Thanks to everyone who came along to our first outdoor session at the Synagogue of 2026!

Barbara set us straight to work - well done Andy for your efforts locking the gate. We managed to uncover a significant number of established plants under the influx of not-forget-me-nots, and cleared the way so the boundaries to the flower beds were exposed.

David showed a previously unseen level of stealthiness by managing to tag every GoodGymer with string of sticky weed without their knowledge - impressive work!

We got to hear about Katie's reverse London Marathon adventures, and shared the exploits of Rodger the dog. The less said about the chat towards the end of the session, the better, but let's just say a visit to the butcher will never be the same again.

We had quite the turn-out for our excursion to Emsworth this evening, which was super-handy as there was a lot of work to be done!

Rebecca, the Head Teacher, and the Caretaker had started some prep work, so we got stuck straight in to the task. Katie and Sam got stuck straight in with scraping and sanding, whilst Judy and Andy were on priming duty for the woodwork. Double Dave caused Double Trouble with an exploded tin of green paint. Sinéad arrived after her run around Thorney Island to lend a hand. Birthday Gal Val found her calling as a wallpaper instructor, helping Rebecca to get the lining paper on some of the walls.

Val also provided music and snacks, so we got to channel our inner dancing queens with an Abba soundtrack.

A contractor had quoted the school close to £5000 to do the work needed, so GoodGym's efforts have certainly helped to keep school funds supporting the children, which is wonderful. Well done, you are all awesome!

After cleaning a pretty immaculate flat on our last visit, we found out we'd cleaned the wrong one! Our task this evening was to climb up even more secret stairs to a second apartment, and give it a jolly good clean.

David took on the role of bin-bag shifter, completing multiple trips up and down the staircases with bags that Sinéad, Andy and Harry had filled.

Katie and Sammy tackled one of the bedrooms that had clearly had an uninvited, four-legged visitor. Henry the Hoover was put to the rest this evening!

Beds were stripped, windows cleaned, cupboards scrubbed and floors washed. It was amazing how much was achieved in such a small amount of time - amazing work from everyone!