So much fun!

What a break from the difficult bleak times this was!

In groups of 6 we met and headed off onto the streets of Corfe Mullen. Luretta - A member of 100 Marathon Club and one all round lovely runner had mapped us a route and she led one group whilst Aaron took direction to lead the other group.

It was not about pace tonight, just a chance to see loads of lovely lights and chatter as we jogged around the roads of Corfe Mullen. The village of Corfe Mullen had made a huge effort this year to decorate thier houses with lights and anything else to brigthen up the dark nights. It had without a doubt been a community effort from pretty fairy lights to full on displays.

After the 5k run, we finished in the car park and in our groups even managed a little mince pie, chocolate and mulled wine in a bizarre (yet Covid secure) way.

It was a cold winter night when we arrived at Branksome to meet Jon.

Marie was already playing basketball with Jon to keep warm as the task started in the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area). Extra kudos for the cycle down as well Marie!

Andrew, a last minute entry into the group, joined us after not been since lockdown. Great to see you Andrew and well done for getting back to running again tonight!

Sian and Robert took on the outside of the MUGA whilst Marie and myself, Esther took on the side of the building. We had cleared this a few weeks ago but it was full again and this time it was muddy, wet leaves! It wasn't long before we had many bags full (and heavy) as well as litter cleared from the side entrance.

Jon, the volunteer from the centre was also lending a helping hand and once the front of the MUGA was cleared, it was down the side pathway!

We filled 10 bags of leaves up and the area was looking a lot clearer and less of a slip hazard as well.

To keep warm, we all headed off (Inc Jon from the centre - a recent running convert!) for a steady run around the undulating streets of Parkstone! It was a delight just to run, chatter, look at the lights and generally enjoy some company In a light hearted way. Jon took the lead from about half way, giving us a tour of the back streets of Parkstone which actually is full of so many lovely little cottage style houses!

Andrew, his first run since March did great! The hills were no match for Sian who merrily danced her way to the top! It was also the first time Jon had been on a group run so we hope he will join us again in future!

Lovely to see all your faces!

An lovely evening to head again back to Livingstone Primary School in Parkstone!

Once again, Kirsty, a Goodgym runner, and also head of Early Years at Livingstone was all ready for us! This time she had also enlisted her TA's - Andrea, Tracey and Lara - to come and help get some more of the tasks done. It is amazing as volunteers we can go in and help, but when we are joined by those that actually use these resources, it really makes it more special for everyone! Andrea, Tracey and Lara did a great job transforming the stage area with blackboard paint ready for curtains and props!

It was FAB-U-LOUS to have the new faces of Hannah and Maria join us tonight and they were straight onto it with a paintbrush and a natter! Hannah also joined us after for a run and was the only person to complete the final hill repeat back up again and even ran past her car to do the final stretch with us! We hope to have you along soon again to get to know you a bit and join our happy world at Goodgym!

Sean as a last minute entry, joined us from the dark side (shout out to the GoodGym Bournemouth Massive :)) - Great to have your extra pair of hands and joining our often tedious linked conversation!

It was all hands on the deck (or paintbrushes) tonight and covering up those tired coloured panels - We completed the fence and managed to go over some of the panels for a second time to smarten them up!

Sue and Alun had Deju vu after tackling that same bit of tall fence panel but smashed it between them! Shelley and Elizabeth were on site - apparently moving a shed but the photos only show they founds some toys to play with so who knows what really happened (Well done Ladies!) We welcomed back Tim and Marie tonight - Both not seen since lockdown but it was lovely to have them both back on the team! We hope this will be start of seeing your faces more often! Christine once again completed a run to task and back again and Patricia also had the take the hill back to her car after doing some hills so well done ladies!

The short hill session after took in the local area - What a place to train! We got to go up, then down, then up again, and down...you get the picture! It was 1.5 miles of fun for all (well nearly all - right!). So Kudos to Hannah, Robert (as ever busting up those hills!), Shelley, Elizabeth, Patricia, Tim and Marie for joining the lung busting loop!

Have a great week all!