We welcomed Emmanuel to his first ever GoodGym session this evening, and hopefully the first of many!

Our plans to split into two teams and race to build the two benches were scuppered after we realised we only had one set of fixtures and fittings, but ever the competitive group, we split into pairs to build the seats.

Whilst Dave nipped home to grab a drill, Judy and Sinéad set to work patching up the paintwork on a flower bed and play house. Val, Andy and Louisa set to work giving the plants a well needed drink. Andy wins points for cutest watering can!

Once we had the drill we were back in business, and Emmanuel had another first this evening after Jen taught him how to drill.

Unfortunately time and daylight got the better of us so we weren't able to finish, but the garden is already looking fresher, brighter and more cared for thanks to the GG Dream Team!

... Obviously we're talking about paintbrushes!

First off, congratulations to Val and Judy for managing to successfully navigate their way to the task!

Val also brought us top tips for bench painting from her visits to help at the Dog Kennels. We followed her instructions and were able to sand, paint and flip the benches without too much trouble. Dave may be auditioning for Annie soon with all of his new paint freckles.

With five paintbrushes and six GoodGymers, I was able to transform into a human lamp-post, using our two flood lights whilst stood on a chair. When it felt like my arms were going to fall off, Judy kindly took on the role.

This role then extended to Quality Control, checking we hadn't missed any bits. At one point, Andy was instructed to "get in there with his big brush" - ooh, matron!

Well done to Vanessa for powering through our run back - hopefully the parking space gods are shining on you when you get home!

Congratulations on a very productive Monday, everyone!

We had bags of litter collected all over Portsmouth and the surrounding areas, from play areas to car parks.

Special kudos to Andy for managing a double good deed by reuniting a lost phone with its owner. And also to mini GGer Alice, who was unfortunately thwarted in her attempt to to pick up an old car tyre with a litter picker.

Nice one!