Referred to variously as the viewing point, the colonnade and the upper level, this Monday's task met 72 steps up from where Netherfield Road meets Prince Edwin Street, serving up a stunning view back down and across Liverpool city and beyond. Our task: protecting and refreshing Everton Park's hillside plant life, giving this historic site and wonderful green space the well-tended care it deserves.

First of all, rewind to the pre-task (optional) run, for which we were set to meet at the Hope Street suitcases, as usual. Unusually, however, our expected running route was blocked off to transform a section of the street into a Gotham City scene for horror thriller, 'Clayface'. With no call for walk-on extras dressed in Goodgym running kit, Siân Leonardo and Dan diverted to the foot of the Catholic Cathedral for our warm-up, sure that our evening ahead in north Liverpool was going to be the best view, and show, in town.

We gently stretched all the running muscles we could remember, ahead of a steady 2.4km jog to the task rendez-vous at the foot of those steps, leading up to the summit of Everton Park. Extra kudos to Leo, whose home is close to Everton Park, but still headed away from the task location to join our group social run back again!

Safely across from suitcase to staircase, task leader Sallyann guided us onwards and upwards, meeting Bekah up top, joined by Lucien and Eleanor(Ellie )to bring our Goodgym ensemble to seven, all treated to a stunning panoramic view: Welsh hills rolling along the skyline, iconic Liverpool buildings dotted about in front of the river, and, in the foreground, the unmistakeably cheery & plucky faces of our Goodgym team 😀

Sallyann had coordinated the session with John, member of Friends of Everton Park, and long-time local resident. John began by surveying the park areas down in front of us. A knowledgeable and enthusing character, it briefly seemed that John himself was rather daunted at the extent of unwanted growth overtaking the park's plant life. However, turning back to our gathering of Goodgym gardeners, gloves at the ready, John explained the challenge ahead, calmly briefing us about the two key offenders we were set to take on.

Firstly, the cherry tree saplings taking root on the lower levels, which risked competing with the established trees and blocking the view of the colourful murals that welcome onlookers travelling along the road. Secondly, the thorny brambles entangling the mature fruit trees on the higher ground, stifling growth and fruiting. We added a third offender, in the form of widespread litter, strewn about and often stuck deep down in the undergrowth - unpleasant blights on the parkscape.

Now clear of our specific activities, we equipped ourselves with pruning loppers and cutters from John's car boot tool armoury, together with a pair of litterpickers for good measure. We divided our steadfast yet careful clearance energies between the baby cherry trees down low and the bramble bushes up high.

Key accomplishments of the roadside team, aside from resisting the tinkly tune of the local ice-cream van, were Leo's calm and steady progress slicing through sapling stems, Bekah coming up trumps as our Ace of Spades (Bekah found a spade to add to John's car boot) and Dan picking up a bag full of litter to keep the ground as clean as it was becoming clear.

Battling away with the spiky intruders at altitude were a quartet whose focus on liberating fruit trees from prickly takeover was barely interrupted, but for brief breaks to admire the golden glow cast by the sunset. Choice photo opps aside, their firm attack saw brambles obliterated into a trampled pile of spliced branches, a sea of spikes all snipped up to blunt their bite. The reward: the sight of crab apple trees standing tall and proud, resplendent with the weight and colour of their burgeoning fruit.

Special commendations to: Lucien, whose saw craft dealt with the hardier growth; Ellie, whose determined pruning skills did not disappoint; Siân, whose dynamic energy ensured the team covered ground thoroughly and efficiently and Sallyann, whose supportive and relaxing team spirit more than compensated for the minor injury accidentally inflicted on an innocent crab apple tree.

As our efforts wound up at the hour mark, Goodgymers reunited with a well-earnt sense of satisfaction, having contributed to a neater and healthier Everton Park hillside, all a little more sparkly in the dusky light.

We ended by looking ahead to the Everton Park Community Garden Open Evening on Friday 12th, 6 to 9pm. Goodgym members are invited to the party, as a chance to socialise, catch up and congratulate everybody's volunteering. Just take along a little cash to chip in for the communal spread on offer and share in the Everton Park love!

Did you know? Up until the 1950s the area that is now Everton Park was densely packed with rows of terraces. Owing to cramped conditions the area was cleared and replaced by an ambitious new housing scheme of towerblocks. That housing lasted barely 20 years before they were demolished, having fallen into disrepair amd disorder, resulting in the relocation of huge populations of north Liverpudlians. The terraced staircases, viewing platforms and grand pergolas you see today are relics of the previous buildings, converted in the 1980s to blend into the large and varied green spaces and plant life you find today, the site of much diversity, past, present and future.

