On a cold November night 13 intrepid GoodGym-ers made the short run over to the Brighton Community Kitchen to give it a good clean and a freshen up. We were joined on the task by first-timers Steve and Nicole!

Upon arrival, Jo from the kitchen explained to us the mission of the kitchen (part of the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership) to offer practical cookery skills and nutrition education to people facing food insecurity with their community cooking classes. The classes also help foster a community spirit, tackle social isolation and promote mental health.

With the help of one of Jo's famous checklists we split into groups to tackle sorting out the plastic bowls (Russian Doll-style), ordering plates, chopping boards and cutlery, giving all the stools and chairs a thorough clean, giving the ovens a deep clean and squeegeeing the outside windowsills.

Although ostensibly an altruistic mission, some GoodGym-ers got immense satisfaction from ensuring that everything was in its proper, ordered, place in the kitchen (cough, cough, Jane).

Once we'd got through all of that Jo thanked us and said that although it seems like a small thing to do these tasks, it makes a huge difference to the her as they are things that she just doesn't find time to do.

We said goodbye to Jo with a promise to return early next year and headed-off to the nearby Basketmakers Arms for a pie-and-pint social which was expertly organised by an absent Frannie!

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While several Brighton Goodgymers headed to Lewes via bike train, those of us who prefer to avoid the sensory overload of Bonfire Night came to Lavender House, armed with head torches for some intensive weeding!

With the night punctuated by the frequent bang and sparkle of fireworks, we ran up our favourite hill and were greeted by the task owner, who provided an array of garden tools for us to get to work with.

Sherman was an unstoppable force against the weeds, and several of the team even cleared the weeds outside the fence too. Meanwhile, Frances and Michael got to reprise their favourite pastime of pulling the ivy off the wall (so satisfying).

We soon turned the urban jungle into a clear area, into which residents will be installing raised beds to grow vegetables 🥕🥬🍅

Thanks everyone for a great effort tonight! 🙌

“I change my behaviour” “Better in a group” “I have to plan a well-lit route” “Scared” “Goodgym helps to motivate me” “My superpower is fear” “No headphones” “Everyone should feel safe to run at night”

These are just some of the things we wrote on our #LetsLiftTheCurfew flag, as we joined This Girl Can’s campaign to raise awareness of the concerns and fears many women face when it comes to getting active in the darker months.

Together we ran one mile to meet local councillor Tim at our meeting point in Hanover, where we were put to task helping to clean up graffiti, cutting back bushes, and picking up litter. When our work was done, we gathered to reflect on how we feel when it comes to running in the dark. From feeling scared and self-aware, to planning safe routes and not wearing headphones - it was clear that the darker months can make keeping fit more challenging for some of us. However, we all agreed that running in groups like GoodGym really help to alleviate those fears, and we’re super grateful for the safe, friendly, and inclusive community we’ve made together.

For more information on how GoodGym are supporting the This Girl Can #LetsLiftTheCurfew campaign, read the story here: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/stories/this-girl-can-x-goodgym

Welcome Charlotte and Mariangela - come back next week!

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13 GoodGym-ers braved the incoming dark night to run along the Lewes Road at rush hour to Stanley Court, which is a YMCA supported accommodation.

We were last there in spring to help clear the small back yard area and to create a useful open-air space for gardening and other recreational activities for the residents. Over the summer the dreaded bind weed has made its presence known again so we were clearing the back yard, cutting back, pulling weeds and getting rid of the bind weed.

We also did some litter picking in an alley way next to the court, where lots has been abandoned in years. It was a real adventure to navigate in the poor light, but we managed to do the job.

A familiar face joined the team for the first time in Brighton - Welcome Jo!

We all made a big difference in a small area, and this is very satisfying!

Hoping that the little garden thrives over the winter.

Afterwards we jogged along to the Level Park to do some speed training, watched on by the ever-present skateboarders.

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