Monday 10th July 2023
Report written by Peter Van Tongeren
some last minute changes to attendance notwithstanding 5 happy goodgymmers set off on a run to South Woodford. Feeling adventurous the route was more guided by a sense of direction than a mapped route...... and we did roughly arrive on schedule!
Steph was already busy at the community garden project the local residents started up earlier in the year and smoothly assigned the different runners a specific weed to target for removal, having quickly figured that not everyone has such great knowledge of plants as she does, putting it nicely.
So we roamed around looking for specific little plants to remove, example in hand, or like Linda very creatively stuck in the shoe laces.
Having gotten through most of the targeted weeds and tidied up the pathways, the different stomachs were indicating it might be time to round things off. Steph had similar ideas so tools got packed away and off we went, with the thanks from Steph.
Aunty Linda ( gotta use nicknames to keep the two Linda's apart!) was talked into the scenic and slightly longer route back, through Roding Valley Park instead of the streets. There we discovered that James was putting a double portion of gym in Goodgym this evening, running with a backpack - kudos to him!
Arriving at the other end of the pathway there was still a little time for some history for Nicky & Linda, showing the red brick pillar which reportedly is the last remaining bit of the bridge that gave the borough its name - Redbridge.
Back at base, the call of dinner was too strong for more socialising so all went their separate ways.
P.S. Steph separately also expressed her gratitude to chief Julia, another session will be planned in for another day.