We couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening for our latest session in Princes Park, with the temperature thankfully dropping from the highs earlier in the afternoon. The park was buzzing with people enjoying the warm evening sun as our group gathered. Liam and Chris ran from the Suitcases, and we had a great turnout, especially from those in the group doing their second task of the day!

Our mission was to make sure the park's youngest resident trees stayed hydrated in the warm weather. This meant filling up a giant water tank from the lake to water the newly planted baby trees. Because the tank was so large, the team set up a brilliant, fast-paced relay operation using watering cans and buckets to bridge the gap between the lake and the tank, which would have worked brilliantly if one of the buckets hadn't been full of holes!

Once the giant tank was full, the team walked it over to the lakeside, making sure all the young trees got the deep drink they needed to thrive in the summer heat.

While the watering crew was busy by the lake, another hard-working group tackled the lakeside path. They focused on clearing away weeds and litter from the sides of the paths, which has made the whole area look much tidier and far more accessible for everyone visiting the park.

It was a beautiful, productive evening that showed just what can be achieved with a bit of coordination and a lot of team spirit. A massive thank you to everyone who came along, especially those who doubled up on tasks today—your energy and effort are hugely appreciated! See you all at the next run!

I began today feeling a deep sense of connection with the world, inspired by Goodgym's woodland adventures of yesternight. Then, I reflected again.

Our clearance of clumps of young trees was requested, as necessary to open up the space for park users and the nearby Shrewsbury House Youth Club. But tis sometimes a struggle, being cruel, sustained only by the hope that our actions are understood as simple kindness. Thus, for this Goodgym mission of sensible park management, we kept our hearts somewhat hidden, satisfying the remit of the task, however slightly ruthless it might have felt.

As the sun sank, we switched on the stark glare of our night lights, illuminating the forest staring back at us, with its meek foliage fluttering in the evening breeze. We proceeded with the merciless grinding of our saws against hard wood, backed with the sharp bite of our loppers severing through sapling branches. We then neatly piled up the spoils of our lumberjacking, anticipating the season of crackling bonfires ahead.

Nearby skateboarders were said to have heard the occasional roar of destructive pleasure sounding from amongst the falling trees.

To express this conflicted medley of emotion, in a neat, comic pun, I searched and found the title of a dreamy, sentimental love song, so it, too, could be crushed, by simply remembering the brutal efficiency of our seemingly innocent, rustic garden implements. Delivering tough love, for the greater good(gym).

Pun (drawing on the lyrics of a song by Briony Greenhill):

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=PeonN3AeWNE&si=LPpFIY0EQY0Qm94B

In today’s age of dazzling lights and constant motion, the humble glow of a candle may seem too faint, too insignificant to notice. Yet, in many forgotten corners of our cities, such small lights can shine brightest, offering warmth, encouragement, and hope where they are needed most.

In line with the ongoing community efforts of GoodGym, our group received a call for cooperation from such a corner of the city. It was a place that, though overlooked, had long served as a quiet beacon for the surrounding houses. Years ago, the locals had transformed part of their neighborhood into a small green space: a table and several large planters stood there, inviting but worn, needing care and attention. Dust and erosion had left their marks, but not their spirit.

Our group arrived in three stages to restore this space. The table and planters were carefully sanded, with two planters freshly painted. The area was swept clean, giving it back its charm and freshness. While some members worked on sanding, pruning, and tidying, others collected stray items scattered around the neighborhood. The energy was high, the atmosphere warm and lively.

The day became even more special with the arrival of two new members and the long-awaited presence of Ema. Some of us had known Ema only through chats and emails, but meeting her in person added a new spark. Her kind words and cheerful presence doubled the warmth of the gathering.

Yes, in that small corner of the city, we lit a candle once again. The joy was visible not only among us but also in the smiles and gestures of the locals, some waving from their cars as they passed by. Their response was proof that even the smallest light can rekindle a sense of connection and belonging.

After completing the restoration, we shared a short reflection together and then, with a smile, visited what we jokingly named “Ema Lake.” In truth, it was no grand lake at all, just a small pond surrounded by plants, but since Ema had mentioned it a few times, the name stuck and added a lighthearted touch to the day. Standing there, laughing together, it felt like the perfect closing to a day of meaningful work, fun, and renewed friendships.