One by one the GoodGymers arrived at Rocky Park this evening, ready for a big lifting task.

We've been enjoying regular sessions with Margaret and Ash this year, on this particular project which has seen old planters demolished, new ones built and filled with new soil.

Margaret and Ash, on behalf of the Estate's TRA, support the Estate gardens, which, over the years has seen multiple sites transformed into allotments, orchards and play areas.

We've enjoyed sessions right through from the summer, with Task Force leading many weekend sessions, and throughout the Autumn too, which has seen us shovelling and wheeling in some pretty rainy conditions.

Tonight we were continuing with the emptying and relocating of tonne bags of soil in Rocky Park.

With a short briefing from Margaret, the team soon dispersed throughout the garden emptying large bags at a great pace. It was heavy work, but rewarding to see the bags speedily empty with a good bit of teamwork.

It was fun, it was fast- and it was fab to see some familiar faces. And as usual, the time flew.

As we approached 8pm, Margaret indicated which bags we were to finish up with, and then the team gathered shovels, rakes and brooms to load into wheelbarrows, ready to be packed away.

It seemed like no sooner had we arrived were we gathering for the final pic, before leaving several members in the capable hands of Chris and the Central team for some final GoodGym pics and soundbites.

A great evening's work, and particular shout-outs to Team Pun, headed up as usual by the legendary Lucinda and Ilana.

Next week, it's another big leaf clearance over at Cranbrook.

You snooze, you lose…

Until then.

As Old Spike filled up with GoodGymer's, it signaled it was time to head out from the warmth and into the cold. There was just time for a reminder about the Christmas Party before we set off (11th December - 20:15 - Voodoo Rays)!

On arrival, the task was clear, we needed to clean all the toys to make sure they're clean for when they children play with them! Armed with the tools (soapy/dettol water and some clothes) the team set about cleaning every toy in sight. Even the sofas didn't escape a thorough clean, which is good because they needed a wipe down too!

A team of 4 went to sort the craft supplies, throwing out dried up pens, sharpening pencils and making sure everything was in a more organised order.

With not long to go and a lot of plastic balls still to clean and all the toys to get back into the cupboard, everyone stepped in to get the last bits done!

After a quick photoshoot and goodbye to task owner Valentina, it was time to head back to Old Spike which had the promise of Athletic Brewing beers.

Well done to everyone for tackling the 6km run with enthusiasm and also thanks to Daryl for leading us a much nicer route than I had planned!

GoodGym tasks are not just about getting active, supporting communities and lending a hand. Yes, they are all those things, but sometimes they can also be about stumbling across some extraordinary finds...

Just this week, for example, we were sorting out tools and donations at a local food waste charity in Wandsworth when we came across a flame thrower. The task owner claimed she used it to light her cigarettes, but we didn't question that one too closely. We've also cleared out storage cupboards where we found a Victorian dentistry kit and an abandoned wedding dress, worked by the river and spotted a real life message in a bottle, and during the course of litter picks we have uncovered several unmentionable items!

Help and safe-ty

Last night's session at St Andrew's Youth Club was one of those times we discovered something very cool. Our job for the evening was to help empty a full staff room and to shift all the items to various spaces around the building - which were mostly, unfortunately, up several flights of stairs. This amazing centre offers kids the opportunities to learn sports, music, arts and more.

The variety of different activities taking place in every room was inspiring. It also came with it an impressive level of music, voices and sounds from every single corner, which was perhaps what has prompted manager Adrian to transform the staff room into a sensory room for those that need some quiet.

Stairs in their Eyes

First it needed to be cleared. Out came dog beds and boxing gloves, computers and desks, clothes and sports gear. Then came the really heavy stuff. While Michelle and I took on a more 'strategic' role and loaded up the lift, Chalomi and Jacob took on the challenge of shifting some extremely substantial filing cabinets up the stairs. What a workout!

Meanwhile Ivo uncovered an incredible find which had been hiding underneath everything else. A very old, very heavy and absolutely massive antique metal safe, complete with beautiful hand shaped knob. What could be inside? While Adrian located the huge key we all stood back and waited expectantly to see what treasures lay within. What did we spy inside? The secret remains within the walls of the oldest youth club in the world - and you'll have to come along to the next task there to find out for yourself!

Shout out to all the different areas represented last night - we had GGers from Hounslow, Wandsworth, Southwark and Tower Hamlets and lovely to have the central team so brilliantly represented. Next week we're off to do some flyering for the brilliant local organisation FoodCycle to help spread the word about free meals for those who need it, and how to volunteer as well. Hope to see you there!