7 fantastic Goodgymers cleaned up the greenery around the flats, paths and businesses in Colchester.

Heading down the hill from The Mercury Theatre, through St Mary's Fields and along Sheepen Road, the team accumulated a three bag haul of litter. The usual suspects included Starbucks, Cadbury's, Nestlé, Walkers and Subway.

On that journey we passed four easily accessible bins - if only people used them!

Great job everyone and enjoy the rest of your week.

7 GoodGymers got involved with this month's walk and talk, it was also Martin's first foray into run leading and it was good to see Erin back after a while off. After a word perfect introductory briefing we set off towards Central Park, dodging commuters along the way. We arrived to find Sallyann and Leanne ready and waiting and Edith and the group from the Ideas Hub arrived shortly after. We took at leisurely stroll up to Admiral's park and the gym equipment area. Rich showed off his prowess on many of the machines. There was also a monkey bar competition, but Richard decided he liked his shoulders in one piece and didn't take part, seemed sensible to me! We made our way back to Central Park and said goodbye to Edith and the group and then those that were going that way headed back to HQ where we did some excellent stretching.

Congratulations to Leanne for her 50th good deed and see you next week for some more GoodGyming.

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

• 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.