Hitting a milestone - 100 good deeds!

Writing this report fell to me so, in a break from the norm, I am writing in the first person as it would be very weird to write the report for my own 100th task as if I wasn't there!! :)

So, I just completed my 100th GoodGym task - hurrah to me! Rather fittingly this took place at Sneinton Primary School allotment which is one of my favourite locations for a GoodGym session in Nottingham. I was joined by Jules and we were hosted by the amazing Kathryn who has fingers in many green/community pies in the Nottingham area (she is also one of the most cheerful people I've ever met!).

On arrival, Kathryn explained that the allotment needed a bit of TLC after the school summer break. The weather and the fact that it couldn't be tended to as regularly during the holidays had caused nature to take over a little and it all needed a bit of clearing and tidying. I was perfectly happy with this as clearing weeds and brambles is one of the most satisfying tasks in my opinion!

We decided to concentrate on the sheltered area and set to work pulling up all the bindweed and ivy that had been winding its way around every shelf, table and tool that was being stored in the area. We also tackled some nettles which had started to take over, gaining a few stings in the process.

The hour passed quickly and not only had we built up a good sweat, but the shelter looked much clearer and weed-free, making it a perfect GoodGym outcome. As is obligatory, we took a few photos at the end and Kathryn very kindly drew me a 100 sign as we don't have any capes or flags in GoodGym Nottingham yet - we'll get onto this for any future milestones.

I am very happy to have finally reached my 100th GoodGym good deed having gained my black t-shirt (50) way back in June 2017! A move from London to Nottingham (where GoodGym did not exist until 2023), the pandemic and a baby later, I have finally hit my century.

I was asked yesterday whether I have any favourite or memorable tasks... This is really difficult as they have all been loads of fun. A few that stick in my mind are:

1. My first session with GoodGym Croydon in May 2016. Firstly it was special as it was the start of my life as a GoodGym-er, but also GoodGym founder Ivo came along to this one. I thought maybe this just happened at every session, but I actually think it was because it was only Croydon's second or third week so he had come along to support. Even though, it was kind of cool to meet him at my first task.

2. An incredibly satisfying mission helping an elderly gentlemen clear his overgrown garden on his return from a stay in hospital. He was so lovely and it really felt like we were making a difference to his life. The report name '(What's the Story) Thorning Glory?' may also be one of my best.

3. Volunteering at Night of the 10k PBs - always an absolute blast. Slightly stressful managing the crowds on the track, but a lot of fun and a truly unique experience.

4. One mission where we helped tidy a lady's back garden in the torrential rain. She didn't think we would even turn up, let alone plough on in the wet, but we kept going, got very wet and had a great time (I think the fact I only lived around the corner made the getting wet bit a little less hassle).

5. The Dino Dash in Crystal Palace park...in a heatwave. This race sticks in my mind as it was HOT. It was a team relay event so we got to run as a GoodGym Croydon team doing laps of the park, avoiding the large inflatable dinosaur. At the end, someone unexpectedly busted out a cool box full of ice pops. It was a simple gesture but totally made my evening!

6. My first GoodGym Nottingham session in July 2023 - after a 6-year gap (aside from a couple of random tourist tasks in Derby and York) I LOVED attending my first session in Nottingham. It was just like old times and was so nice to be once again meeting like-minded people and helping out in the local community. The task was at the Meadows Foodbank which has become one of our regular locations now.

I could go on. Every task is fun and I look forward to my next milestone in 400 tasks' time. Even more though I look forward to celebrating the milestones of all the other GoodGym Nottingham members over the coming weeks and months!!