Westcombe Woodland is an amazing open space tucked away behind Maze Hill station. The Woodland is remarkably expansive and is in need of regular maintenance to keep in in optimum condition. And that’s where Good Gym came in, with 4 runners braving the February weather to join the monthly working party. The task was simple, clearing brambles and ivy to give other plants an opportunity to thrive. We went at it with gusto and soon piles of cut brambles had grown quite large and ground that hadn’t seen the sun in years was exposed ready for growth. After 90 minutes or so our work was done and it was time to share a cup of tea with the other volunteers.

*Credit to Khai, the GoodGym pun King

We started the evening at Charlton House, discussing what we would do if we had more time in our lives. The thoughts ranged from more walking, sleeping, reading to traveling, painting and phone free time. Maybe we can try to carve out more time this year to do the things that bring us joy. 🌳📖 ☀️

But, back to the task in hand - one thing that brings us joy is a good old painting session and that's what we got stuck into at the lovely Charlton Manor Primary School after a quick run around the block. Mr Turner-Wing had everything prepared for us and we got to work on three sections of the school restaurant to give it a fresh coat of paint to try and make it look as dashing as the back wall which the team painted last time. It's amazing how a lick of paint brightens up a room! After 45 minutes the tubs of paint were all used up and we'd enjoyed a good chat and therapeutic rolling. Hopefully it looks better than it did before – the morning will tell! We’ll be back for more painting in a month and will have soon got the whole room done.

This weekend we’re back at St Richard’s and next Wednesday we’re at Dee’s nursery.

Until next time!

Last night was our first ever session at the Woolwich Service User Project (WSUP).

Khai's summary: 'Well, it was a jolly evening with an assortment of tidying tasks to be done. From artwork and toiletries to clothes for comfort. When the group is having fun lifting and squatting, time flies.' 😁

Jas was in the middle of a trustee meeting so he gave us a quick brief of the task which involved sorting out a load of donations and bringing some downstairs. The biggest challenge was manoeuvering 7 of us to sort the donations into zones in quite a tight space! We made quick work of it and even got some dumbbells in and then took our group pic* and went home to rest up for our painting task at Charlton Manor Primary today!

*Sadly it took the whole of the evening for me to come up with the WASUUUUP wise crack and yes all of my friends hung me out to dry with that picture. I won't forget that.

Well done team. Until next time!