Every Queen has an Official Birthday

So tonight was an epic night with a wonderful turn out to celebrate old John's official celebration for his 50th good deed.The actual date for this was back in January but due to the dry nature of the month together with my lack of organisation the date was set for tonight and what a very happy evening of GG cheer it turned out to be. Since 13th January, John has now completed 55 good deeds,261 runs and been cheered 995 times. Huge kudos for his year with us and for all the inspiration that he brings to the rest of the group.

This evening we were back at our regular meeting point at Splashpoint Leisure Centre as we were just around the corner at Lyndhurst Road homeless hostel to give them a helping hand with their cleaning and tidying up in the kitchen, living rooms and storage areas.

Special mention to Claire who returned for her second task with us. It was really lovely that you also managed to stay for the social too.You know you are very welcome back any Monday :)

Also it was great to see Katharine who made the epic journey from Brighton to join us this evening for her first task (but second social) with us . Final mention goes to young John who came back for his third task in a row with us and his first social. This makes us happy!

Tonight there were 3 groups who headed out on our warm up run comprising of 1 walking group of 6 and 2 running groups. Luckily the earlier heavy rain had stopped just in time to make it a mild and still evening in our favourite home town. We all arrived at Lyndhurst Road within minutes of each other all eagerly ready for the tasks that awaited us.

If you cant stand the heat get out of the kitchen

The team got stuck in to an extensive clean of the kitchen, dusting, vaccum and window cleaning, sorting dry food into date order and folding clothing into tidy piles. There was also some (under the wire) impromptu fitness happeningwith Sue and Lucy with a set of weights and a punch bag and who were snitched on (as usual) by Duncan!

Watch out, watch out, there's a crocodile about

30 short minutes later everyone piled into a very small space for a cosy yet fairly lively final photo. We dragged a reluctant Gill out of the kitchen ,wrapped up the task and I gave out instructions for the walk and run.

The running group was split into 2 groups who headed out east with a steady run out and crocodile drill on the way back. The walkers set off on a loop in a westerly,southerly kind of direction then double backed east to welcome both snappy crews back. 2 crocodiles become one with one final push to the finish.

We finished the evening with some functional drills with upper body press ups and tricep dips together with lower body squat pulses, one leg balance drills and finishing with one more round of upper body exercises. I understand from another reliable snitch that Katharine particularly enjoyed the fitness this evening as it was easier than Brighton (or was it the other version of the story! )

Party time !

So this was the real reason for such a great turn out this evening! 20 yes 20 of us sat down and ate and drank together in celebration of an amazing year that old John has had with us. He was rewarded with not only our company but with 2 delicious cakes ( vegan and gluten free ) made lovingly by his very own Mrs R together with an exclusive hand made GG memory frame also made with loving care by me ( ha ha) together with a personally engraved glass tankard.

We were sad that Daisy and Emily couldn't make it but don't worry John plans to do another celebration in the Cow and Oak pub next week when he will be matching his number of good deeds with his age ( 56 )

Until then have a good week and good luck to all those running the Worthing Half Marathon - I'm very jealous that my broken ribs wont allow me to run but I will be with you in spirit and support. May the sun shine and wind be always behind you :)

Sending lots of GG love

Juliaxx