On Sunday, a lovely team of GoodGymmers headed to Welling High Street to give the Christmas tree its festive glow — and wow, did we earn it. The wind was relentless, the kind that tries to steal your tinsel and your dignity at the same time.

But honestly? It just made the mission feel even more special. There’s something about standing in a blustery square, sharing baubles, holding branches steady for each other, and laughing when the wind tries to decorate you instead of the tree. Teamwork turned what could’ve been a battle into a brilliant, joy-filled hour.

And the magic didn’t stop there — we even had a surprise VIP drop in! Father Christmas himself swung by to check out our handiwork and officially sign off the tree. (We’re pretty sure that counts as being on the “Nice List” twice.)

Despite the weather, the tree came together beautifully — fast, too. It’s amazing what a group of kind, determined people can do when they pitch in together. Now Welling has a Christmas tree that shines a little brighter because of you.

Windy? Absolutely. Heartwarming? Completely. Festive? As ever.

We enjoy supporting all kinds of organisations, but it’s always a little extra special when we have a personal connection.

Yesterday was one of those times, helping out the lovely team at Days Lane Primary School Parents' Association - including our very own GoodGymer and TaskForcer, Marianna - at their Christmas Fair, raising vital funds for the school.

Before the doors opened we were on popcorn duty 🍿, filling bag after bag until they pretty-much covered the whole table. Then it was onto card-folding for the crafting corner.

Once parents and children started arriving, the place came alive with a wonderful festive buzz. Frazer, Robert and Marianna took charge of the bar. Bubbles and beers for the grown-ups. Cans of pop for the little ones.

Meanwhile Johnny and I were busy at the pre-loved toys, books and fancy-dress stall, where eager kids spent their pocket money and parents snapped up some brilliant Christmas gifts 🎁 .

As the event wound down, we couldn’t resist a fun photo in some “Donutters” masks 🐘🍩, a silly, fitting end to a lovely task.

We have lots more festive tasks in the run up to Christmas 🎅🎄, and it's the perfect time to help make a difference in our local community.

Marianna is on the Days Lane Primary Parents Association which puts on the school's annual fireworks display, so when they needed extra hands, of course we jumped at the opportunity to help.

And what a fun and colourful evening it was!

We were assigned to the non-stop-busy Glow Stall, where neon wands and rainbow light sabres sold faster than you can say 'Let it glow!'

After a whirlwind hour of seeing children's faces light up (literally), it was time for the main event... we grabbed mugs of hot chocolate and mulled wine, tasty burgers and hot dogs* and headed onto the school field to enjoy the fireworks.

After the last sparkling rocket faded we packed away the stand and said our goodbyes.

Well done to Marianna and the team for a glowing event. Please can we come back and help again next year? And well done Frazer on your very first GoodGym task. Great to have you as part of the GG Bexley posse.

• (Shout out to Tom's butchers, just up the road!)