Smithdown in Bloom is a community group which looks after the popular Smithdown Road and surrounding streets, by adding planters, bringing some colour and greenery to the area, and other maintenance aspects like litter picking.

We received a last minute invite to join them for their planting event on Bank holiday Monday. We ummed and aahhhd over setting up the community mission, as it was a) only 3 days notice, b) bank holiday weekend, and c) set to be a scorcher. There was a little interest so we listed the task, and I prepped the task owner that we wouldn't be expecting a large turnout, but I'd be there and it would be nice to meet them with a view to arranging a session for our weekly group run some time.

Much to our surprise, a fabulous 9 Goodgymmers braved the heat and turned out to support the group. Smithdown in Bloom are developing as a group with founder Ian sadly due to move away, so they're reviewing processes, structure and looking at putting things in place to maintain consistency. The group were well prepared with lots of plants to plant, tools, water bottles and watering cans. They kindly advised the water wasn't just for the plants, we were encouraged to drink some too! It was super hot and collectively we got round all the planters: weeding them, adding new colourful plants, and giving them a good water to take root. We were approached by a group of 6 young teenage boys who asked about what we were doing, and who then kindly got involved and helped plant some plants, even refilling the watering can for us from the local shop. It was lovely to see such young people in the area getting involved.

After just over an hour we wrapped up the session and headed for a well needed iced drink (iced matcha latte with coconut milk for me 👌), cooling off before our regular Monday evening task later that same day. It was great to meet the Smithdown in Bloom team and we look forward to helping them again - we've already been invited back.

Well done everyone who attended for a great turn out on this gloriously sunny bank holiday weekend, we really demonstrated what Goodgym is all about ☀️

Tsitsi and I managed to get our steps in from our respective start points to get to the task of trimming the tree for Mrs B. Both of us grateful to take a short break from the working week and enjoy, as Tsitsi called it, a "bright and breezy, perfect day for a mission".

We were very warmly welcomed. Our task was to tidy up some of the overhanging branches to support less leaves on the ground and better light. After some guidance, we assessed the tree and considered the best plan.

Tsitsi took the lead on trimming and I tidied (even more steps got in today with little trips to and from the green bin). Tsitsi did a fantastic job of giving the tree a little makeover and Mrs B was very pleased with the result.

Yesterday , in the spirit of GoodGym, I visited Miss J who welcomed me into her home for some general tidying, organising and clothes arrangement. Upon arrival Miss J explained what tasks needed doing and gave her consent for me to commence. She was warm and welcoming, likening me to one of her carers she had nicknamed “Sunshine” — meaning I had brought light into her day. That truly set the tone for the visit! I got straight to work, moving the side table from the bedroom to her bedside in the living room. The dollhouse was relocated from the top of the fridge to the bedroom, and the main task of the day was sorting and folding bags of clothes and consolidating clutter to restore the flow of the rooms. I finished off with a little sweep of both the bedroom and living room. Miss J was wonderful company throughout and paid me the loveliest compliment, telling me I had the caring temperament of a nurse. In true GoodGym spirit, I then walked three miles home — because we do good and stay fit at the same time! It is the little things we do as GoodGymers that can make a real difference — and yesterday was a reminder that the reward goes both ways.