After a morning doing good in chilly weather at the other end of York, we were glad to get inside and sit down for a good tidy-up of the Council tool shed. We began by repairing the litter-pickers, then the ironmongery came out for a real treat - lots of screws and nails requiring sorting by category. Luckily Michael was on hand with his GCSE resistant materials knowledge to remind us of the difference between "Japanned" and "galvanised". A great afternoon was had by all, and we hope to benefit from excellent equipment next time we help out the Council!

We were met by a cheerful Iain, who showed us to Rosemary Court. After triple checking the location and instructions with his HQ, Lucy, Barbara and Jenna got stuck in to cutting back a border. To be on the safe side we were advised to 'cut down but not out!' Understood! Babs also filled a bag with the litter hiding in the border. We filled 2 big bags with cuttings. Resident Jacky came to thank us for our work and confirm that the plan is to eventually to dig up and replant the whole border. GG promised to come back. Despite a very busy January, 'wood chip cough' (from the previous night's task), too much dog poo and some lost keys, we may have been 'down, but definitely not out!'

The Friday Fun Club all met (except Max) on the very clearly explained corner of Wetherby Road and Beckfield Lane for some triple good deed day litter picking. But first - our moment of fame when York TV turned up to interview Area Activator Vicky followed by some footage of us diligently picking up some carefully scattered litter that John had just collected. Don't believe everything you watch on TV kids.

After our stardom, we split into group to tackle the areas litter. Some of us were a bit pickier than others about what we wanted to collect, whilst others were shoving everything into their bags, including a wallet! Barbara very honestly handed it in at the local Police station to hopefully be reunited with it's owner.

Max arrived when we were almost finished, without a litter picking, claiming he couldn't find us but then later admitting he never really looked at where the task was. Typical. He still turned up and managed to pick up some litter though so we'll let him have the good deed. It is January after all!

9 goodgymers know exactly how it feels! As they braved the freezing temperatures to clear leaves from the gardens and river pathway at North Street. A wopping 16 bags worth of leaves were collected and we got to look at the impressive floating eco system on the Ouse along way. Great work everyone!

Despite the low temperature and cold wind a hardy group of us GG Yorkies assembled before our weekly group run to do a litter pick around the local streets. We split into several groups and soon collected several bags of rubbish. The most unusual find was Leanne's discarded broccoli. 🥦

*Actually there were a lot of cigarette butts.

Our first Group Run of 2025 saw a bumper turnout of 32 dedicated but chilly GoodGym Yorkies head off to West Bank Park for a night of leaf clearing in the play area. Buy before we set off we welcomed 4 newcomers Amy, Clare, James and Sam. Give them all a big cheer 🎉

We also had a few things to celebrate tonight, starting with awarding the December GGer of the month award to David who also happened to be completing his 200th Good Deed tonight. Way to go David 💪. There were also cheers for those that had taken part in some of the festive races including Chevin Chase and the Jolly Holly Jog. Well done guys!

It was then time for a quick but much needed warm up, whilst our walking group set off to the task. Vicky led a run/walk group (although by the sounds of it, it was a lot more run than. walk) and Ed led the main group able back marked by Babs and Laura.

At the task we were greeted by Kristina from the City of York Environment team who was expecting a fair fewer GGers than had arrived, so quickly grabbed as many extra tools as possible to keep us busy. We then set off armed with rakes, shovels, brooms, wheelbarrows and a leafblower, with the aim to clear as many leaves from the play area as possible.

We soon got to work with Clare and James sweeping leaves away from the play equipment whilst Babs and Nick got to work shoveling snow. The rest of the gang were busy with turning over the mulch in the leaf bays and getting them ready for the mass of leaves that were soon heading their way. Well, apart from Ellie who was spotted playing on the springy rocking horse type thing!

After a solid 40 mins or so of leaf clearing the park was looking a lot better so we gathered up the tools and got ready for tonight's fitness session, courtesy of Nikki; A game of Head, Shoulders, Knees and Cones. This involved two people battling it out to be the first person to pick up the cone after following Ed's instructions, with the losers completing 10 squats after each defeat (there's a chance Rich might have sore legs in the morning!)

Then it was back to CVS for some stretches followed by left-over festive treats courtesy of Vicky