3 Goodgymers turned out to this litter-pick-turned-tree-planting session with the friends of Hornfair park. The task was to plant hawthorn, crabapple, dog rose, dogwood and hazel into a nice hedge. After some confusion about the what trees goes where, they were laid out, 30 cm apart, and we started digging holes to put them in. Most holes were dug out easily, others reached rock bottom. But when the hour was up we had planted, fertilised and watered a long line of trees, all ready to enjoy the spring sunshine, whenever that arrives ☀️

Throughout we were also watched by a four-legged furry feline friend 🐈‍⬛

On a grey, but thankfully dry, Sunday morning, six GoodGym-ers headed down to support Hornfair junior parkrun in Charlton. We helped the wonderful volunteer team with various roles including marshalling, timekeeping, and delivering the first timer's welcome.

After the usual lively warm-up, the junior runners were off! There were plenty of smiles as everyone completed two kilometres in their own way - by running, walking, skipping, and jumping. 23 runners took part this week, including a few coming along for the very first time - a big increase on the 6 from last week!

To top it all off, this event marked a truly incredible milestone - it was Marta’s 1000th good deed! And what better way to celebrate than surrounded by community spirit and high-fives?

A fantastic morning all round, which was followed by the usual coffee and catch up at the wonderful Old Cottage Cafe, before a few of us headed onwards to more volunteering at Westcombe Woodlands.

This morning at Hornfair Junior Parkrun was cold, wet, and wonderfully grounding.

Wrapped up warm on a freezing, rain-soaked morning, we gathered once again to support our brilliant junior runners. The weather kept numbers low — in fact, there were more volunteers than runners today — but somehow that made it feel even more special. A small but mighty community, choosing to show up for each other despite the chill.

For me, this morning quietly marked something meaningful: my 100th GoodGym deed. And, almost unbelievably, it’s been exactly one year since I completed my very first good deed. It doesn’t feel that long ago that I nervously turned up for the first time. Since then, week by week, task by task, those small acts have added up.

Two wonderful GoodGymers joined the regular Hornfair volunteer team today, bringing warmth and encouragement that no weather could dampen. The juniors who came out ran with determination, and as always, reminded us why we do this.

Days like today aren’t about big numbers or perfect conditions. They’re about consistency. About community. About choosing to serve, even when it’s cold and raining.

One year. 100 deeds. Countless moments of connection.

Grateful for every single one.

One hundred deeds down, countless more to go. The journey continues — here’s to many more deeds, smiles, and muddy trainers ahead! 🥳 Hep Hep! Hooray!

1 GoodGymer 🙋🏻‍♀️ joined the regular volunteers at Hornfair Junior parkrun, taking on the parkwalker role. A total win-win!

Volunteering meant starting my Sunday early while giving back to the community, and it also added some welcome structure to the rest of my day as this was actually my first task before heading off to do some litter picking later. Helping others and getting outside to boost my own fitness? Absolutely.

This was my 15th time volunteering at Hornfair Juniors, and it’s something I always enjoy.

Until the next one! 💛🚶‍♀️

Three amazing GoodGymers joined the wonderful regular volunteers at Hornfair junior parkrun this morning. Despite the wet and drizzly weather, our young runners showed brilliant spirit — and were cheered on every step of the way.

Linda, even though she signed up late, still came along and supported. Peter, whose local junior parkrun was cancelled, stepped in to help out too. And I took on one of the tailwalker roles, making sure everyone got around safely.

Fancy giving volunteering a try? We’d love to have you!

8 goodgym-ers met the Friends of Hornfair Park team for a chat & cleanup session today. We were greeted by a couple of Rockin' Robins ready to cheer us on, and soon, armed with litterpicks & bags, we plotted our route. It's a big park with lots going on, so the area outside the lido was first, which involved a battle against the hedges, then on to the tennis court perimeter and fences at the edge of the park. 

A veritable cocktail of weather awaited us, starting with a weak Winter Sun, progressing as the task went on to the beginnings of a Dark & Stormy.

The same could be said of our litter pickings, which ranged from discarded clothing, lots of trademarked takeaway boxes (no free advertising here...) and the evidence of a few parties including vodka bottles, beer cans and even a large lampshade resembling a disco ball...!

A great team makes the task fly by & soon we'd run out of time but had made an impact on getting the park a bit tidier, so excellent work all.

Take care & see you all soon 🙂