This summer has been one for sport to give us some good news in the wake of the pandemic and with heat-waves and the cost of living it is very welcome!

England Women National football team had Euro glory at Wembley, The Commonwealth Games spread a message of celebrating diversity in Birmingham as England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland achieved 273 medals and para-athletes were part of the same event. Over in the midlands Goodgym Birmingham played a role as volunteers at the Commomwealth games and if you check out the photos you can see how much Goodgym Chelmsford have achieved so far this year.

Last night did not go to plan but on the positive we had a nice 5km run and chat in the cooler evening air.

We didn't feel the rain on my fingers but had slightly soggy toes...well that is enough We Wet Wet!

The cricket was rained off but 4 of us managed a few kilometers in the cooler but muggy Chelmsford evening.

After a hard day's work what can you do? At the end of the day there's no where to go but running to Avenue Q! You run on Avenue Q! You're friends do too. You are twenty-two and you run on Avenue Q!

But Goodgym is much more than a Puppet show...see you next week!

(all credit to Avenue Q the musical)

A last minute cancellation.

This task has turned into a firm favourite for Goodgym and the youngsters! In fact task sounds like a chore. Personally it had already been a long day but I was revived alongside Jenny and Richard by the cricket loving kids!

Edith, Kevin and Co also looked relaxed and happy as the batting, bowling, catching, wickets and laughter echoed under the Viaduct.

A running event was going on in Central Park and we even saw a goodgymer out for a jog! Not local but a surprise nonetheless.

The youngsters English is getting better too - that and their confidence so chatting on the to and from journey turned into odd lessons about zebra crossings and sport chatter!

Edith said she has seen a real difference in all the older and younger kids...mission accomplished! Plus we were kept active chasing tennis balls around.

See you next week!!

HOWZATTTTTTTTT

We met at the Mildmay on a lovely Summer evening and had a nice chat. Quick well done to Joe for running a 20 minute 5km, absolute insanity. Goodgym is paired with The Great Get Together (https://www.greatgettogether.org/) an initiative inspired by the late Jo Cox designed to bring people together to celebrate what they have in common. We headed to the Best Western and cajoled the troops together. We think we ended up with 16 kids raring to go!

We headed down to the park ably by Jenny via the route with least roads to cross and headed to the part of the park where Parkrun Chelmsford begins. Joel showcased his shepherding across road skills, can tell that he recently became a father and he is ready to chaperone to the Ale House as soon as possible. We split into a couple of groups to play. Good(gym) grief, I had forgotten how absolutely terrible I was. Despite warne-ings from James, I managed to be the only person bowled out twice. And it only took three balls...I did make a couple of catches. Great fun and the group seemed to take excessive pleasure in mocking me... Some special shout outs: Andy for dropping some absolute sitters, Richard for somehow managing to survive a marathon 5 balls, Laurie for dodging and ducking without knowing it, Becca for somehow running about 2km while fielding and Tav for catching someone out one handed while on his phone. We headed off back, walking the group back and making sure they got back ok.

I know the task itself isn't the most fitness orientated but it is genuinely the highlight of the week for the children. Thanks to everyone for coming and we will be back. Shame we are on honeymoon or I would be there to seek my vengeance. Hopefully next time we can also bring some footballs and it will help to get all the children out as it is really important to exercise and get some fresh air, as well as just to have fun and make them feel welcome!

On Saturday 25th June the details are here for the Parkrun with Colchester - it will be at Marks Hall, it is about a 25 minute drive from Chelmsford. Sorry we can't be there: https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/when-2-become-1-goodgym-essex

See you in a couple of weeks when we hopefully are back with a tan! In the meantime, Tav will be leading some great tasks! Including a potential return to bowling doosras and fielding at silly point!

I was a bit stumped for a pun and having heard the commentary comedy many times stating "the batsman's Holding, the bowlers Willy" (Brian Johnston) I wondered what the silly point was.

Well, what an enjoyable evening full of fun, enthusiasm, passion and skill...the the Goodgymers were on fine form too.

The Afghan families who currently live at a Best Western hotel gathered excitedly with the Kevins, Diane and Edith gently encouraging them.

We had a short walk to Central Park in the evening sun and when there we set up three games and many unofficial games. The smaller children showed great talent in their bowling, batting and catching! There were smiles and cheers at all the good shots and wickets!

With the Jubilee upon us it is worth reflecting on what you see as Britain's identity. The Queen has seen wars, recessions, technological advances and a pandemic but I am sure that she would feel proud of the volunteers who help migrants feel at home whether Afghans, Ukrainians, Sudanese or Syrian. Diversity is the bowls me over and inclusiveness hits me for 6!

The families packed away the kit and asked when we would be back...a sign of success.