This evening’s GoodGym task was a really special one, as we celebrated our 3rd birthday back at Aldermoor Farm, the very place where GoodGym Southampton began three years ago! Before we even lifted a tool, Ellie was busy dishing out birthday headwear. Bunny ears, birthday hats, tiaras and even a chicken were among the options, all enthusiastically (?) worn by the group. We paused for a group photo holding a birthday banner, making it clear from the outset that this was a special evening for us all.

We had a fantastic turnout and a real mix of GoodGymers, which made the evening even more meaningful. It was lovely to see Hannah, Lauren and Derek, who we hadn’t seen for a while and also to have people who have only started their GoodGym journey this year with us, alongside members who have been with us right from the beginning — a brilliant reminder of how welcoming and supportive GoodGym is. We also welcomed Jason from GoodGym Leeds, who happened to be visiting Southampton and decided to enjoy a spot of GoodGym tourism while he was here.

We had been set a task to cut back the big hedges which had become very overgrown, along with removing the sycamores, pruning the willow, cutting back plants to widen the paths and litter‑picking outside the farm. Just as we had started, we were joined by a journalist from the Daily Echo, who had come along to find out more about what GoodGym is all about. Wilson and Ellie both happily chatted away about how wonderful GoodGym Southampton is, while other members shared their own GoodGym journeys and what being part of the group means to them.

The task was completed and the area we had cut backed looked much better. Then to make the celebration complete, Ellie treated us all to cake. It was a perfect way to end a brilliant evening.

I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the last three years. We really are a wonderful team of beautiful people, all happy to give back and support the community around us. Fingers crossed that when we make the front page, that message comes across loud and clear (though not sure the wacky headwear will help - just glad i wasn't a chicken 🐔)

We were very excited today to be invited to help the big man himself spreading cheer and giving out gifts to children and young people visiting the Rose Road Christmas Fair. We welcomed Barbara for their first task. Great to meet you Barbara - we can't promise we'll have such great outfits next time we see you! Derek was our lead money maker manning the grotto entrance while the rest of us were on greeting and present passing duties. It was lovely to see everyone having such a great time. Lucy was also tasked with keeping Santa jolly with cake and coffee. Next year we know we've got to get him the cake quicker! We all managed to have a wander round the stalls too and got quite lucky on the bottle tombola, but no luck on the raffle!

It’s that time of year again already!! We started Rose Road getting ready for their Christmas fair and were very busy elves packing gift bags from Santa. We got them packed very quickly and then had to do some rearranging to make sure there were the right mix of goodies in the final bags. We then had enough time to sort through the Christmas decorations and remove any broken ones and untangle the Christmas lights! And finally we sorted through items to be sold at Winchester Christmas markets by the fundraising team. As always we had lots of fun and are excited for the festivities next month when we will be back to support at the Christmas fair.

Ten brilliant volunteers turned up at Aldermoor this evening ready to tackle nature head-on—and tackle they did! Finn, Laura, and Derek gave the entrance hedge a sharp new look, while Sarah, Amanda, Beck, and Ronna took on the wild willow by the pond, cutting it back and hauling the branches to the chipper like absolute pros. Meanwhile, Ellie and Anna (with a cameo from Wilson) took on the compost bay transfer— never did we think the whole bay could be done, but Ellie and co were determined and they powered through until the task was complete! Laura and Amanda also got stuck into tearing cardboard for future composting. It was fantastic to see Anna, Beck, and Ronna back for round two, and even better to wrap up with a sliver of daylight—possibly our last light-filled task of the season! Great job everyone!

A merry band of 3 set off to help Rose Road at the Shirley Fringe Festival where they were the named charity for the event. It didn’t just involve bucket shaking, but also our best raffle ticket sales pitches! It wasn’t long before we were in the swing of things, with the help of the many musicians playing up and down the high street in the different bars we had to visit. We soon realised the map wasn’t quite to scale, but it definitely helped us get our steps in. We hope we helped Rose Road to smash last year’s efforts!