Super task this evening for a magnificent seven GoodGymers in Withington!

🧱 We joined Ed from Withington Walls to give a couple of spaces a thorough clearing in preparation for some upcoming street art pieces.

Robert and Sanjeev start on a wall in the co-op car park, removing the weeds before slapping on a lot of masonry paint as a base layer, Sanjeev opting for the overalls for added protection.

Meanwhile, Jodie put her climbing skills to the test to cover up some street tags high up, and went along with Peter to cover a wall near the Red Lion. Julia filled in some spots near the opticians in Withington, while a team effort of Fanette, Ben, and Peter cleared a lot of brambles and shrubbery from a larger wall before covering it with masonry paint 🎨

We got a lot more covered than expected, covering two large walls plus some smaller, fill-in side quests too. Thankful for head torches and bike lights 🔦🕯 to provide some light, although may need to invest in some portable floodlights in future.

After applying the finishing touches, we cleared up and look forward to seeing what will become of the walls!

After late notice communication from the race organisers, 4 GoodGymers helped out at the start area for the 2026 MCR Half.

Welcome to Noor for coming along to your first GoodGym session!

With blue hi-vis, packed lunch and all important lanyard, we eventually congregated at the start area (4A) to direct runners to the start line and clear the way as wave after wave of runners approached.

With 16 waves, we were as vocal as possible to stop spectators from encroaching onto the route, while also keeping runners in different coloured waves informed when their wave was next up. Keeping the toilet queues compressed to keep the route clear was also required at times.

Towards the end, we began to help gather clothing and jumpers that runners had discarded before the start line, keeping Julia warm in the fresh October morning sunshine. After a final clearing of signage and a gazebo at the start line, we were released to drop off our hi-vis and make our way home.

Another month, another Manchester Post delivery. This time, we were collecting the newspapers from the local library in Fallowfield, at The Place on Platt Lane, to deliver to nearby streets.

Likely due to lots being picked up from the library by locals, we only had around 100 newspapers 📰 this time between the three GoodGymers.

Sanjeev played the supporting role while Julia was on first name terms with any passers-by or locals who were curious about what we were doing. Very thankful for an ice lolly on a warm day too!

A quick jog home in the evening sun rounded off the task for Ben and Sanjeev, while Julia made her way home with a Manchester Post in hand.

Julia (and Wojciech) helped out the gang at Shakespearean Gardens for their annual open day.

Initially, they were involved with the set-up, putting up the gazebos around the site for the various activities through the day. Julia hung on to help out on the homemade cake stall, with lots of delicious cake on sale to raise money for charity on a wonderfully sunny day.

Thanks Stefanie for the photos! Super effort from Julia on a long but enjoyable day.