While it can be quite tricky to visualise, before the fact, the exact volume, weight or quantity of woodchip needed to cover a set area, one thing is certain: with eleven pairs of willing hands, it can be surprisingly quick to relocate it all, and rejuvenate a space.

The task at hand featured half a truckload of freshly chipped tree of unspecified type or genus, several members of the Friends of Harwood and Longsight Park and a couple of willing GoodGymers, huddled in the rain outside Harwood Library on a grim Monday lunchtime. The objective was to spruce up several of the bedding areas outside the library by spreading said chip evenly, giving it a visual uplift and helping to transform previously muddy and unsightly patches of ground.

Armed with a dazzling array of shovels, barrows, rakes, brushes and, in one case, rubber kitchen gloves, the team made light work and established an efficient system, quickly settling into a rhythm of work. As well as prompting several comments from passing members of the community ('Doesn't it look great? Much better!'), the premise of GoodGym itself was a hot topic of conversation - and the concept, and support, gratefully received by the Friends group.

A special thank you to the staff at Harwood Library, who opened the doors and offered a brew in the warm and dry surrounds, as well as chance to contribute to the tackling of a particularly-challenging 1000-piece jigsaw into the bargain. As a community warm space, the chance to step inside and receive not only respite from the weather but the warmth of some friendly conversation, it was a lovely reminder and illustration of the importance of local libraries and similar places; and all the more rewarding to help contribute to keeping the area looking it's best.

I (David) also loved attending my very first GoodGym session and will definitely be back for more!

Two of us braved Storm Goretti and returned for round two at the Sutton Estate Community Centre last night as we continued supporting Bolton Wanderers in the Community with a glow up of this well-used local hub.

Armed with equipment from the nearby Volunteer Vault, we set about clearing litter, pulling weeds, and tackling stubborn moss that had made itself far too comfortable around the building. It was one of those deeply satisfying tasks where small efforts quickly added up, and the exterior of the centre started to look noticeably brighter and more welcoming as we worked our way around.

Meanwhile, providing an unexpectedly joyful soundtrack to our efforts, a Morris Dancing class was in full swing inside the centre. As we scraped, swept, and weeded, the sound of bells and rhythmic stepping filtered out through the walls - proof that while we were tidying up the outside, the inside was very much alive with community spirit.

A short session, a big visual improvement, and a reminder of why these community spaces matter so much. We left knowing the centre now looks a little more loved from the outside.

Well done to Laurence for completing his first ever GoodGym Mission!

This week we visited Harwood & Longsight Park where we supported the brilliant Friends of Harwood & Longsight Park by installing a series of motorcycle prohibition signs to help keep the space safe and welcoming for everyone (apart from motorcyclists!)

Armed with screwdrivers, screws, glue and plenty of enthusiasm, we worked our way around the park, securely attaching signs to waymarker posts.

It was a perfect GoodGym combo: a practical task, a bit of teamwork, and a solid workout all rolled into one.

Well done to Jane for completing her first GoodGym Task.

A great evening of doing good and getting fit, with all the signs pointing to another brilliant session! ✅

Next week we are heading back to The Sutton Centre for round two of the Communitt Centre Glow-up - you can find out mor and sign up for that task here: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/round-2-glow-up-atthe-sutton-estate-community-centre

A fresh Monday evening, a brand-new task for the team, and six brand-new GoodGymers too - what a brilliant combination!

Seven of us took part in this week's session. Three of us met at Bolton One and got the legs turning early with a steady 2-mile run over to Hacken Lane, while the remaining four met us on site, ready to get stuck in.

We were supporting our friends at Bolton Lads & Girls Club, helping give their busy Hacken Lane site a much-needed tidy-up. Armed with litter pickers, bags, gloves, and plenty of energy, we spent 30 productive minutes collecting litter from across the grounds. From stray wrappers to mystery objects hiding in the shrubs, nothing escaped the GoodGym treatment.

For six of the group, this was their first ever GoodGym session well done to: Sarah, Louise, Emma, Eve, Abigail and Sarah. Everyone mucked in brilliantly, chatted away as we worked, and made a big visible difference in a short amount of time. A massive well done to each of the new recruits - hopefully this is the first of many!

*Sarah said: *

It was my first session with GoodGym and I really enjoyed it. It was also the first time I have ever used a litter picker and it was very satisfying! It’s a great way to meet new people and help the community and I would encourage others to join and help!

With the site looking much fresher, the running trio wrapped things up with another 2-mile journey back to Bolton One.

Next Week’s Task

We’ll be supporting The Friends of Harwood and Longsight Park, attaching motorcycle-prohibition signs to waymarker posts. A hands-on, outdoorsy task with a clear purpose - and another great chance to make a difference locally.

👉 Sign up here: https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/attaching-signs-to-waymarker-posts

See you next week for more good deeds!