smorgasbord /ˈsmɔːɡəsbɔːd/ noun a range of open sandwiches and delicacies served as hors d'oeuvres or a buffet. a wide range of something; a variety. "the album is a smorgasbord of different musical styles"

Initially perhaps not the most logical title, but it actually covers things quite well...

• a wide variety of baby clothing and accessories to be sorted
• a wide variety of GG crew coming together
• a wide variety of transport methods used, mainly involving feet & bikes & train

As always, conversation flowed while bags full of donations got checked and sorted, from health & well being to linguistics and reclaiming old school words (ask Sharon about that one 🤣)

Bags of donations empty, sorted clothing expertly packed up by Adam and it was time to make our goodbyes again - back in 6 weeks!

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.

Most of us met early to be assigned our roles although one turned up in the Saint Nick of time. 🎅😂

Once we were in post some of us took "Elfies" 🧝 for the report.

Not sure if Santa's Reindeer got caught short but there was some 💩 on the course which required extra vigilant marshaling to help runners avoid messy accidents. Apart from that the track was relatively hazard free and we got 240 runners safely round.

We then made our way to the cafe for a little natter and a snack including a slice of Colin the Red Nosed Caterpillar cake.

Merry Christmas GGR 🌲🥳

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).