Is it sunny? Is it raining? Is it stormy? Who knows? But one thing is for sure, that while the weather in Wandsworth was playing up last night, GoodGym had a job to do and wasn't going to let anything get in our way!

First up, we had the pleasure of welcoming Anne Marie and Amelia to their first session. Great to meet you and hope we'll see you again for more Goodgyming.

We did our warm up in 30 C heat, before discussing which band or singer either from history or present day, would we most like to see. Queen, Bowie, Oasis, Whitney, Britney, Cardi B and the Beatles all made the (eclectic) list.

Our task for the evening was at the Gwyneth Morgan day centre. This specialist centre for people over 60, adults with disabilities and adults with dementia is a safe space for leisure, recreation and wellbeing. They promote independence and social inclusion and everybody is treated with dignity and respect.

They needed a hand with their outside space, including planting a whole load of donated plants. The first job however was to dig up the old - and very stubborn - bushes there. The dry ground didn't help matters, and it took a lot of digging, puling and general coaxing to get them out. The area was then planted with roses and hydrangeas which will brighten up the space for the users.

Meanwhile there was plenty of planting going on at a different site, masses of watering, pots to empty and trimming to be done. It proved to be quite the workout, which was maybe why at first we didn't notice the skies darkening. It was just as we crossed over to Wandsworth common to do our fitness session that the rain started coming. We cracked on with a total body workout on super speed, working on three main muscles groups. There was a dash back, before stretches.

I'm just confirming the task for next Monday so watch this space - but guaranteed it'll involve a lot of doing good, plenty of fun and even more getting active!

It was another glorious night in Wandsworth and we had a lovely group willing to brave the heat and skip the park to instead do some good! We did take a moment to discuss our favourite summer treats however with ice cream and quiche taking a joint lead! Maybe not to be consumed together...

We were back to Balham Nursery where the Head Teacher gave us a short history lesson around the school's existence since 1935. Impressive! Unfortunately they have managed to build up a lot of stuff in that time and it was our job to move it all out so that it can then be sorted by the staff. Everyone got stuck in very quickly to the packed shelves and we were amazed by how much we could move in the time (see how full that room is!). Our favourite discovery was by Matthew who was spooked by a skeleton discovered on top of the closet!

We were well looked after and also heard about how much the children enjoyed using their new playground space following our last job and how well the space was used for a summer fair.

There was just about time for some quick exercises (including voluntary tricep dips and squat holds!) before we ran off into the night. Well done GG Wandsworth!

On a gloriously sunny Monday evening, a merry band of GoodGym Wandsworth legends laced up their trainers and headed skyward—well, eventually—towards the leafy heights of Doddington Rooftop Gardens.

Joining us for their very first GoodGym escapade were the fabulous Mariella, Samand Karen! We can confirm they passed the initiation test with flying colours (and only mild compost-related trauma). Welcome to the gang—you’ve officially earned your sweat badges. 🌟

After a breezy run that had us all feeling deceptively fresh and full of sunshine-fuelled optimism, we arrived at the gardens… and were immediately greeted by many, many bags of compost. They weren’t going to carry themselves up several flights of stairs, so with military precision (and a good amount of giggling), a human chain was formed. Efficiency levels were high. Biceps were engaged. By the end, we were wearing more compost than clothes.

Meanwhile, an elite fridge-hunting squad was dispatched to a mysterious building nearby to retrieve a rogue refrigerator that was apparently playing hide and seek. Rumours of fridge-related riddles and mazes are still unconfirmed, but huge props to Dave and Caroline, who found the elusive appliance and to Sam who heroically hauled it up the stairs and into position like an absolute legend.

Back at base camp, composting dreams came true: leaves were swept, a giant compost patch was lovingly sculpted, and weeds were decisively evicted. Shoutout to Mariella, who took on one particularly stubborn root system with the determination of someone trying to cancel a gym membership—no weed stood a chance.

Just when we thought our upper bodies might revolt, it was time for a partnered HIIT session—but with a twist: we paired up with people we hadn’t chatted to yet. Lunges, squats, and a bit of mid-squat small talk ensued. Apparently, nothing says “let’s get to know each other” like high knees and mutual breathlessness.

To round off a Monday evening well spent, we made our way to The Latchmere for our much-loved monthly pub quiz, where compost facts were (probably) not part of the trivia, but team spirit was sky-high.

A Night of Heroes, Horticulture & Happy Endings at Doddington!

Last night was a special one as we celebrated a big achievement: Paul completed his 400th Good Deed! To mark this milestone for a real-life hero, we had a well-deserved stash of chocolate heroes to fuel our efforts and congratulate Paul on his unwavering dedication.

Our session took us down to the Doddington Community Garden, a vibrant green hub that always benefits the community. We tackled a variety of tasks, including:

Battling the bindweed - an ongoing effort to remove this persistent weed to give the raspberries a chance to flourish. Clearing areas for trees- Annabel and Paul got busy ensuring the ash and apple have the space and light they need Transporting hay and tiles - a true team effort, moving (heavy) items around the garden. Removing dead leaves and sweeping up - Pritesh, Sophie and Jason got rid of all those yellow leaves cluttering up the place

It wasalso great to admire the onions we planted some time ago, now flourishing – a testament to the long-term impact of our GoodGym efforts!

After a productive gardening session, we headed downstairs for a competitive fitness session which saw Sophie and Dave crowned tricep dip royalty!

The run back to base took an unexpected turn as we became embroiled in a missing dog drama. Thankfully, Catherine and Jordan stepped in swiftly and contacted the council, providing crucial assistance. We were all delighted to find out later that evening that the dog was successfully reunited with its owner! A truly happy ending to what was already a very productive night.

A huge well done to everyone, especially to Paul on his amazing 400th good deed!

Join us for our next mission this Saturday: moving mulch! Your help would be greatly appreciated. You can sign up here

On a blustery, rainy bank holiday six GGers fulled by coffee and bananas ran down to Bramford community garden to plant a goji berry bush, do a massive litter pick and do battle with an ailing raised bed. Several brackets and rusty screws later we think we emerged victorious but time will tell - we'll check in with the bed and its curious robin next visit!