On Tuesday evening last week (apologies for the delay), a brave band of GoodGymmers took on a task that was part DIY makeover, part arachnid diplomacy, and entirely brilliant.

Our mission: transform a small room in a local church into something a little less “spider sanctuary” and a little more “welcoming space.” Armed with rollers, masking tape, and nerves of steel, we got to work.

First up—taping. The edges of doors and skirting boards were treated to a precision masking job worthy of a crime scene investigator. No paint was going rogue on our watch. Special mention and welcome to Steven who worked wonders with the tape!

Then came the floor protection phase, where we laid down cardboard and paper like we were preparing for a Jackson Pollock session. The room looked like it was about to host a very cautious picnic.

But before any painting could begin, we had to face our eight-legged co-tenants. Cobwebs clung to corners, and spiders the size of small dogs (okay, maybe not that big) peered down from the rafters. We were assured they wouldn’t bite, but that didn’t stop a few squeals and some impressive ladder acrobatics as we cleared the high-up hideouts.

With the room de-spidered and the floor safely swaddled, we got rolling—literally. About half the room got a fresh coat of paint, and while we didn’t quite finish the job, we left it looking brighter and cleaner.

Big thanks to everyone who came along and brought their best brushwork, bravery, and banter. Same time next week—unless the spiders file a complaint.

In the week that we celebrate GoodGym’s 10th birthday, 36 of Lambeth’s finest met inside Papa’s park ready to run and do good.

After welcoming a few new runners and giving temporary custody of the Lambeth good deed wings to Sam we marveled at how much good has been done since GoodGym started back in 2009 - over 165,000 good deeds in case you’re wondering.

With the introductions out of the way the first thing on the agenda was to get some pictures with the GoodGym flag so we all headed off to pose in front of David Bowie and the Ritzy and then split into two groups. A small group headed back to our base at Papa’s park to do some weeding and sweeping to give the place a bit more curb appeal. The other group headed up to Hillside Gardens hoping to also do some weeding but the failing light meant they unfortunately weren’t able to get the task done so had to turn around and head back. Luckily for them we had a freshly warmed bread and butter pudding waiting for them courtesy of Paul and we also enjoyed some tasty focaccia from Mira.

Happy birthday GoodGym!