We were back at St Matthew’s for a very different GoodGym experience – a trip up the clock tower - something we’ve been looking forward to since admiring the clock on our first visit.

Ashley and Naomi planned to run through the park, but a last minute injury put a stop to that and so the group ran a total of 0 miles!

The wind ups started when Pete arrived, as the Church Warden David told him that Naomi had left something at the Jurys Inn and asked if he could run back and fetch it! Pete was not fooled, but Paul was momentarily perplexed when David told him the task had been moved to another Church and we’d meet him there! It was clear that we were in for a fun night!

We might have missed out on the run, but we made up for it as we climbed the narrow, winding steps to the top of the tower, over 70ft high. Each flight of stairs brought more gasps of awe as we saw initials carved into the 200 year old stone, the bell which pre-dates the Church, having been cast in 1787, and the incredible hand crafted workings of the clock. As a hobbyist watchmaker, Ashley was in his element, talking us through the parts and asking David all about the history and maintenance. Ashley and Paul were given the exciting opportunity to wind the clock up … the best wind up of the night!

The final climb up a steep ladder was a nerve wracking prospect for Naomi, who has a compromised balanced system following recent brain tumour treatment. Not wanting her to miss out, the group rallied like a team building exercise, providing encouragement, reassurance and lots of pairs of hands so that we all made it right to the top of the tower. The best team in the business. And what a view! With the wind in our hair and our hands firmly gripping the edges of the cage, we took in the spectacular sights of Derby from up high. It was worth the jelly legs and racing heart!

After a careful descent, David treated us to an egg custard tart and a cup of tea. It all felt very much like we were on the receiving end of the good deed, so although our time was up, we couldn’t leave without doing some work. We stayed for another half an hour and cleared the grass and weeds from a few more graves, feeling like we earned our treats.

We are back here on the 2nd July and 16th July if you’d like to join us. It’s always an adventure, a privilege and a joy to be at St Matthew’s Church. Thank you for a really special evening.