dependable people you know you can count on, Paul has made a huge contribution along the way. Two hundred and fifty good deeds is something really special — and we’re delighted to celebrate this milestone with him

The milestones keep on coming because then we celebrated the unstoppable Barbara and her extraordinary 400 good deeds. Four hundred! That's hundreds of hours given, countless tasks completed and an enormous impact made on our community. Barbara really is one of the cornerstones of our group — a true GoodGym legend.

And finally, huge congratulations went to Sarah and Ryan on their recent wedding! It was such a joy to celebrate this exciting chapter with them both. While GoodGym often brings people together through shared tasks, this may be our finest example yet of teamwork becoming a lifelong partnership ❤️

With gifts presented, glasses raised and plenty of laughter shared, the evening reminded us that while the tasks themselves matter, it's the people that make GoodGym so special.

It was a real treat to return to our regular task at English Martyrs First School, where Head Teacher Helen and premises manager Richard gave us their usual warm welcome. It’s always such a lovely atmosphere here, and even more so when shared with this wonderful team who never fail to raise a smile.

Tonight offered a choice of tasks, with something for everyone. Indoors, the mission was to freshen up a recently renovated transition room, while outdoors the focus was on continuing the varnishing of the sheds we’d previously worked on (doors first, now the full works!).

Inside, Sue, El, Belinda and I got to work tackling those easy-to-miss spots – covering over blue tack marks and scuffs with a smart coat of grey paint. It’s always satisfying seeing those little imperfections disappear and the room come together.

Meanwhile outside, Paul and Barbara took on the important job of varnishing (but not vanishing!) the sheds, making great progress under the watchful eye of John, who had kindly volunteered as photographer for the evening. I (Julia) was especially grateful for that, as it meant I could fully get stuck into the task without worrying about capturing the action.

All in all, it was a really sociable and productive hour, and a joy to be back doing what we do best together.

Today was centred on supporting the school’s development of outdoor learning opportunities, though thankfully most of the work took place indoors.

And they’re off

First task was to remove doors from two playground sheds. These shed doors are to be colour coded according to what is being stored there. Once removed the gym hall floor was used as an “easy clean” area for painting. With some creative use of a very minimal amount of sheeting the painting began.

Blending in to stand out

In the gym the shed doors were transformed with bright colours - Pansy Purple and Bluebell Blue. Pigments of positivity! Away from the gym a noticeboard was attached in its new location and yellow stripes on the wall were painted out and blended in.

All in the balance

With doors carefully balanced - we hope - the team gathered for the group photo before heading off satisfied in a job well done.

Written by John

Thank you 😊 🙏

Another cheerful evening for GoodGym as we returned to our regular slot at our local favourite first school, where familiar faces and fresh paint jobs are quickly becoming part of the routine.

We were warmly welcomed by headteacher Helen, who was happily settling into her newly painted office—looking bright, fresh, and already well-used since our last visit. It’s always satisfying to see the results of previous sessions being enjoyed.

Richard had lined up a brand-new task for us, and we got stuck in straight away.

Barbara kicked things off with a precision job, immaculately cleaning a very large whiteboard until it was gleaming and ready for action. Meanwhile, the rest of us were introduced to 'The Nest” a soon-to-be classroom designed as a calmer, quieter space for children who need a little less busyness and a little more calm during the school day.

Paul grabbed a roller and got the main coverage underway, while El and I started cutting in around the edges. Once Barbara had finished transforming the whiteboard into its sparkling best, she joined the painting team to help speed things along.

Just 50 minutes later—and with great teamwork and steady rollers—the transformation was complete. You could say we really 'feathered The Nest' and made an egg-cellent job of it.

Another space refreshed, another practical difference made, and another enjoyable evening supporting our local school community.

Another evening, another chance to make a splash as we returned to our Winter painting project at English Martyrs First School. Tonight we doubled up on tasks, tackling both the staff room and the Head Teacher’s office in one productive, paint-powered session. Safe to say, the team really rose to the occasion and proved once again that many hands make light… decoration work.

A big GoodGym welcome to our newest recruit Samantha who made a fantastic first impression. She did a sterling job cutting in around the tricky edges in the staff room, showing a steady hand and serious attention to detail. She clearly didn’t gloss over the fiddly bits and showed she’s already got the right finish to be part of the team.

Taking things to new heights, Stephane bravely mounted the scaffolding tower and got stuck into the upper reaches, showing he’s not afraid to ladder up when duty calls.

Meanwhile, Gill showcased her trademark gymnastics routine — expertly climbing onto tables to reach all those stubborn spots that refused to stay out of reach. She once again proved she’s always ready to stretch herself for the task and never brushes off a challenge.

Meanwhile, over in the Head Teacher’s office, Paul, El and Sue worked their magic and delivered a transformation that looked polished, professional, and top of the class. The room has been completely re-vamped and is now looking head and shoulders above its previous look.

As ever, the conversation in both rooms was as lively and entertaining as the painting itself, with plenty of laughs helping the time fly by and keeping team spirits nicely coated in good humour.

Another brilliant session done, and the project is really starting to show its true colours. We’re all primed and ready for the next visit, where we’ll no doubt continue to paint the school proud.

Staff Room With a View (…of Fresh Paint!) 🎨

It was back to our regular haunt at English Martyrs School this evening as we continued the painting mission around the building – and tonight’s VIP location was the all-important staffroom. With a task this crucial, it was only right that The A Team were deployed on rollers. Huge props to Roxy, Gill and Mel, who powered through the walls at impressive speed, turning the room around in no time at all.

Check out the photo of Gill and Richard the Premises Manager doing painting acrobatics!

Meanwhile, Paul took on the glamour job, carefully glossing the skirting boards and door frame like a true professional.

Barbara and I were on cutting-in duty, edging neatly around the tricky bits and keeping an eagle eye out for any rogue paint splodges that needed cleaning up. John, sensibly positioning himself out of splash range, was in charge of moving notice boards and photos – a vital role that definitely reduced the risk of accidental abstract art

The whole evening had a real party atmosphere – lots of laughs, great teamwork, and that satisfying feeling of making a visible difference together. Another fun, productive task ticked off, and one very refreshed staffroom well on its way to completion. Can’t wait to be back for the next splash of GoodGym magic! 🖌️✨