With the summer announcing its arrival by trying to melt the pavements, it was great to find some shade for some balsam bashing with Northcliffe Allotments and the Friends of Northcliffe. The Balsam had taken over several areas near the miniature railway so there was plenty to go at.

The park was really peaceful and i had chance to talk to Val and Margot about how GoodGym started and the benefits we can bring to Bradford as it grows. Further Balsam bashing sessions are coming up in July, watch this space!

i forgot to take a picture of any Balsam so ive added a picture of me enjoying the heat instead.

It was a warm and windy evening when 31 Goodgymmers assembled at York CVS for their weekly evening of doing good. It was great to welcome back some of our newer faces again, as well as those we hadn't see for a while - Hi Jamie! We also celebrated the York Acorn Runners who had taken part in the Cleveland Way relay over the weekend, as well as Max and Paul Kelly having a very impressive "short jog" in the Hebden hills. (Either 38 or 39k, depending on the watch. Perhaps they could pop back to measure it again to be sure...?) Next up, Leanne treated us to another rendition of "The Cha Cha Slide", this time with more instructions. Formed up in rows, we wiggled our way through the moves, getting nice and warm and potentially bemusing the neighbours in the process.

All set, we split into groups with a choice of steady run, run-walk, or walk-walk. Nick led our flock of red shirted runners through the streets, whilst Vicky had a strong team of run-walkers, and Debs assembled the walkers, with Jenna navigating and Amy setting a good pace. Our destination; Acomb Primary School, and their lovely forest school, with a host of tasks to keep many hands busy.

Once briefed by task owner Amanda, everyone got to work, clearing the two different areas of woodland that are used by the school children for outdoor education. It was great to see progress since our previous visits, with numerous log circles installed for groups to use. There was a lot of undergrowth to be cleared by hand, sticks to be moved, troublesome shoots to be tackled with tools, as well as piles of logs and branches to be relocated. The wood movers seemed particularly keen to show off their strength, posing for many a photo in the process. (Any claims that the logs were in fact rotten and surprisingly light are unfounded, and will be refuted.) Given our bumper group size we rather outnumbered the tools available, so much bartering and trading occurred. It's very Goodgym to use one tool in place of another, and Pete was doing a sterling job of trying to dig a fire pit with a fork, but fortunately a spade came to the rescue in the hands of Paul Kelly. Thankfully our glorious leaders Ed and Vicky were on hand in all the busy-ness attempting to keep everyone focused, and redirecting folks as tasks were completed. Time was soon up, and we admired our handiwork from the main log circle; conveniently just large enough to hold all Goodgymmers. We had a group photo, and assembled for our very special fitness session.

With Captain Pete in charge, we were treated to a competitive winner-takes-all battle of rock paper scissors. With losers cheering on the winners it was a buoyant affair, and soon only two contenders remained. Nicky vs Laura for the crown.. Once, twice... Laura reigned supreme! Our two finalists became our team leaders for the next (actually) fitness component. A multi-challenge race with sub-groups of 4 having to transport specially chosen branches through hoops, up a hill and back, with some press ups thrown in, before tagging in the next crew. It was a close run thing, with our more recent joiners throwing themselves into standard wacky GG fitness with great gusto. Team Nicky edged it, and it was a draw on points between the two teams, with only a tie breaker question to go. Alas Ed showed a spectacular failure at maths, forgetting that your height is three times the circumference of your head, (something he had only educated us about at the previous task,) and Team Laura were crowned overall champions.

Excitement over, it was time to run, run-walk or walk-walk back to base, a little more gently this time. With knowledge of a job well done, many folks headed off to the pub for a cool drink and a piece of excellent home baking. Thanks to the chefs, as well as everyone who contributed in some way to the excellent evening, whether by leading a group or activity, backmarking, motivating or simply turning up and getting stuck in. Goodgym is a team, and wouldn't work without any one of us. Same time next week?

**Huge thanks to Debs for the fab run report