With the threat of Storm Bert heading our way, 7 GoodGymers wrapped up warm to head out this morning for some parkrun volunteering. As an incentive Leanne brought along some delicious cake for us, even though she wasn't joining us for the task. What a superstar! Rich wasn't allowed to be left unattended with it though, in case it all mysteriously disappeared before we'd finished our parkrun duties. We reconvened after a fantastic 580 runners had made their way round a very muddy course. Robert selected some cake before heading off for the day, Sallyann was off to visit her mum and the rest of us headed for our customary Wetherspoons breakfast to reward ourselves for our "hard" work. Eden was very excited to be having her second breakfast of the day, particularly as it was followed by cake. Andy realised he had too many layers on once we were indoors and was close to expiring so decided to take his home with him.

Ben brought along his donations for the reverse advent calendar collection for the foodbank. Anyone else who is contributing to the collection will need to get their donations to me this week please. If you are coming along to our task on Wednesday, I'm happy to take them then. We will be doing a leaflet drop followed by some leaving drinks for Joe who is off to the only English city to be excommunicated by the Pope. Make of that what you will!

I jokingly said on the family chat that I'd come last at parkrun this morning. The title quote was courtesy of my Mother. Charming!

Anyway, 9 GoodGymers were volunteering this morning, plus two taking part! We gathered for a quick chinwag and to get our instructions before heading out to our tasks (and Russell made his way to the start line). Richard was delayed but caught up to the tail walkers. Unfortunately Eden had had a falling out with the bridge and grazed her knee so we raided the first aid kit for some plasters. She was a trooper and made it round the rest of the course.

Andy made sure to stop me en route to tell me the exciting news that he and Joe had drawn at pooh sticks. You heard it here first!

As we made our way back we collected Martin, Jess, Sallyann and Ben who had all done some excellent marshalling, before Rich did our official timekeeping to confirm I was, indeed, last.

Once we'd returned all our high viz etc and had a quick starter of some cake we went on to Spoons for a slap up brekkie. What a way to start the weekend!

Our group run this week will be at Beaulieu Community Centre. You can sign up here

Hope to see you there

We headed out into the misty morning to do our semi-frequent volunteer at Parkrun. When we arrived, welcoming Chris back, some of us gushed over the incredible northern lights we saw last night, others over the rum and coke/ star wars marathon (Angela). Fay was incredulous that Martin had chosen to keep his legs covered up for once.

We headed out to our assigned tasks, with me being sad that Paul didn't fall off the bike, although not sure I know how to ride one still anyway, and went to cheer on the runners. We all completed our tasks with aplomb - special shoutout to Laura making her Parkrun debut.

Heading to the traditional Spoons for brekky, Andy and Martin leapt at the chance of a second breakfast, with Andy moaning he was forced into ordering toast by....himself.

Good work, have a nice weekend and enjoy the sunshine!

10 GoodGymers congregated on a chilly morning to volunteer at Chelmsford Parkrun's 11th birthday event. Andy wore his birthday hat to celebrate, while Fay wore the GoodGym banner in an effort to keep warm. We welcomed a new member called George (also known as Martin) and gathered for the obligatory group picture. Our youngest supporter Eden joined us with her dad and we all set off to take up our positions.

There were some very speedy runners this morning, so fast we weren't even sure if they were taking part or just happened to be sprinting along at that time. We saw some quality fancy dress, including a dalmatian leading a dalmatian, the lobster in question and a variety of nuns. We also saw some familiar GoodGymers taking part. Joe, Joel and Richard E all waved hello as they went past. (None of them were dressed as nuns!) As the tail walkers made their way back the marshals joined them and we all congregated at the finish line for some delicious cake (although Angela wished it was more fiery!). A little starter before a well deserved fry up! We said goodbye to Laurie, David, Sallyann and Jenny who apparently had better things to do and headed off Spoons.

There are some great pictures from today, everyone was in good spirits even though we needed to defrost afterwards.

We have another litter pick coming up this week, hopefully it will be slightly warmer than last week, you can sign up here

Two GoodGymers volunteered at Parkrun this morning, while 6 others took part. We wanted to use the opportunity to spread the word about GoodGym so had our banner on display but we didn't manage to encourage any new members this time unfortunately. There are normally some GoodGymers at parkrun each week though so if you missed us this time you can come and say hi next time. We are doing a mass parkrun volunteer next week so maybe we'll see you then!

You can find more information about our upcoming sessions here

12 GoodGymers and one little helper braved the cold for a volunteering session at Chelmsford Central parkrun.

We did marshalling, barcode scanning, and finish tokening.

Most of us struggled to resist the Mr Kiplings pies afterwards, followed by hot drink queues, large breakfasts and pancakes at our old faithful Wetherspoons.

Well done all, and we'll be repeating this in January!

Laurie