Given the weather forecast in other parts of the country we were rather anxious that Worthing parkrun might have to be called off but luckily the worst of the wind and rain managed to leave us alone. Eight of us turned out to volunteer and several of us ran.We volunteer as Goodgym at Worthing parkrun a few times during the year and Ricky had suggested this task as a way of marking his ten years to date as a "Worthingite". Goodgym and parkrun have played a significant part in his activities during that time so it was a good way to celebrate! At his first ever parkrun Belinda and John were the first two people he met and spoke to and little did he know he would meet them again just two days later at his first Goodgym task! Today was also John's 250th occasion of parkrun volunteering.

Ricky got up extra early to do the course check, Belinda was Run Director, Barbara and Daisy were marshals, John, Ryan and Sarah helped with set up and/or close-down and Gill was a parkwalker. When it came to running, there were around 500 participants and Ricky achieved his fastest time this year since his recovery from injury. After parkrun we wll went off for coffee and results processing.

Back to the Town Hall!

26 runners braved another damp January evening to head to beautiful Limehouse Town Hall where task owner Brian was thoroughly well prepped for us for the second visit of a two week task.

It was a hive of activity as the runners set about bustling around this amazing building scrubbing, sawing, drilling, clearing and descaling, and polyfilling...Amazing.

Teams were dispersed all over the building, with Tracey heading up the cleaning team, dispatched to the incredible wrought iron staircase and theatre balcony, to deftly get into every nook and cranny with electric toothbrushes; Dave saved the day with his electrical know-how, while Leo headed up Team Filler blitzing holey walls, and Isabelle, Suraj, Stefan, Steve, Joel and Chris blitzed the boarding. Amazing stuff.

The time flew by quite incredibly and before we knew it, task owner Brian had taken creative control and had us replicating the iconic Beatles EMI stairwell pic as a fantastic task finale.

Job. Done.

And then we ran back to base, animated and exhilarated at all we'd achieved, and been part of.

Big shout out's

A big thank tonight to Bryon for leading the team to the task, Ivo for backmarking, and Leo for additional pics.

And a massive warm welcome to Craig, who joined us for his first run tonight. Thanks for your huge contribution and we hope to see you really soon.

What's coming up

• Next week we’re a two-task team: we’re at a brand new task, just around the corner, helping the Poets Corner Community Garden, while a second team are heading up the road to join the Meath Gardens crew for some clearing and much needed litter picking. All the details and sign up can be found here.

• And in two weeks’ time, on Feb 10th, The Tower Hamlets Monthly Social commences! This month is hosted by Isabelle, who’s booked us ample table space at the nearby Fugitive Motel, so whether you fancy a cheeky Monday Magners, or some heavenly, reasonably priced pizza, and a natter, do come and join us.

In the meantime, have a really good week: Take care, and hope to see you very, very soon.