Today, three GoodGymers played crucial roles: Belinda as Run Director, John on set-up and Paul keeping time.

Here in Worthing, we always look forward to our GoodGym parkrun volunteering sessions! We aim to organise one each month to support the parkrun community and proudly promote GoodGym. Given the expected parkrun cancellations in the first half of the year, we are determined to maintain this important GoodGym connection.

They can definitely hear—even if they aren’t all actually listening

With the new (ish) speakers (thank you to our friends at South Downs Leisure), there was no excuse for anyone saying they couldn’t hear the briefing. It wasn’t just Belinda enjoying the sound of her own voice today; everyone could! And that was important. Besides the usual health and safety checks, there was important information to share about the imminent parkrun cancellations due to promenade works.

The applause clause

As well as the safety information being clear, the milestone shout-outs were also heard. We love celebrating individual achievements and milestones at a parkrun. Today, we celebrated our very own superstar Paul as he was cheered on his fiftieth time volunteering. Check out the photos for the unofficial merchandise awarded to mark the occasion.

And they’re off

And don’t forget, so will Worthing parkrun be intermittently over the next few months. Keep an eye on the upcoming volunteer sessions so you can join us in promoting GoodGym while supporting what is surely the biggest, regular, mass participation fitness event on the south coast.

I was issuing finish tokens at today's parkrun and Paul was number checking. It was the first time I had done that role at a 5K and with a double funnel as well. However with three of us it went very smoothly.

Another cheerful evening for GoodGym as we returned to our regular slot at our local favourite first school, where familiar faces and fresh paint jobs are quickly becoming part of the routine.

We were warmly welcomed by headteacher Helen, who was happily settling into her newly painted office—looking bright, fresh, and already well-used since our last visit. It’s always satisfying to see the results of previous sessions being enjoyed.

Richard had lined up a brand-new task for us, and we got stuck in straight away.

Barbara kicked things off with a precision job, immaculately cleaning a very large whiteboard until it was gleaming and ready for action. Meanwhile, the rest of us were introduced to 'The Nest” a soon-to-be classroom designed as a calmer, quieter space for children who need a little less busyness and a little more calm during the school day.

Paul grabbed a roller and got the main coverage underway, while El and I started cutting in around the edges. Once Barbara had finished transforming the whiteboard into its sparkling best, she joined the painting team to help speed things along.

Just 50 minutes later—and with great teamwork and steady rollers—the transformation was complete. You could say we really 'feathered The Nest' and made an egg-cellent job of it.

Another space refreshed, another practical difference made, and another enjoyable evening supporting our local school community.

Pier Pressure & Petal Power 🌊🌼

A small but mighty group gathered for what turned out to be a wonderfully chilled and cheerful evening by the seaside. It was especially lovely to see Megan again who has been very busy working lately. Plus, with Paul, John and Ricky it turned out a perfectly sized group for the task tonight.

We started off by taking a relaxed social stroll around the pier. With the sea breeze doing its usual chilly thing and the sound of the waves , it was the a great opportunity for a good catch-up, a few laughs and a gentle warm-up for the task ahead. Sometimes the best runs are the ones where nobody’s actually running!

After our scenic wander, it was time to roll up sleeves, and get stuck into a quick winter tidy-up of our seafront flowerbed along the promenade. The bed definitely needed some attention and armed with a few small tools we got to work clearing out the old, taming the unruly and generally giving the space a well-earned refresh.

There was plenty of chat, teamwork and those deeply satisfying moments where you step back and realise, “Oh wow… that actually looks alot better.” The flowerbed is now looking neat, cared for and ready to brave whatever the rest of winter throws at it. Hopefully we may see some spring flowers coming up soon.

All in all, a blooming lovely evening — relaxed, productive and full of good company. Turns out a little seaside stroll and some flowerbed TLC is a great way to tide ourselves over 😄😍

P.S It turns out that my perfect one shot wonderful photo on the pier didn't come out !! 😅 Next time I won't be so confident 😄