5 of us met at the gym and quickly decided it was too hot to run, so a lovely walk and chat to the task was in order. Which was a also to be a lovely walk and chat.

Tonight we were to meet up with Edith from the Ideas Hub and meet some of the lovely people who are currently refugees and attending her English classes. We met at the cathedral and then walked along the bunny walks to Arun Park where there are many football pitches. Her classes must be popular as it seemed like at least 20 guys had turned up and ready to chat and practice their English.

We split into smaller groups and chatted away in the evening sun along the green pathway. Sayed and Jason are keen at sport and like to go swimming and to gym, and Hassan was curious if Chelmsford had a boxing gym ( I didn't know). But we all agreed we loved food and talked about our favourite dishes ( mine is whatever is in front of me).

We walked up to the Park and i unfortunately think that we have been challenged to a football match the next time we meet up ( oh dear). So better start practicing your keepy uppies peeps.

We walked back to the gym, said our goodbyes, shook hands and went our separate ways to have our dinners. Thanks for coming guys and see you next week where we will be going up to the Beaulieu Community Centre for a spot of painting.

and remember

Run ( or walk) HAPPY

Rich

Fay was on a mission from before the task even started, rounding up more runners and enticing them with a trip to the pub courtesy of Andy. It worked, attracting three more for the evening.

The runners arrived hot and sticky, great conditions for handling leaflets, whilst Dawn arrived in a presumably air conditioned car. Fay wasted no time in telling us to get on with it, keeping her eye on the usual chatting culprits and dangling the carrot of a cool, free drink afterwards.

Thankfully, we had Richard a.k.a 'the leaflet monster',with us, propping up the slackers (Rich at the very least) and making light work of the huge bags of leaflets.

We headed to the Endeavour, and Fay saved Andy (this time!) by buying the round. Russell headed home to do very important admin that took about 45 minutes, whilst Joel looked longingly at the mini beer festival that was being set up.

Great work in the heat everyone! Next week we have our monthly walk and talk with the Ideas Hub. Sign up here.

See you soon,

Laurie

This week we went to Meadow View Cottage for a spring clearup of all the weeds that had sprung up since our last visit.

Regulars in the toolshed we cracked out the bags, forks and all the left handed gloves we could find and broke the task down into three groups.

Benedict, Laurie and I unearthed the compost bins under the watchful eye of a robin.

Jane took many stings for the team as she Mohammed, Andy and Rich cleared the area beside the pond.

Fay and Sallyann weeded Leah out of the flower beds with the lovely new Livia who came along for her first session!

After blasting through the to-do list the crew ran off into the sunset (and into banana tree).

Arrived. Grabbed the seven bags of rubbish. Took them to bin store. Lock broken. So had to fandangle it open. Threw rubbish away. Left. Successful 5 minutes.

• We were diggin' in the rain,
• Just diggin' in the rain,
• What a glorious feeling,
• Doing Goodgym again!
• I'm laughing at Martin
• So dark up above,
• The runs in my heart and we're ready for love!
• Let the stormy clouds chase
• Everyone at sexy pace,
• Come on with your rain,
• I've got a smile on my face!
• I'll walk down to see Jane
• With a happy refrain,
• Just diggin'', diggin' in the rain!

Oh, and Sallyann dug up loads of bulbs she should't have done, Martin stabbed a fork through his head, and Mohammed brought an umbrella!

10 GoodGymers were out on a lovely sunny morning to volunteer at Chelmsford parkrun. Andy even combined tailwalking with his 300th event, what a shame he came last! Rich also managed to get in his obligatory jump pic, we really must stop encouraging him!!

After everyone had finished their duties we headed for our customary Wetherspoons breakfast. Uncle Ben showed off his buggy pushing skills on the way. Over breakfast we discussed our plans for the weekend. Martin has a very middle aged party to go to, while Fay will be reliving her youth at Acanteen this evening. (An afternoon nap may be required to prepare!) There was also time for a few cuddles with Dylan and quite a lot of dribbling but I won't mention who by ;-)

Congratulations to Mohammed on his first time volunteering at parkrun and well done to Sallyann for showing him the ropes. Great to see everyone as always.