In today’s age of dazzling lights and constant motion, the humble glow of a candle may seem too faint, too insignificant to notice. Yet, in many forgotten corners of our cities, such small lights can shine brightest, offering warmth, encouragement, and hope where they are needed most.

In line with the ongoing community efforts of GoodGym, our group received a call for cooperation from such a corner of the city. It was a place that, though overlooked, had long served as a quiet beacon for the surrounding houses. Years ago, the locals had transformed part of their neighborhood into a small green space: a table and several large planters stood there, inviting but worn, needing care and attention. Dust and erosion had left their marks, but not their spirit.

Our group arrived in three stages to restore this space. The table and planters were carefully sanded, with two planters freshly painted. The area was swept clean, giving it back its charm and freshness. While some members worked on sanding, pruning, and tidying, others collected stray items scattered around the neighborhood. The energy was high, the atmosphere warm and lively.

The day became even more special with the arrival of two new members and the long-awaited presence of Ema. Some of us had known Ema only through chats and emails, but meeting her in person added a new spark. Her kind words and cheerful presence doubled the warmth of the gathering.

Yes, in that small corner of the city, we lit a candle once again. The joy was visible not only among us but also in the smiles and gestures of the locals, some waving from their cars as they passed by. Their response was proof that even the smallest light can rekindle a sense of connection and belonging.

After completing the restoration, we shared a short reflection together and then, with a smile, visited what we jokingly named “Ema Lake.” In truth, it was no grand lake at all, just a small pond surrounded by plants, but since Ema had mentioned it a few times, the name stuck and added a lighthearted touch to the day. Standing there, laughing together, it felt like the perfect closing to a day of meaningful work, fun, and renewed friendships.

It was the third Saturday of the month and this always sees Goodgymers attend parkrun at our local Princes Park before heading out for breakfast. We have been doing this consistently since January so we knew we were in for a Gr8 time!

Today was Princes parkrun 666th parkrun. It's a busy parkrun and today there were 606 participants (almost 666) including Amina,Bekah, Jess, Jo, Sian, Steph and lovely to see our dear friend Roz (Goodgymer for many years and Jo's daughter). Everyone ran really well with several people getting PBs.

It was time then to head for breakfast which today was at Rhubarb a nearby cafe that has been on the list for a while. Lucky for us Ellie went straight there as soon as they opened and helped the staff to rearrange tables so we had a big table to sit together.

The thing about the monthly parkrun breakfast is that there is such a lovely warmth (not just from the weather at the moment) its a time of chat connection and coffee (ok i just had to throw that beverage in for alliteration purposes). Far from talking rhubarb conversation ranged from Nelson number, fibonacci sequence, what's on at the cinema, and what to have for breakfast. Leo definitely earned star of the month as he showed everyone how to put their parkrun barcode into their Google wallet.

As another parkrun breakfast morning drew to a close and whilst people's loyalty cards are filling up and another mystery category has been attained (to be revealed in December) and it was time to carry on with our weekend I for one left filled with not just a hearty breakfast but a heart full of time spent with lovely people

GoodGym Liverpool meets every Monday for their group runs, followed by a task in the community. Two runners, SallyAnn and Dike, met at The Suitcases (Duke Street) for the run. Only Dike ran, while Sally cycled alongside, providing company and some coaching to the upcoming marathon finisher wannabe (pun intended). They headed to Park Lane, the venue for the day’s task, where they would meet up with Sian, Lucien, Danchito, Clara, Leonardo, and Elaine from the Urban GreenUp Project Liverpool, who would coordinate the task of the day. Previous tasks with Elaine had involved uprooting overgrowth at the Park Lane green corridor, so most GoodGymers who turned up that day expected the same. However, Elaine had a different plan—clearing a pile of green waste from previous weeding sessions. The waste was piled in a corner, some bagged but most left loose. The task was to re-bag the waste and load it into a van. Everyone worked on clearing the waste except Lucien and Elaine, who focused on uprooting more overgrowth. Stem after stem, shrub after shrub, they bagged everything by hand while chatting and laughing. Not even the thorns, the smell of decomposing leaves, or the sight of slugs could dampen their morale. In about an hour, more than three-quarters of the pile was re-bagged. The icing on the cake was an elderly man—probably a local—who, on seeing the GoodGymers clearing the rubbish, pulled out his phone to take photos while praising their efforts. By the end, the walkway, which had been blocked by the pile of green waste, was clear and fit for use again.