Very short on numbers tonights due to illnesses and other committments but never let it be said that a small team cant make a big difference.

For once the guys outnumbered the gals with only Mel representing the fairer sex.

A nice gentle 3k jog took us back to the meet point by the canal where Mel had walked round with a trolley full of litterpickers. It was straight to work. We didnt have to walk far to discover one of the worst traits of modern human nature - people who think its OK to throw rubbish anywhere but in a bin,

The canal embankment provided a rich vein of bottles cans crisp bags paper cups, even the odd beer glass and a cover for a bicycle saddle.

In just 25 minutes we filled 5 bags full - a certain sense of achievement that we had actually made a difference.

Mel made back for the gym with the trolley full of pickers and Lee, Stu, and Frank came with me to the Bede Square for a few warm up steps. After 3 sets of flying 30s we decided to check out the urban gym equipment - quite an eye opener. Considering its in a public open space it is in magnificent condition so we paired up and did about 5 separate sets of exercises - bodes well for summer fitness sessions.

Short Jog back and stretch and we were ready for next week - hopefully the various lurgies will have been driven away and we shall be back up to full strength.