Last week had been a quiet one for Goodgym Poole and it all seemed a little dark for even the most regular and cheerful runners in this difficult time.

But when you need good cheer, you can rely on the members of Poole Goodgym to find something to bring a smile to our faces!

This week Sian suggested we pass on good cheer with notes to each other in a safe way. Rather unexpectantly Elizabeth literally appeared to pull out of the bag a mascot for Goodgym - A very fine looking monkey with its own Goodgym Poole sign!

The task was set - This monkey needed to make its way around the local and willing Goodgym runners, to bring good cheer and a smile to our faces - All at a social distance and with a bit of disinfectant (sorry Monkey!)

Elizabeth started the task with a trip from Broadstone to our favourite couple Richard and Hilary for a quick stop over. He was then transported with the speed of um...a local runner...to the dizzy heights of Oakdale and the lovely NHS worker Sian. But he didn't rest at all - Instead he was back packed again before heading to Hamworthy for a meeting with Patricia!

The monkey appear to prefer Oakdale so was trotted back over the lifting bridges to Nicola in Oakdale where he could rest for the night.

THe monkey then had a little tourist stop on the Quay with Ali and her daughter, no idea what happened but he left the building with a facemask. Perhaps he needed more shielding than we realised!

Anther clean up and spray before he was off again to Jane, enjoying the sights of local areas. This time he got to view Poole from a bike as after his nights sleep, took to 2 wheels instead of on route to make it back to Broadstone - Good work on those hills Jane!

His stay with the fabulous Shelley was brief as he made his way back down the hill to me!

What a delight to find not just monkey but a card that was written by each person on route around Poole that shows what lovely people we have and what an integrated team of people Goodgym Poole has become. I also got flowers in the bag and I know many other runners left little gifts for each other to enjoy!

It was still early evening so I got to take the opportunity to let Monkey have a little fun in the Broadstone Golf Course - open for walkers / runners only whilst Covid is on. He loved the trees and the stunning views before reaching Corfe Mullen and Sam. I learnt more about Sam in 10 minutes on the doorstep than at the last task we had done (too busy planting bluebells I think!) which was amazing!

THe monkey took a rest in Corfe Mullen before returning back to Broadstone and one of our regular runners Robert where he is resting!

What a great week for some giggles and friendly faces!