After several hours of very heavy rain indeed, the clouds unexpectedly lifted and the sun even poked through with perfect timing for the Community Litter Pick organised by Welling Station and Discover Welling.

Four of our GoodGymers (Robert prefers not to be in photos) joined the mission to clear litter along a footpath running parallel to platform 2.

And there sure was a lot of litter to clear!

Alongside station staff and two local residents others, we collected loads of bags full.

Star finds included a pair of trousers 👖, an umbrella ☂️, and a MacDonald's staff name badge!

The darkening skies signalled time to call it a day and we headed homeward. Just in time too, as big rain started falling not long after.

Another task well done and definitely time for tea 🫖.

After what felt like approximately 47 straight days of rain (give or take), we were delighted to welcome a very special guest to Saturday’s session in Danson Park… the sun! Honestly, we’re starting to think the sun might be a GoodGymer - it turned up right on time and boosted everyone’s energy levels instantly.

We teamed up with the fantastic Friends of Danson Park for a productive morning tackling overgrown bushes around the park. With bird nesting season just around the corner, it was important to get the cutting back done now, making the area tidier, safer, and ready to flourish in spring, without disturbing any future feathery residents.

Armed with loppers, secateurs and plenty of enthusiasm, we got stuck in. There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming a wild tangle of branches into neat, manageable greenery. And even more satisfying doing it together.

It was one of those sessions that reminds you why community tasks are so brilliant: fresh air, visible impact, good chats, and that smug post-task feeling of 'we did that'.

Huge thanks to everyone who came along and to Friends of Danson Park for having us.

Same again when the sun’s available? 😉

On Sunday, a cheerful crew of GoodGymers headed to a very trashed corner of Blackfen, near the A2 and the Co-op car park, ready to take on… well, far too much rubbish. What followed was part clean-up, part treasure hunt, and part therapy session.

By the end of the mission, we’d collected 12 bags of general rubbish, 3 bags of glass bottles (safely popped into recycling), and—because why not—one sewing machine. Yes. A sewing machine. Sadly, it did not come with instructions or a matching table.

To keep spirits high, we played Litter Picking Bingo, and can proudly say we found everything on the card—and then some. Full house, anyone?

While it’s always a bit heartbreaking to see how careless people can be, every GoodGym session restores our faith in humanity. Because for every fly-tipped sewing machine, there’s a group of volunteers willing to show up, muck in, and make things better—one bag at a time 💛♻️

Blackfen is cleaner, our bingo cards are complete, and humanity is back on the “mostly decent” list. Another good job done! 💪✨

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.

Today, Ashton, Robert and I represented GoodGym to assist the Friends of Danson Park with their tree planting effort.

We focused on preparing the ground, adding essential manure, and carefully planting young trees to boost the park's green canopy and biodiversity.

It was a rewarding morning spent collaborating with the community, and we found genuine joy in knowing our efforts directly support the environmental health of Danson Park.

The task required focused, detailed work, ensuring each sapling was properly secured and set up for strong growth. Despite the cool weather, our team was highly productive, successfully establishing all the assigned trees.

To top off a great day, the Friends of Danson Park offered warm drinks and cookies, adding a lovely final touch of community spirit.

We are thrilled to have played a part in this vital green initiative and look forward to the long-term positive impact our work will have on the local ecosystem and for future park visitors.