Growing works hosted the first ever Huddersfield GoodGym task back in September when we ran to help out on their community allotment. So it was great that we were returning once again to work with the community organisation which promotes wellbeing through growing things. It was also superb to welcome Sue Brown from Growing works for her first ever GoodGym run, the 4K or so to Paddock village hall where she would be showing us how to make festive willow stars.

However before running and star making there were the usual formalities, the pre-run briefing, and as it was the final Tuesday of the month the presentation of the Huddersfield GoodGymmer of the month award. With 100% attendance in November and some inspirational ideas for our run report headlines, the ever energetic Louise Galvin took the honours and selected a bottle of bubbly from the GoodGym prize box.

But there was running to be done and willow stars to be made, and so we set off it somewhat wet conditions, encouraged that we would be doing our task in the dry, warm surroundings once we arrived. Whilst the majority of the run was flat, there was a definite hill up to Paddock and I was impressed to see a little bit of friendly competition at the front of the group to see who would reach the top first.

Suitably puffed we arrived at Paddock Village Hall. It was great to see Heather Wilshaw Jones who had walked there, and also Chrissy Sunderland along with her three girls Isobel, Hermione and Ophelia who were all keen to do a spot of star making. In the best Blue Peter style, Sue had plenty of willow stars she had prepared earlier, and gave us all a swift lesson in how to bend the pre-soaked willow into shape. In addition to stars Sue also showed us how to make willow fish, although these are admittedly not quite as festive!

Soon enough the entire GoodGym team was industriously bending, cutting, twisting and weaving to create a galaxy of stars and a huge shoal of fish which Growing works can then sell to raise funds for their community work. Some of us were more natural star makers than others, Kati Law, Louise Galvin and Heather Wilshaw Jones were creating some fine examples, whilst Ben Godfrey who has made stars previously was doing his best to instruct me in the art. Although I have to say my efforts were not exactly stellar!

The Sunderland girls, Chrissy, Isobel, Ophelia and Hermione took charge of the painting, applying glitter paint to the finished stars to make them look even more decorative. In a feat of good planning (or perhaps good luck) an orchestra were also rehearsing in the adjoining hall, providing some very impressive musical accompaniment to our work.

Our forty five minute task time just flew by in an atmosphere of fun and shared purpose. Before we knew it the time had come to clear up and head off on the run back to the Stadium. I’m not exactly sure how many stars were produced between us, but it will certainly be enough to raise a few quid for Growing works in the run up to Christmas.

The run back was reasonably dry in contrast to the run out, and downhill which was certainly most welcome, with great timing we also arrived back at the Stadium on the stroke of 8:30pm!

Thanks to everyone who took part in last night’s efforts, particularly those who couldn’t make the run but still joined us on the task. Special thanks to Sue for being our host and for coming up with a task which was different, fun and that we could do indoors....much appreciated!

If you wish to buy one (or more) of our stars and support a local charity doing some great work in the community, Growing works will be selling the willow stars and other items on the Piazza in Huddersfield town centre on Tuesday 11th December.