Today we met at the common for the monthly litter pick with the friends of Woolwich common. I'd just like to say I did a lovely 5k to get there - what a treat in the Sunday morning sunshine!

Ashton, Khai, myself and a lovely DofE student headed off into the wilderness to find some benches reported to be surrounded by bottles and cans and before long we found one bench with quite a haul. A little while later, our intrepid explorer, Ashton spotted a den of cans and bottles (probably near on 200) so we ploughed through the brambles to reach them and filled 5 bags - we'll have to return there next time to finish the job! The challenge was returning back to base with many heavy bags. Ashton and Khai attempted a stick over their shoulders technique - I could resist a Snow white and the 7 dwarves moment -Hey ho, hey ho, it's home from work we go

It was great while it lasted. "The bags dropped" Ashton said but "I'm still standing." 🎶 Had to get that one in there.

We staggered back to base (me wondering if I could make it, Khai saying "yes, you can-can")

Job well done. On Wednesday we're back at Glyndon and next Sunday we've got our green chain walk!

The murals in Welling were originally intended as a temporary installation over 20 years ago, but they are still there and needed some tlc. So Julie from Discover Welling asked for our help to give them a good wash. Very apt during the annual Keep Britain Tidy #GBSpringClean fortnight!

Julie arrived with buckets of soapy water - not sure how she got them there! - brushes and sponges, and we set to work. 🪣🪣🪣🧽🧽🧽🧹🧹

Robert, a local resident and great supporter of GG Bexley, came along to say hello, armed with another bucket of soapy water. A luxury this time as it was warm water!

After completing one side of the road we swapped to the other. From the colour of our sponges and dirty water there was no doubt that we'd removed lots of grime!

Then, while some of us swept cobwebs off the lights, and swept the pavement, others went to the local church which kindly let us refill the buckets from their kitchen taps.

With the fresh water we rinsed all the murals, tackling the last of the stickers that had softened enough for us to scrape them off.

Hopefully the murals and the pedestrian tunnels they line look a bit cleaner and tidier now. Passers-by while we were in action were certainly appreciative with lots of 'thank yous'. It's always nice to feel appreciated!

A job well done, we headed to the pub to celebrate Sarah's 400th good deed!

See you for more GoodGym fun next week!

And so this week, ten of us met for another task at James Wolfe Primary School!

There were 5 steps to this task and our merry group proved our mettle by getting it all done with lots of detective work.

Step one: Treasure hunt to find the pictures of items that needed to be moved to different locations in the playground Step two: Roll all the tyres across the playground and up some steps Step two: Move all the crates Step three: Locate and move all of the piping and giant cable wheels Step four: Move a very heavy metal bench Step 5: Do a litter pick and general tidy up

The result? All the items were moved to the correct place (we hope) and the playground was a little tidier and cleaner.

Well done team and thanks for mucking in as always.

Next week we're back at Glyndon with a Woolwich start. Don't forget our green chain walk on the 6th April!

Until next time.