The Goodgym team return again to the wonderful Epping Forest Ultra, hosted by grassroots race directors Camino Ultra London (check out the rest of their events here: https://www.caminoultra.com/). And we thankfully brought some glorious Autumnal sunshine with us!

Lorna, Caroline, James and Sharon lent a helping hand with Camino race director Darren and Tricia early in the morning, setting up an aid station at Butler's Retreat Lodge (Chingford) before the 50km and 25km runners come by. A simple, fool proof layout of a marquee, tables full of water, electrolytes and loads of snacks for hungry runners coming by!

Former aid station volunteers Simon and Dan ran the 25km race this year, starting at Epping Cricket Club, and passing Butler's Retreat at about mile 7 into the race. It was wonderful to be on the other side of the snack table, and to see so many Goodgym supporters willing every runner to their personal goals. Definitely recommended for anyone on the fence about trying out at 25km or 50km distance run.

Thank you so much to all of the amazing volunteers lending their efforts to creating a fantastic day out!

Keep an eye out for more aid station fun in 2025 (Lea Valley 25km and 50km coming in March).

Well, I was challenged to use the term Tea Bagging in the title - consider it done.

Its always worth putting out a call for help with the midweek shelf filling at Frenford Food Bank as you never know who might have a random day off. Joining regulars Ed and Linda were todays "randoms" Kathryn and Sharon, very helpful they were too. We soon got all the supermarket order and Scouts donations out on the shelves. There was even time to spare to do the little odd jobs of relabeling shelves and decanting big boxes of teabags into smaller portions. All rubbish quickly cleared and spare crates tidied away outside and we were done.

Nice 😊

On a very soggy Saturday 9 of us signed up to join Valentines Parkrun Volunteers.

Our Peter who has been with GGR since its first session was first to arrive and was on his post good and early with a very bent umbrella, regular volunteer (now a legend at Valentines parkrun) Ed was next along with the Mrs, shortly joined by Jenny, James and AJ. As the first timers talk started we splashed off to our respective posts.

198 runners went by in surpisingly good spirits considering the drenching they got. A lone GG Tshirt was spotted among the runners which we can only assume was Harvey-sorry we didnt get to meet you properly.

Not sure where Julia was posted but she popped up just before the end and set of to bag a table in the cafe. We were supposed to have a picnic outside but the weather had other ideas. Parkrun done Sharon (also celebrating a significant birthday this month) scurried off to fetch her home made goodies while we made our way over to the cafe.

Not sure if the cafe turned a blind eye to us brining our own food or too busy to care but we got away with it. We had a lovley selection of nibbles and of course Colin 🐛 making his usual appearance. With half the table discussing politics and football the other side more into food and other topics, a good time was had by all.

Despite no Area Activator and Central Office being unable to support us in helping to find tasks Redbridge GG still has some active members keeping calm and carrying on. Lets hope we can find a way to get more members active in the borough so we get to celebrate more birthdays.

A lovely sunny and warm morning to take care of the community garden. Lots of rounds of watering, which was made much easier with the new hose that I am not leaving there!

Sharon and I gave every planter a good soak and filled the containers to help flowers through warm days!

3 Goodgymers finished volunteers week helping the friends of Wanstead Parklands with their monthly litter pick at Wanstead Park

Kevin and I ran to the park via Wanstead Flats.

The friends always have litter pickers available for hire which is definitely easier than trying to run with them

We collected our pickers and bags and headed off past The Temple passing through the trees to walk down the Glade towards the Ornamental Water before wandering along the paths by Aldersbrook riding stables as we headed towards Perch Pond we saw Sharon who had gone the other way round the pond.

We dropped our full bags of litter and pickers back to the friends,they have books for sale telling the history of Wanstead House and the surrounding area.

As a thank you to the volunteers the team from Wanstead Park tea hut had arranged for a complimentary tea,coffee or ice cream(a cup of tea and a slice of bread pudding for Kevin and I)