This week we were back at the new Ideas Hub HQ. Before decorating can begin, there is loads of equipment and fittings to be removed, and remnants of the old Chinese restaurant to be stripped and dismantled.

It was great to welcome new GoodGymer Fiona to her first group run. She got straight into helping Edith move boxes and equipment out of the way ready for the café to be fitted.

Sallyann, Joel and me had the sticky job of stripping the decades old decals from the windows using a heat gun. It took a bit of practice (and some tips from Gemini and Google) but we eventually got the hang of it.

Ben and David grabbed hammers and crowbars to remove the old skirting boards, and when that was done they moved on to kitchen. They were having so much fun demolishing the old boards, it took three attempts to drag them out when it was time to leave.

Sallyann and Fiona washed up while we cleared the floor, and there was time for a quick tour for those who hadn't seen the new digs, and a look at the new tiles that have been laid since we were last here.

Edith said there would be lots more work for us over the coming months.

We ran back the short way, and went home to scrub the industrial glue from our fingers.

Great work everyone 💪 and a special well done to Fiona for coming to her first task, we hope to see you again soon.

8 GoodGymers went to Hearing Help Essex to give their garden a tidy while the builders are in doing renovation works. It was great to see Ram back, joining us for his second group run.

After a chatty run, we met Sallyann there, and were about to get stuck in when we realised we didn't have the code to the key safe. Luckily Rich found the email with the code so we didn't have to break in.

Martin and Ben got the tools out, Sallyann got stuck in clearing the path, and Joel took all the weeds round to the compost bins.

While we worked, Andy told us he was looking forward to the Clacton airshow; hopefully it won't be cancelled due to thunderstorms, but if it is, maybe he'll do the run leader training instead 🙂

This week we had a social after the task, so for once we didn't run back to HQ, but ran to Brewhouse instead, where we met Fay. We arrived just as their quiz night was starting, and (after much debate about rivers and county boundaries) came a creditable 5th out of 20.

Well done everyone 💪 Next week we are delivering charity leaflets around Melbourne.

PS Ram gets a Social Media credit for showing group admin Rich how to add his name to the WhatsApp group 🤦‍♀️

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.

Wise words from Joel McKeown. One of the only things he has ever said I agree with.

Great fun was had by all - good selection of food, great selection of beers!

Same again next time! Rich was clearly still feeling the impact of the pints when he tried his trademark jump on Saturday.