We ventured into new territory to do some prep ahead of our next leaflet delivery task. Four GoodGymers ran to our first leaflet folding session at the Orange Tree, with Jen impressing everyone with her trekking exploits and Andy scaring the local dogs. We met Fay and Sallyann and the leaflets at the venue, and got to work compiling the information for half a dozen good causes. After Rich made a quick dash home for some plastic bags to carry the bundles away, we watched the sun set as we made our way back, with Martin, Jen and Andy discussing GoodGym protocol about when to start getting out heads torches out again.

Obviously I mean cardboard, not international rap sensation Cardi B.

Took out the waste and there was a lot of cardboard this time.

Under what felt like an extra warm sun, we welcomed Ram for his first GoodGym Session. I had mis-read the distance, it was actually 2.5 miles rather than kilometres, but Ram was unphased and ran the most out of the four of us by a long way. Thankfully, Jane actually had checked the distance and directed us so that it wasn't even longer.

We found Sallyann already in the Beaulieu Community Centre with a bottle of Flash lemon. The conversation dominating partial eclipse was due to peak at around 7.15, so we gave the sinks and surfaces a good scrub before heading outside to not look at it as none of us had special glasses. It wasn't eclipse-y enough for Andy, there was still too much sun.

The kitchen was left smelling fresh and looking shiny, a task well done!

Next week, Martin is leading our pub leaflet fold.

Mow, mow, mow the lawn Cutting down the grass Whack Sallyann with a rake Take a pic of Rich's ass

Fill, fill, fill the bins It's not a lot to ask Andy likes to chat a lot We have done the task

Due to a task cancellation and the hot weather, we opted for a relaxed litter pick in a nearby, leafy, litter hotspot.

We filled two big bags with litter, Andy smashed a wine bottle, whilst he and Joel picked some rather sharp blackberries.

Philosophical ponderings this week were on the sun protection status of butterflies.

It was Jane's 50th task, so we all congratulated her on her imminent black GG t-shirt 👏

Next task is TBC (possibly another litter pick if it's hot), and then on the 12th we are at Beaulieu Community Centre.

Litter picking round Chelmsford with GoodGymers - what better way to spend your birthday?

I met with Rich, Andy, Laurie, Ben, Erin and Joel (henceforth JJ) at HQ. We started with the usual run brief, and for the first time ever, "Are there any illnesses, injuries, or pregnancies?" was answered with a "Yes". Congratulations to Erin & James.

We ran to the old Iceland shop, where we met Sallyann and late sign up Martin, who was able to join us after finishing work in time.

Rich, Laurie, Andy, and I started on the grass verge by the roundabout. There were lots of food wrappers we think had been thrown from cars. Meanwhile, Erin, Sallyann, Martin, JJ and Ben found a grot spot near a bench used by drinkers; the bushes were full of bottles, cans and cigarette butts. Sallyann took the heaviest bottles round to the bin.

We found an abandoned shopping trolley filled with rubbish (which has been reported to the Council), then went behind the car park, where there was more litter in the bushes. In a very short distance, we had collected three bags full, which were left for the Street Care team to pick up.

Back at HQ there were birthday cakes for everyone, and then some of us went to the pub for a post-task pint, and to watch some Morris dancing. Good work everyone.

Next week we are doing a deep clean in the kitchen at Sanctus.