Goodgym Haringey got together last night with a very special purpose in mind - to celebrate a departed friend, whose love for life, disposition for a good laugh, and thirst for just a few more Ks was intoxicating and contagious. The thing about death is that it doesn't care about fairness and sometimes it takes from us people who just had too much damn living ahead of them, leaving those of us still around with such a deep sense of loss. Nurj knew this and last time I saw her at the hospital, she made me promise her in that matter-of-factly kind of way of hers that I needed to make sure her Goodgym lot as she called us would be ok afterwards because after all she wouldn't be around to do so. Bloody strong to the end, our Nurj.

So, as a way of keeping a promise, the Goodgym Haringey family decided to bring some new life into this wonderful London borough that she so loved. We planted a baby tree, which will be around for many years to come, and where us Goodgymmers can go and share a quick laugh or the latest juicy goss with Nurj. A Royal Beauty by name, this tree will be all colours and fancy things as seasons change so we know Nurjehan would have approved. And also, as her Goodgym lot got together last night for the customary rummage through a community garden on a lovely warm Wednesday evening at the end of another Summer season, sharing a laugh, some memories, and some tears, I know she would have smiled at her favourite Goodgym in the country and felt proud. We'll never stop missing you on Wednesday evenings, good friend.

Dearest gentle reader...

The end of one Season appears to be upon us, so let us take these opportunities to promenade along our beautiful river...

(Sadly I'm not a period drama writer so that's as far as that goes....) However - a warmish late summer evening meant just that for 8 GoodGymers, as we made our way from the Royal Naval College for a run along the Thames to Christ Church in Greenwich, where we had plenty of autumnal tasks to keep us busy. Lots of chopping, pruning, and sawing of branches ensued, (we saw some great teamwork reaching those high branches with litter pickers and long stemmed shears...!) making for better drainage & natural light entering the building. Other team members re-planted shrubs which needed saving from their broken planters, ready for the new season. Dusk crept up on us too quickly, and it was time to move on for a pint at the Yacht. Happy birthday to Jenny and special welcome to Jackie on your first session- it was lovely to have you with us.

Have a great week all 🙂

Next week we're at Charlton Manor Primary school. Until next time!