On a sunny evening, 9 GoodGym runners ran to do lots of outdoor tasks at Cleveland Pools. We helped maintain and clean this historic and important part of our city. The Cleveland Pools Trust is currently working hard on getting a grant to renovate the grounds to bring this fantastic asset back into the 21st century for all to enjoy. Our tasks tonight involved keeping the grounds clean and safe and stop parts becoming overgrown and damaged by plantlife. We ran a total of 4km and managed to do some extra exercises like walking lunges on our route!

Welcome Anna!

We met at our usual spot at the Leisure Centre and welcomed Anna to her first run. We did a brisk warm-up and then did a headcount. This week everyone shared their favourite dessert with the group and made us all very hungry!

To get to Cleveland Pools we took the scenic route along part of the Kennet and Avon Canal path. We enjoyed some fantastic views over the beautiful city of Bath.

After we struggled to open a simple un-locked gate, our host, Sally, welcomed us to Cleveland Pools. Sally shared some of the rich and interesting history of the pools with us. Cleveland Pools is the only surviving outdoor swimming pool in the UK from the Georgian period. Sadly, it fell into disrepair and closed in 1984.

We also heard about Captain Evans, a colourful character who managed Cleveland Pools a long time ago. He was known for running swimming galas for local schoolchildren and also for his disappearing magic tricks! He was also known for keeping a pet baboon and a pet tiger at his house in Bath! Sally told us that she had surprise for us after we finished our task relating to Captain Evans. How exciting!

Dont bug me I'm busy

Kiran, Ollie and Anna rummaged around the grassy areas to find parts for the new mini-beast 'hotel'! This wildlife feature attracts insects and small creatures and is a great way to respect the natural environment that we all share. The GoodGymmers used twigs, rocks and long grass to add a few new suites to the hotel.

Paving a good time

The hotel architects then went to help Emily remove some weeds from a large section of pavement. The weeds run wild in this part of the grounds and if they are not removed then they will start undermining the paving slabs. The group found one big frog, a few baby frogs and a hairy caterpillar! It was decided that the caterpillar should be given the penthouse suite in the hotel.

Fishing for ideas

Steve and Allie spent some time cleaning out the algae on the Pool's surface with some long gardening prongs. Although they looked hard, they unfortunately didn't spot any fish.

Amaz-sting work

Joe and Mary worked together to clear back a large patch of nettles. This area was quite overgrown and removing it is a great step forward in keeping the grounds presentable and safe.

Models on the (big)cat-walk

Sally's surprise was a range of top hats, stick-on mustaches (hence the pun!), some toy tigers and a toy baboon in memory of Captain Evans. We then posed in our outfits and did some expert modelling.

Thanks to Emily for the pun this week and thanks also to Emily for backmarking!

• Next week we are running to Bath Organic Group to help them some gardening tasks ahead of their AGM
• We have a Community Mission on Sunday 7th October at Prior Park Landscape Garden. Not one to miss!