GoodGym Brighton is gamed for the GoodGym January Challenge!

On a cold Tuesday evening just after new year 10 brave Goodgymers ran from the Queen Victoria statue to the top of the level, where we were met with a mountain of Xmas trees at one of the many local collection points

We split into 3 teams and each took an area around Lewes Road and Elm Grove. The mission? Collect Xmas trees that may be found left outside houses and on street corners and bring them down to the collection point.

After 30 mins we met back at the level, having collected trees and a very nice bed sheet which will be put to good use!

Only one team could win, and that was the fab 4 who covered Lewes Road.

The residents of Hanover can sleep better in their beds knowing their Xmas trees are safely collected and awaiting recycling.

Report written by Frannie

Task led by Task Force Frannie with a little help from Jane

Well done all, GoodGym-ers - WHAT's ON NEXT at GoodGym Brighton? Plenty to amuse you to join us soon!

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On Monday the 16th of December we took part in a very special session.

Nicola, Edward, Doug, Sarah and Annette (on her first session) helped the Choir with No Name.

We firstly helped Nostos unload the food and set up the tables for the choir’s meal. Then serving their meal in the renovated Corn Exchange before they performed their annual Big Christmas Singalong to a sold out Brighton Dome!

The Choir was set up for people who have experience of homelessness and or social exclusion. It is a community initiative creating a supportive, empowering community in Brighton and other major cities around the country. Stefania our Area Activator also volunteers with the choir alongside the many other things she does for the community. After the choir had eaten their fill, we also were offered a tasty meal. The amazing food was provided by Greek Restaurant Nostos in Holland Road, Hove.

A group of 10 GoodGym-ers then watched the uplifting performance. It was truly moving and guaranteed to get you in the Christmas Spirit.

It was moving in more ways than one as we had to jump up and do a different action for the 12 days of Christmas! Those with January birthdays had an especially good workout!

Choir members told the audience what the choir meant to them and how it gave them a sense of community and joy.

We were delighted to have a shout out at the end.

“On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me….GOODGYM!”

While several Brighton Goodgymers headed to Lewes via bike train, those of us who prefer to avoid the sensory overload of Bonfire Night came to Lavender House, armed with head torches for some intensive weeding!

With the night punctuated by the frequent bang and sparkle of fireworks, we ran up our favourite hill and were greeted by the task owner, who provided an array of garden tools for us to get to work with.

Sherman was an unstoppable force against the weeds, and several of the team even cleared the weeds outside the fence too. Meanwhile, Frances and Michael got to reprise their favourite pastime of pulling the ivy off the wall (so satisfying).

We soon turned the urban jungle into a clear area, into which residents will be installing raised beds to grow vegetables 🥕🥬🍅

Thanks everyone for a great effort tonight! 🙌

Three Good Gymers made their way bright and early to Queens Park Junior Parkrun (Brighton's newest Junior Parkrun). Encouraging young people to get outside and be active.

The Parkrun was set up by the Friends Of Queens Park Group. Who's mission is for the park to be enjoyed by people of all aged.

We were assigned our roles and with a winding course lot of marshalls were needed!

Nicola was at the important marshall point four - encouraging the juniors who had dashed up the hill.

Rosie was barcode scanning and cheering and congratulating the finishers.

I was stationed on the finish tree encouring juniors into the finish funnel so they didn't dash round again.

We left with a spring in our step and another good deed done.