As the title already implies, the planned babybank session this evening sadly fell through - locked doors and nobody appearing with a key and the code to the alarm.

WhatsApp message left, number called & voicemail left, but no response so there was not much else to do than to pack up and make our different ways home again.

On the positive side, we did get the chance to meet the lovely Jo on her first Goodgym experience - not quite the best 1st impression with the task dropping out like this. Do give her a cheer for at least making her way down on a day where transport options are very much under pressure.

The same traffic issues led to regulars Linda & AJ having to pull out, with apologies received.

Fingers crossed a babybank sessio will be re-instated soon - watch this space, or better said the Goodgym website!

Sadly not quite a stadium of rugby supporters singing 'sweet chariots' to the all conquering Englans Ladies.... but more a series of low hanging branches forming issues along the pavement.

As usual, local council (Epping Forest County Council) has not been paying attention / read reports, so a decent pair of secateurs came to the rescue!

This August, GoodGymers from across England each grabbed a bag and headed out for a litter pick in their own patch. From parks to pavements, every small effort helped make local spaces cleaner, greener, and friendlier for everyone.

It was proof that even a few minutes of action can leave a lasting impact. We’ll be running the challenge again in September — so why not join in, pick up a bag, and see how much good you can do in your area?

• same location - Valentines Park
• same 3 people available - Ed, Linda & Peter
• unfortunately not quite the same 3 tasks - Linda & Ed did, but after 2x tokens it was marshaling at the boat house instead for Peter the week

almost like a carbon copy of last week:

• Ed marshaling the main carpark for the 201st time
• Linda doing unofficial assisted/VI guiding (think she lost count how often)
• Peter doing tokens for 2nd week in a row

Will there be a hatrick next week?

Time will tell.

P.S. cudos to James C for helping to pack up after - better luck next time in the 'who rolls up the funnel tape fastest' contest

P.P.S. anyone know what the record is for volunteering at the same parkrun doing the same task?

Some heavy lifting & carrying to remove chunky rubbish from the undergrowth along the A12 and get it ready for collection & recycling

As usual it was a great session at Frenford Foodbank. Good Gymmers and non members as working together as one big convivial team. Ed, Linda and Peter were there early busily setting up, before getting stuck into packing. AJ did a great job packing and mentoring some young-uns. Vicky cycled in and, despite being flustered from getting a little lost on the way, threw herself straight in to packing. Sharon did a sterling job calling some of the users to find out what they needed.

We were all finished and tidied up by lunchtime, well done to all of us 🥳. Sorry not many photos. I really must start nominating a photographer when I set these things up 🤦‍♀️