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.

There was plenty to celebrate as six GoodGymers helped six local organisations spread the word about their good work by preparing their leaflets for delivery next week.

Fay, Laurie, Andy and Martin reported back on that afternoon’s Chelmsford CVS’s charity update forum. GoodGym Chelmsford got a shout out for its 10th birthday, and the cakes from Chelmsford WI won rave reviews.

Ben was proudly wearing his brand new black GoodGym t-shirt after completing 50 good deeds. Congratulations! It looks like Erin will be next to join the illustrious club.

Thanks everyone for some great leaflet folding - and see you next week to get them through letterboxes.