We started the session tonight by celebrating some fantastic running achievements over the weekend, which were even more remarkable given the heatwave. Paul Kelly completed Lakeland trail 55km, with Max also doing 35 of it! Steve raced to the stones - completing a 100km ultra, and Becky, Nikki, Ed, Tristan and Nikki's brother attempted the Snowden challenge. This got canceled so they ran up and down twice each anyway!

We then welcomed Kit for his second task, warmed up then headed over to Scarcroft Allotments with Ed leading the way, Pete backmarking and Nikki and Abi with the walking group.

When we arrived, the plot we were asked to clear was so overgrown we barely all get in but armed with a wide selection of tools we soon started clearing space. Jan joined us there for her second task too, welcome back! Eventually we got to ground level then a team took to having a go at mattocking out some large roots. One mattock and seven observers seemed to be the mist effective method!

Before we knew it it was time for the team photo and to head to the grassy patch for fun fitness. This got quite competitive and folk worked hard. Good job it was only a km back to base!

Another good job and another plot ready for new tenants!

Another impressive turnout tonight for the forth installment of barrowing compost at West Bank Park, despite the very hot weather.

We started by saying our favourite hot thing and these included baths, tea, the sun, Pete's chocolate and Nick and Vick!

We also celebrated Rich's epic cycle ride in the peaks and James' 50 miles at endure, in their absence, plus Lucy's round sheffield run.

Top news of the night was undoubtedly Tristan's announcement that he proposed to Christine and she said yes!! Huge congratulations to a lovely couple. Tristan was also crowned goodgymer of the month for May!

We then set off with Barbara and Deb leading a walking group, Nick with the runners and Vicky with a cycling group.

We quickly got to work when we arrived and managed a fair few barrow loads despite the heat! Thankfully Christina brought water and the working areas were shaded.

To end we had a game if walking football- caps v non caps. Some walking styles were a bit questionable!

Another good Monday. Thank you guys!

Thankyou to the GGers who turned up to represent GG at the popular annual fair at West Bank Park. It was nice to see so many people enjoying the fair and be able to show off GoodGym and tell passers by who and what we do.

The gazebo was ready and Leanne arrived armed with a bag of rubbish. This was a clever idea to woo in the public with a prize (thankyou for the donated cinema tickets) of the 4 fastest litter pickers to pick up a collection of litter with a trusted litter picker.

All ages took part from small kids, adults and even the MP for York. Congrats to all those who won a prize but just nice to add to the whole community feel that other volunteers such as the Friends of West Bank go so much to trying to spread around the good people of York

An enjoyable day out and proud to tell others what we do

Tonight's group run saw our joint biggest turnout since we restarted after the pandemic, and whilst we absolutely love having sooo many amazing GGers turn up, it also happened to coincide with a night at our smallest task in terms of space! But before we worried about how we'd fit everyone on to a small traffic island for a spot of weeding, we welcomed Imran who was coming along to his first ever GG session tonight. Give him a big cheer 🥳

We also welcomed back Elle for her second session, having completed her first just a few days earlier. And Matt who is well-known to most through his appearances at GG weekends away, but was attending his first session in York. Great to have you both on board 👍

Tonight's task was at the Fishergate Triangle, an area of land that has been turned into a flourishing wild flower patch in-between a very busy junction in the heart of the city. Ed led the run out with Amy bringing up the rear, whilst Abigail led a walking group and Vicky leading a walk/run crew.

Upon arrival we were greeted by Maeve from St Nicks who gave us our instructions. Basically, pull up the thistles, dandelions and anything else that looks like a weed, and leave the nice stuff. If you're unsure then ask! The guys from the walking group and the walk/runners got stuck into the task whilst Rich led one group back to Tower Gardens for their fitness session with Nick.

Martin C and Issy both met us at the task, the latter having lost her voice so was obviously made to answer as many questions as possible, including that age-old debate: Cornflakes or Cheerios?? A lot of people made use of the soft bark chip floor to have a much needed sit down whilst pulling up the weeds around them, whilst Jenna got to work with some loppers and took chunks out of the buddleia that was growing by the pay phone (which, incidentally, is still working although it will cost you at least 60p to make a phone call, thanks to Max for checking)

Rich led the first group back from their fitness session and swapped over with the guys who had been making excellent progress at the task. Vicky led the second across to Nick for their turn to be put through their paces. The fitness sessions involved a game of squat, squat goose followed by some races with balls - an over and under race and some plank rolling

Then Jenna led a game of Grandmas Footsteps / Squid Game with folk hiding behind trees - unfortunately the group hid too well with those returning from the task thinking everyone had disappeared and already made their way back to base!!

It was all a bit hectic but somehow we managed to keep 33 GG Yorkies busy at a tiny traffic island. Well done to Nick for leading two fab fitness sessions and to Vicky and Rich for getting people to where they needed to be on time