Is this a bit tardy in its publication? YES. Would Raymond ordinarily have already sent me a reminder and a gentle ribbing? TOO RIGHT.

So many of us came together last Saturday morning at Walthamstow Parkrun for a GoodGym takeover, to celebrate and remember Raymond/Ramon/Ray as he was variously known, who we lost so sadly and suddenly just before Christmas, on 18th December.

There was a huge turnout, despite the freezing 🥶 weather, reflective of how much he was loved, with close family and friends from all areas of his life coming together. Ably run-directed by the lovely Louise, and I have no doubt that Raymond would have loved seeing his son start the runners off, which he did with aplomb.

And SO many Goodgymers! Thank-you Ruby for organising, and Saj, and many more. A full complement of GG marshals, time keepers, barcode scanners. Not just from GG Waltham Forest, oh no. You see, not only was Ramon an active member of GGWF (let’s be honest, Raymond WAS GGWF!), he did so many GG tasks for other branches too. Particularly solo missions for isolated people in all of Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Hackney, Harringey, Tower Hamlets, Islington, and probably more. He wasn’t flashy, he just got on with it, including what he was able to do during COVID. Like it says on his GG Page “Just me…No Dramas”.

He was a friend to many, enormously perceptive and kind, being quietly or completely not quietly (😊) supportive when required! He had a wicked sense of fun, and he never turned down a challenge to construct the most outlandish random outfits while rummaging through and organising charity donations 🦸🏾‍♂️.

Thanks to GG Ivofor coming (always a pleasure), Latoyafrom @GoodGymHaringey , and so many others who were lucky enough to have known Ramon, and had the opportunity to “do good” alongside him.

It was truly wonderful meeting some special people in Ramon’s life, and having a good chin wag while being the Tail Walker and sharing memories of him.

It wouldn’t have been Walthamstow Parkrun without some cake 🍰 at the end, and then off to the local greasy spoon, as I am sure Ramon would agree, was only right and proper.

Farewell lovely Raymond. Please consider making a donation in his name to one of the 3 excellent charities on the flyer. Thank-you.

After a shake start (GoodGymmers arrived earlier than the organisers!), roles were assigned and then the wait began for the walkers to arrive at the halfway point where the three of us made encouraging sounds, waved pompom and directed the walkers onwards. Everyone was in good spirits (despite a few getting lost...) and really pleased to be part of a fundraiser that raised over £30,000. Note for next time: take mosquito spray! The forest is alive!!

This session was a nice (technically) indoor tasking, helping the GreenHouse Project organise their shed.

It is always a pleasure to complete a task and be able to see the fruits of your labour. That was definitely the case at Trencherfield Allotments, where some teamwork and clever tetris-style planning by Charlotte who was able to get into all the nooks and crannies and create space seemingly out of nowhere !

Definitely one of our shorter tasks, we were in and out within 45 mins and opted for a stroll back towards Stratford where Ramon shared some very useful tips for tight calves, quads and plantar fasciitis If you'd like a free consultation, you'd better catch him at the next session!

Two determined Goodgymmers (Ruby and Sarah) met the lovely Penny, Miranda and Sara from Church Hill Road Community Gardeners, Walthamstow, and successfully wrestled a very stubborn giant New Zealand Flax Plant (Phormium) into submission! The "monster plant" had gone somewhat rampant in the Shernall Road corner of the community garden, and on the advice of the RHS, needed to be removed from the rockery. Ruby, Sara and Sarah dug, chopped and heaved until the giant phormium was successfully uprooted! Vanquishing the monster was hugely satisfying, and Penny seemed both thrilled and relieved that it had been safely removed to make space for a greater variety of loveliness in that little spot of the rockery. Goodgym/Church Hill Road Gardeners 1: Phormium 0!