Task of the day was to clear the terrace of as many weeds as possible and give the plants in the fountain some water.

As we were so efficient at weed clearing we also spent our last 20 minutes at the back, chopping back brambles and ivy (& more weeds!) to keep them away from the building.

We got a lot done, especially considering the heat. Definitely topped up the vitamin D levels too.

Thanks everyone for your help. (especially the extra family members who were roped in!!) 🙃

We were tasked with cleaning the slope area facing the main Lido building, ready for a community artwork project. Brushing and chemicals didn't work, and weren't environmentally kind, but the jet washer did the trick. Lynn, Val & Duncan shared that task, each getting the back draft of dirty water. Duncan left the GG signature on the slope - not sure it'll survive the art project though!

We all did some weeding and tidying of the flower beds and pots. Val let out a shout when she startled a huge rat behind some of the plant pots.

We had visitors while we worked: firstly Lucy's son and dog came to say hello through the fence, and then Wilson passed with her Dad and the Portsmouth Joggers.

There'll probably be more jet washing for next week's GG team, ready for the opening day of the pool.

Goodgymers Ellie, Louisa and Jo were joined by Swimmin Wimmin Chris and Orla for today's gardening task.

Paul set us to work at the edge of the grounds removing weeds from the cracks in concrete. The team were creative coercing the stubborn roots from their ground using a combination of creative toolsmanship, brute force and mind power.

Ellie was resting her legs ahead of her first canicross race tomorrow (good luck, Ellie and Millie will triumph I'm sure) and Louisa was looking forward to her first family roast dinner of 2021!

After a restorative tea break, we powered through the rest of the task and left the lido looking ready for opening on Monday - can't wait to get back in the water!

We were back to Hilsea Lido this week to help them getting the place ready for when they open. Jen, Jo, Lynn and Rachel braved the wind and rain and arrived at the lido ready for action. Thankfully by the time we had arrived the rain had subsided but it was still windy. Paul gave us an indoor task painting the ladies changing rooms so we managed to not get too cold outside.

Jen donned the white suit and climbed the ladders to paint the ceilings and walls. Wearing the white suit was a good move as the rollers were still quite wet from being washed so a lot of paint was being sprayed back at us.

Lynn and Rachel stayed at ground level and painted the doors and parts of the changing rooms and also any lower parts of walls that needed doing. They also had to dodge any paint that was falling down from the ceiling above.

Jo climbed the platform to paint the ceilings and thankfully wearing her hat meant her head didn’t get to much paint on.

We stopped midway for a lovely cuppa and a biscuit then carried back on until we reached 1200.

We’re back there next week for more tasks to get the Lido ready for reopening.

Today's team at the Lido were Catherine, Geraldine, Harry, Louisa and Mel. Paul was waiting for us with our list of jobs and each of us took our pick. Harry was meeting friends later and didn't want to paint and risk any splashing, but happy to don a white protective suit for some rubbing down and then some sweeping up on the north east steps. They did a very good Elvis impression as you can see from the photo! Louisa was on the leaf blower making a good pile ready for bagging, headphones on in a world of her own. Catherine sweeping and weeding on the flat area. Geraldine and Mel were painting in the Ladies changing room with Kieren, another Lido volunteer. Geraldine showed how bendy she was getting on and off the platform ladder, whilst cutting in. Mel trying (but not always succeeding) to avoid painting over some tiny spiders - sorry incy wincy 🙁 then spent about 20 minutes stirring the new white paint container which resembled Greek Yoghurt - thick at the bottom, whey like runny on the top! Eventually reaching the right consistency to carry on. We managed to time our finish with the heavens opening and a very heavy rainful. But it will give all the trees and plants a good dousing. General progress is good and getting ever closer to opening the Lido to the general public. GoodGym are back next week to continue helping achieve this. Sabrina, one of the Trustees expressed her appreciation and thanks to GoodGym's ongoing support to the Lido as key to the great progress being made.

When it's a jar...

Today we got to meet 2 doors from a tall ship that had been reclaimed and repaired for the Lido and were having an official opening this afternoon.

Our job today was to help get the Lido ship shape for the event. Job 1: move the picnic benches over to the poolside round the new astroturf square. Job 2: clear the terraces of leaves, sticks, weeds and anything else that had blown in.

Today we learned that benches are much lighter when 4 people carry them but if it's 3 it makes it harder for one person (Ellie) than carrying it as a pair...

Harry got to use the leaf blower tool to get the seeds and leaves out of the crevices (?!) and then passed it to Val to try and work out why the on/off switch wouldn't work. Lynn was in sweeping duties and Wilson was chief picker up of the piles.

We took the opportunity to use the picnic benches for a cuppa and a cake at the end of our shift and even got to enjoy the sunshine.

A lovely Saturday morning, it almost felt like normal times!

Thanks to Harry for the scenic shots of the Lido (spot the in flight duck 🦆)