Lockdown is finally easing and GoodGym Swindon are back out there doing good in the community!

We’ve already done some litter picking, sent letters to the residents of Prince Rupert and Margaret Matthews Court and done a virtual parkrun takeover! Then again you could even say lockdown never stopped us, with us picking up shopping for the isolated, socially distanced gardening and collected prescriptions. That’s without even mentioning the Zoom parties and quizzes!

This week, we were back at the pub formerly known as the Cricketers’ and around the Central Community Centre in the Railway Village, for some weeding and leaf clearing! Both are looked after by the Mechnics’ Institution Trust, a local charity devoted to community development and heritage. We last helped out here back at Halloween (fancy dress not required this time around!), but also had our Christmas Meal at the Baker’s Café.

We all gradually arrived, warmly welcomed by Andy from the Mechanics’ Institution Trust, and after some brief 'hellos' and 'how you doings', we got stuck in.

Knocking weeds for six by the Cricketers’ was Charles, Kirsty and Becky. The former pub patio was soon gardened, and then given out (guess which Run Reporter has been enjoying the cricket returning)?! The Cricketers’ team also discovered a lone high-heeled shoe!

That’s just not cricket!

Meanwhile, leaf clearing the car park was Teresa, Gaby and Tracey who had been super organised and even brought some tools to help out!

Do you know the thing about plant puns? They really grow on you!

After one or two short showers, we knew we needed to get a run on. We cleared the last few weeds, shared some snacks and news, and Andy even took an obligatory socially distanced group photo for us! Pleased with a deed goodly done, we went out separate ways just as it started chucking it down!

What’s coming up with GoodGym Swindon?

This evening, Stuart is bingo calling. Will we have a full house?!

This Friday we’re Lifting, Shifting and Sorting at Swindon Night Shelter’s Warehouse.

Check regularly to see if there’s any new missions listed too.