The team gathered at the Merton and Morden Guild, ready to give the recently acquired planters a well-deserved makeover. Whilst prepping the area, we discovered smaller planters tucked neatly inside the bigger ones! Luckily, we had gained an extra pair of hands, so the timing couldn't have been better.

After laying down plastic sheeting and giving the surfaces a thorough brush-down to clear off the dirt, we mixed the paint and got to work. The colour was a spot-on match, so good that a second coat wasn't needed! A wonderfully satisfying job all round.

It was great to see so many of the team supporting on our stand collecting trainers for Jog-On and helping our friends at Full Cycle Community Bike Project and Merton Cycling Campaign with an action-packed Big Sports Day!

Our mission:

• Spreading the word - chatting with local residents about all things GoodGym, cycling, and active community projects.

• Trainer recycling - collecting pre-loved shoes for JogOn and directing people to do the same with old footwear to keep it out of landfill and get them re-used or recycled.

It was a busy day with various volunteers stopping by to help and take part. With a steady stream of participants at 'trainer-pong' and some surprising competitors, it was a fantastic showcase of collaboration and a chance to show ways to combine fitness with doing good.

Some of the team helped with other jobs, supporting with bike safety checks and promoting plans for creating a cycling hub in Merton, hoping for backing from local councillors and Merton Council for an accessible, community-driven bike hub to promote active travel, reduce carbon emissions, and expand low-cost transport options across the borough.

Well done everyone and a big shoutout to those who stayed on or joined us in the afternoon when we needed a boost later in the day!

With rain on the forecast, we pivoted straight to Plan B: turning the workshop area into a weatherproof party zone!

We were a few hooks short for the decor, so whilst supplies were obtained we kept the momentum going - clearing out the space, sweeping up, and untangling the massive box of bunting so everything was prepped and ready for the final touches.

The room and cafe looks fantastic and is almost ready for tomorrow evening, where there will be plenty to enjoy at the barn dance!

We love helping at the farm as there is always jobs to do. So will be back soon 🤞.

Somewhere beneath a fortress of savage brambles, aggressive weeds, and stray litter lay a secret storage zone. This area was destined to house a special, top-secret item. One that must remain safe, sound, and ready for when Santa Claus himself touches down this December. Failure was not an option; Christmas was literally on the line.

We arrived to find a prickly terrain to which the team just dived right in, hacking through the wilderness.

With fewer tools than we would have liked, we had to get creative. We commandeered a lone, trusty wheelbarrow found nearby for our transport vehicle. As the cutting crew cleared the thorny barricades, others helped Rosemary (from the Rotary) clear the area of litter, ensuring the future festive hub was spotless.

Thanks to the last minute sign ups there is now a Santa-ready storage space. So we left with the knowledge that the December operation is officially secure.

Well done team, you really pulled it out of the bag tonight, especially those who flew in from outside Merton - amazing and of course what we do! Merton Rotary are so very grateful.