What a difference the sun makes! The cold air and frost were no match for the Parkrunning, Goodgyming heroes of Colchester.

Ella, Emma, Phil and I welcomed Nicky , Ben and Neil to their first Goodgym experience, but certainly not their first experience of doing good for their communities.

Ella and I were in charge of the Colchester Castle Parkrun tokens with the added job of promoting our Starter Session to the runners! Our very own Emma, Phil and Etienne completed the 5 km course along with Nicky and Neil whilst Ben also volunteered.

So we met and we litter picked! We made a great improvement to Kings Meadow and Bull Meadow but their is still work to be done in the harder to reach areas. As with all litter picking groups big and small the aim is that one day we do not need to litter pick because there is no litter - is that a hopeless dream? Either way we chatted and debated whilst collecting an impressive 3 bags of litter.

The litter picking highlights include finding Michelangelo (not the sculptor the turtle - hence the title), a pair of sunglasses, a tracksuit and £7.10!

A big thanks again to Colchester Borough Council, Keep Britain Tidy, the Park Rangers and Rivercare who support us to do our bit.

Another message I would like to tell you is my personal favourite moment - seeing my best friends toddler enjoying using a litter picker for a few minutes whilst I briefed the adults! That may be the answer to the question above - if our kids hate litter and love helping imagine the difference in our communities!

On Wednesday we are off to Plum Hall to tidy up the outside areas at a Colchester Borough Homes residency.

Enjoy your weekend folks!