We said a very warm welcome to Mohammed for his first GoodGym task, looking to get fit and help out, as well as improve his English. Big thanks to Richard for helping Mohammed to register on the website and to request his t-shirt. Also thanks to Russell for reminding me to do a headcount before setting off; I'm a bit rusty on the old run leading protocol. We were pleasantly surprised to see Jane without Rich, apparently he had better things to do?!

Joel and Ben led us out along the bunny walks in the sun (it was still light?!) and up to Tyrells Primary School. Our task was to excavate heaps of soil and gravel and dig out the patchwork of weed suppressing membrane underneath. Fay was already digging when we arrived, and Sallyann was on photo duty.

Everyone grabbed a shovel and started digging. Some of the membrane was easier to get at than other areas; Martin, Joel, Russell, Fay and maybe Andy, worked particularly hard on one area and dragged out a large sheet of membrane as the last triumph of the evening.

There was some question as to how hard Andy was working, judge for yourselves from the photos.

Excellent work everyone. We'll be back in May for some more hard work.

We've got a community mission at Barrow Farm on Sunday morning and the quiz at the Ale House on Sunday evening, and next week we're painting at Beaulieu Community Centre.

See you all soon,

Laurie

There was a treat for everyone as Dylan dropped Laurie off for her first run lead since mid-2024! very, very exciting.

We said hello to Zoe who unfortunately hadn't known there would be running and didn't make it to the meeting point for flyering on Hill View. We do have a walking option for some tasks and ordinarily can arrange a meeting point.

Richard, Rich and Andy obviously grumbled but did a route on the Bunny walks to ensure there was some fitness involved before meeting the legendary team of Fay and Sallyann to begin leafletting. Andy clearly did least leafletting as he had most left but he did get a rare 'talking pass' as he was chatting to Fay. Prize for most energetic definitely goes to Richard!

We helped out 3 charities and ran back to the gym. Good to be back leading and check out all the April tasks online now! Clocks forward this weekend (to punish mothers) so nice and light next week.

Meeting in the rapidly fading sunshine Fay offered us the option - take on #FaysFysicalChallenge and be legends or wuss out. Naturally, Andy wussed out. You can see the challenge and the rest of us tackling it on the gram. Newcomer Steve must have wondered what he got himself in to! Welcome.

We undertook a bit of democracy and decided to go for the run first, as we were picking litter very close to base. Leah was confident she knew where she was leading us and we set off for a jaunty 4.5km run.

Once we got back we picked up the pickers, the bags, and the area activator. Some disgraceful littering by people, but graceful GoodGymers got to work.

Some lovely finds tonight. My personal highlight is the (empty) parking ticket we found which Steve put on the car blocking the pavement. I'd love to see the driver's face when he saw it.

Rich W will be gutted he missed out on spoons. Someone won't be best pleased they lost their credit card. But even worse, someone will be devastated I'm sure that they ended their night without their trousers and underwear! Three very full bags found, excellent work.

I am looking forward to hearing how Richard gets on eating a kiwi with the skin on as though its an apple, and how Rob's race goes this weekend! Jealous of him going to Prague at the start of April, less so for needing to do the half marathon...

The clocks go forward next weekend so it'll be light for group runs soon, that'll be almost as exciting as getting my hands on some more of Martin's allotment produce.

Happy running everyone! See some people at Parkrun, if not next week.

It was a bright and chilly morning, perfect for working off a slight hangover! Mrs D greeted me when I arrived and explained what needed doing, just some cutting back and a general tidy up so very straightforward. I filled most of the brown bin with the rubbish and it looked much more spick and span at the end so she was pleased to see it looking tidy. A much more productive Sunday morning than if i'd been left to my own devices! (I did have an afternoon nap though)

After turning up exactly on time with Rich and Jane, Fay had set a plan of attack for the Avenues part of town which Andy back-lead us the long way so we could have a bit of a run.

Robert told us all about his Super Half runs and puts the call out for Milton Keynes half runners (GoodGym race team?). Russell has been working on his excellent pace to run the other MK half (how many halves do they need to make one MK?).

Sallyann was back on the power walking, getting to/from the leaflet drop spot before the rest of the gang. Laurie gave us Dylan and David updates. Erin enjoyed the bike chat, is it time to go wheeling soon?

Leah requested a longer run back to feel extra smug at pizza night, which we were all NOT invited to. So rude. Martin was also looking forward to post-run dinner treats. Benedict somehow didn't feel the cold, which is nuts because it was freezing.

Most of the gang then headed off to Back Inn Time, further proving that goodgymmers can be drawn out of winter hibernation early with the promise of food.

We got the offer of a mission just round the corner from our house, 20 second walk.

We got there and it was only a few rubbish bags to take out so we managed it in one go!

Very quick - happy to do it again for Mrs S!