A slight change in the plan for this evening as the sunken garden wasn't ready for flowers to be planted, so David had organised a slightly more energetic task for us instead.

A big welcome back to Paul for his second group run, Great to see new faces joining in the fun and as promised Vicky did turn up with biscuits but we’ll get onto that later.

Having agreed to meet Catherine along route, 6 of us set out from Anglia Ruskin towards Broomfield hospital. Setting off, discussion came onto Vicky’s new job and move and how we will be going to the Chinese restaurant for our social before she goes (oh, ok then ;-p) . We soon met Catherine and progressed along the busy road until we came to the hospital. David had given me directions to the meeting point and we soon found him and Richard in the car park behind the hospital. Our task for this evening was to dig up the turf at some points around the car park so they could plant some flowers and make the area more pleasant. After a crash course in “forking” we were split into 3 groups and started “forking” away. Catherine, Rachel and Paul carried on with the larger area while Vicky and Joel stared on a border next to a building and then James G and I were given a triangular patch in the middle. It may have been the lack of rain or my lack of upper body strength but the ground seemed incredibly hard and I’m sure everyone got a good work out.

After posing for a group photo we handed back our forks and made our way back a different route that I shall now be calling Catherine’s shortcut. It was a lovely run through a little trail then past a school , next to some fields and then finally into a church ground. I know Joel was pleased with the kissing gates. I really enjoyed it and hope we use it every time we venture towards and back from Broomfield.

We said goodbye to Catherine and turned off the main road and onto quieter footpaths where we did some interval sprints. With Rachel and Paul leading the way we absolutely flew down and back to the University Gym were Vicky broke out the biscuits to celebrate getting her new job .

And I can testify they were well earned by everyone……

Thanks for coming tonight guys, these little things do make a difference and just think about all those little touches to places like car parks and how much effect they can have.

Run Happy

Rich