Goring Gap Gets the GoodGym Glow-Up!

Our 3rd Sunday litter pick at Goring Gap brought out some absolute legends. Huge shoutout to stalwarts John, Belinda and Ricky, who have now achieved a perfect 3/3 attendance record – talk about rubbish commitment… in the best possible way!

It was also a delightful surprise to welcome Tamsin and Jemima back to GoodGym – we’ve missed you! We were equally thrilled to be joined by parents-to-be Sarah and Ryan, who proved that teamwork really does start early.

In just under an hour, the team tackled the area with gusto. We climbed in and out of ditches, navigated grassy verges, and patrolled the roadside where litter had been carelessly strewn across this beautiful natural spot. Armed with litter pickers, bags, and plenty of determination, the group made a noticeable difference – proving once again that many hands make light work… and lighter litter loads.

All that hard work deserved a proper reward, so the session finished with frothy hot chocolates, tea, coffee, and a selection of sweet treats back at mine. We rounded things off with a lovely, relaxed chat covering a whole range of topics, giving everyone a chance to catch up and unwind after our environmental efforts.

Same time next month? Let’s keep refuse-ing to let rubbish spoil this gorgeous part of the world!

A Milestone Morning at the Goring Gap 🧤🎉

On a crisp January Sunday morning, our Walk & Talk took us to the beautiful Goring Gap – though sadly, beauty wasn’t the first thing to catch our eye. Today’s session doubled as a very special celebration, marking GillGillybean incredible 300th Good Deed with GoodGym**! 🎉

Turning out to celebrate (and get stuck in) were Belinda, John, Mel, Paul M, Paul W and Pepper the dog , Barbara, Ricky and myself , making it a proper community affair.

As we strolled and chatted, we quickly realised there was plenty of work to do. Rubbish was everywhere – strewn along the grass verges and scattered across the roads at this much-loved local spot. Gloves on and bags at the ready, we got to work, filling our bags to the brim and giving the Goring Gap the care it deserves. It was one of those satisfying clean-ups where teamwork really shines, even if the amount of litter was a bit disheartening.

With the last bag tied and we headed back to my housd for a well-earned warm-up. Hot drinks and sweet treats awaited us, with Nick expertly in charge of the coffee ☕🍰 – the perfect way to round off a cold but cheerful morning. Whilst drinking coffee we presented Gill with an engraved glass to mark her milestone achievement. Cheers to all the good times and Congratulations!

Thanks to everyone for making this a meaningful, muddy-booted, heart-warming GoodGym Sunday. 💛💪

A freezing cold wind swept across our beautiful Goring beauty spot this January, but that didn’t deter an intrepid GoodGym crew from heading out for a Walk & Talk litter pick. Wrapped up and ready for action were Mel and Paul, Barbara, Daisy, Ann, Ricky (fresh from his run ), Belinda, John, Paul and Pepper the pooch!

Despite numb fingers and toes, the team set to work with real determination. Bags were soon filling up with an interesting – and at times rather risqué – assortment of rubbish. It was sad to see just how much litter had found its way onto our greensward, but hugely uplifting to see the impact we could make together in such a short time. Fantastic teamwork all round, with plenty of chat and laughter to keep spirits high despite the cold.

A very special mention goes to Anne who celebrated her 150th good deed with us on this task – a wonderful milestone and the perfect way to mark it: giving back to the community with a smile, even in freezing winds. Huge congratulations, Anne! 🎉💚

Mission accomplished, we retreated to the warmth of my house for a well-earned social. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate flowed freely, accompanied by sweet treats . A perfect way to thaw out, catch up, and celebrate another job well done.

Cold, camaraderie, community action –. A classic GoodGym session and a brilliant start to the year 💚

This week’s GoodGym task took us to one of our favourite local beauty spots — Goring Gap — for a satisfying and sociable litter pick. With the autumn leaves beginning to fall, the area was looking gorgeous, but there was still plenty of stray rubbish hiding among the trees and along the paths.

Armed with litter pickers, gloves, and a good dose of enthusiasm, our team fanned out across the park to tidy up. We managed to fill several bags with bottles, cans, crisp packets, and the usual mysterious “unidentifiable objects” that always seem to appear! Passers-by gave us smiles and thank-yous, which always makes the effort feel even more worthwhile.

Trash Talk & Tasty Treats

Once the task was done and the area looking cleaner than ever, we headed back to my house for a well-earned social — complete with drinks, nibbles, and some cake. It was a lovely way to unwind together, chat, and celebrate another GoodGym evening well spent ( plus a significant milestone Birthday)

I would just like to add a huge thank you for the incredibly generous birthday gift you all clubbed together for my 60th! I’m really touched by your kindness and thoughtfulness — it means a lot to me. I feel very lucky to be part of such a wonderful GoodGym family. Thank you all for making my birthday so special and Tamsin for organising the collection for me ❤️🎉

Also a huge thanks to everyone who came along and contributed both to the clean-up and to the good vibes afterwards. The park looked better for our efforts, and our spirits were definitely lifted by great company and good food!

Well done team — see you next week for another task and another round of good deeds! John is in charge- happy days!

A very productive hour or so with my friend Sam

It seems that a walk, a chat and filling 4 large bags of litter is a wonderful way to spend a sunny and warm September afternoon. 🤩

Litter Pick at Goring Gap: A Community Effort to Protect a Local Beauty Spot

On a warm August evening, a small but determined group of volunteers gathered at our local Goring Gap to tackle the ever-growing problem of litter.John, Belinda, Gillybean ,Ricky , Stéphane, andRoxy — along with Mali, her spirited 5-month-old Malinois — spent an hour collecting bags full of rubbish strewn across the grass verges of this popular green space.

Despite having carried out a litter pick here only a few weeks ago, the team was disheartened to find the area once again in need of attention. It's truly heartbreaking to witness how quickly this natural haven can be spoiled by careless behaviour.

Equipped with litter pickers, bin bags, and a strong sense of purpose, the group combed through the area, restoring some of its beauty and reminding all who visit how important it is to respect and protect our shared environment. A passer by pitched in to give a had too which was helpful and unexpected!

The teams efforts serve as a reminder that it takes just a few dedicated individuals to make a positive difference — but also highlight the urgent need for greater awareness and responsibility when enjoying public green spaces. Some well placed bins may help too !

Special mention to El who couldnt make the task but who was doing her own litter pick this evening.

See you all next week for my 400th task !