Due to some last minute changes, for our regular trip to Chiswick House last night we were to be unsupervised for our task - but thankfully left with plenty of instructions, a map, and some tools.

We're generally a well behaved bunch (except for when photoshop is involved!) so we followed our directive to the letter and set off into the grounds of the house and garden.

At first glance there wasn't much litter to be found, but when we started looking a bit closer there was plenty to keep us busy. Around each bench there were dozens of cig butts to collect (these take 60 years to decompose and the particles get into our waterways...grim) and some more interesting finds including abandoned frisbees and a dog harness.

After a good stint we downed tools and headed to an unsuitable location for our fitness session - not sure why I selected there when we had the whole park at our disposal! Still, we cracked on with three different exercises for three different areas - legs, arms and cardio. The moves made for some excellent photos!

Next week we're off to help Wild Chiswick - hope to see you there!

🌞 Sunshine, Squats & Strimming: Turnham Green Gets a Glow-Up! 🌳

On a gloriously sunny evening in the beautiful oasis that is Turnham Green, a gang of GoodGymers (including one who we hadn't seen in a long time - welcome back Jen!) assembled to support the local volunteer group. The park was buzzing, the birds were chirping, and Lucy turned up looking very fresh for someone who ran a marathon just two days ago. Not only had she made an amazing recovery, but she came bearing her medal for all to admire - well done Lucy!

This week’s task list had something for everyone - raking, watering, strimming, planting, and even a spot of litter-picking for good measure. We soon got to work, with the park users watching on (admiringly, I think).

Amid all this productivity, we paused to give a massive shoutout to Alan for his 300th Good Deed. That’s commitment, energy and impact of the highest degree. We celebrated the milestone by making him rake the whole of the common. And with plenty of planks (more on that later). Well done to the absolute superhero that is Alan!

Fitness Time!

We kicked off with a plank waterfall, which is not nearly as soothing as it sounds but definitely tested everyone’s abs. Then came a wonderfully chaotic relay where each person had their own distinctive leg to complete. Some ran, some skipped, some even grapevined. We closed with a squat challenge, which unbelievably Lucy aced, and finished with stretches.

To round off the evening, we hit the pub for a slice of Alan’s legendary carrot cake. 🎥 A video was made – we cannot vouch for its quality or artistic direction, but it will be out there soon. All in all, an evening full of sunshine, community, and a whole lot of celebration.

Next Tuesday there is a mission at Hounslow Foodbox and our group run will be back to Chiswick House - see you there!

I cycled over to meet Mrs J on a sunny Saturday. The task was pretty straightforward - clean the windows. They did need a bit of elbow grease but I managed to get them all much cleaner. Any tips on how to avoid streaks would be welcome, however much I buffed the windows I couldn't get rid of them! Nonetheless the windows were in a much better state and let in all the lovely natural light. Mrs J was very grateful.

Our job last night was back at a local favourite, a school we’ve visited more times than we can. As Tish pointed out, the place is looking really tidied up these days — and it’s not just magic. We’ve definitely left our muddy trainer-shaped mark over the years.

There was bit of a challenge to overcome to start — the caretaker had unfortunately forgotten to tool us up, but we soldiered on, armed with sheer determination and upper body strength.

Our main mission: finish the rockery we’ve been building in the carpark. As Maxime said, the end was in sight, and completing it would give us a proper sense of satisfaction. Armed with only two wheelbarrows — one of which moonlights as a haunted violin — we did what we do best: powered through with teamwork, elbow grease, and a slightly off-beat squeak.

And as always, no session is complete without uncovering some mysterious buried treasure. Previous finds have included Jon's old glove and a perfectly serviceable bike. This time? A tiny plastic duck, now our unofficial mascot.

We rounded things off with some litter picking and a spot of weeding, then it was time for a quick circuit session: cardio to get the heart racing, strength moves to build muscles, and enough lunges to trouble the glutes and hammies.

Before we sign off — a massive GOOD LUCK to all the GoodGym runners taking on the London Marathon this weekend. Go Lucy! 🏃‍♀️💨 If you fancy cheering her (and the rest of the runners) on, you can sign up to join the cheer squad here

See you next week for more fun, fitness, and possibly another random duck. 🦆✨ In the meantime, don't forget that we have a lovely task restoring the natural river habitat on Sunday, if you're free sign up here for a task with a big impact.

I cycled over on a beautiful sunny Saturday and met Mr W's son who was very welcoming and explained the tasks. The council had recently been to clear the debris and contents from a broken down shed but the area still needed clearing of leaves, weeds, rubbish, rocks and bricks. The second task was levelling around the edge of the garden with soil as there was a trench. With a shovel and some core strength I managed to fill in the trench and get it all leveled. Mr W's son was very grateful and explained the plans to build a new shed soon. Oh and bonus - cute cats!