On Sunday, a lovely team of GoodGymmers headed to Welling High Street to give the Christmas tree its festive glow — and wow, did we earn it. The wind was relentless, the kind that tries to steal your tinsel and your dignity at the same time.

But honestly? It just made the mission feel even more special. There’s something about standing in a blustery square, sharing baubles, holding branches steady for each other, and laughing when the wind tries to decorate you instead of the tree. Teamwork turned what could’ve been a battle into a brilliant, joy-filled hour.

And the magic didn’t stop there — we even had a surprise VIP drop in! Father Christmas himself swung by to check out our handiwork and officially sign off the tree. (We’re pretty sure that counts as being on the “Nice List” twice.)

Despite the weather, the tree came together beautifully — fast, too. It’s amazing what a group of kind, determined people can do when they pitch in together. Now Welling has a Christmas tree that shines a little brighter because of you.

Windy? Absolutely. Heartwarming? Completely. Festive? As ever.

Santa's little helpers had the day off today, to take part in Mind in Bexley' s Mental Elf run in Danson Park. And we were there to help things go smoothly - checking-in the participants, getting medals 🏅 ready for collection, marshalling the course ➡️, and waving the chequered flag 🏁 as rosy-cheeked runners and walkers crossed the finishing line.

The sea of red and green outfits and hats in the park created a wonderful sense of community, and it was amazing to see everyone come together for a great local cause.

We enjoy supporting all kinds of organisations, but it’s always a little extra special when we have a personal connection.

Yesterday was one of those times, helping out the lovely team at Days Lane Primary School Parents' Association - including our very own GoodGymer and TaskForcer, Marianna - at their Christmas Fair, raising vital funds for the school.

Before the doors opened we were on popcorn duty 🍿, filling bag after bag until they pretty-much covered the whole table. Then it was onto card-folding for the crafting corner.

Once parents and children started arriving, the place came alive with a wonderful festive buzz. Frazer, Robert and Marianna took charge of the bar. Bubbles and beers for the grown-ups. Cans of pop for the little ones.

Meanwhile Johnny and I were busy at the pre-loved toys, books and fancy-dress stall, where eager kids spent their pocket money and parents snapped up some brilliant Christmas gifts 🎁 .

As the event wound down, we couldn’t resist a fun photo in some “Donutters” masks 🐘🍩, a silly, fitting end to a lovely task.

We have lots more festive tasks in the run up to Christmas 🎅🎄, and it's the perfect time to help make a difference in our local community.

In a couple of weeks we are helping the Community Hospice collect donations alongside Bexley Rotary Club's much loved Santa Sleigh. Our task this evening was delivering leaflets to houses along the route so they knew when Santa will be visiting their street.

It was an earlier-than-usual start as we were heading for our Xmas meal straight after the task.

We set off briskly, admiring the Christmas lights and decorations as we weaved our way in and out of driveways. On route we arrived at the Xmas House ablaze with lights and it's own Santa sleigh 🛷 🎅🏻 on the roof! What a spectacle!

After photos we carried on with the leaflets, racing around the roads to cover as much ground as possible. Unfortunately Manish had an encounter with an excited pup 🐶 and needed to get some medical advice. We wish him well and hope to see him soon.

Leaflets delivered, it was on to our Xmas social where there was lots of merriment and celebrations. We have had an excellent year at GoodGym Bexley and as we reflected over the achievements we all raised our glasses 🍷. Sarah is very near to completing her 500 good deeds - wow what an awesome achievement! Massive well done to her!

Johnny won the GG quiz and Lisa came second! Well done to them! We even got our dancing on Tik Tok!

We can't wait for the next party night!