As many Londoners know, the Easter holiday weekend is a great time to be in London because most of London leaves town. Those of us who stay behind enjoy congestion free roads, an air of relaxed congeniality and rail replacement bus services. OK, maybe we don’t enjoy the last one so much. But the annual exodus did leave Mark pondering who would turn up for the Monday night task. As it happened, we had an eggscellent team of eight. Elaine, John, Heidi (great pun by the way), Andy, Jenna, Fatima and Salwa – you made Mark’s night!

Mark led us out for our customary warm up in the square and had us swivelling our feet, knees, hips and shoulders with all the enthusiasm of a hula hoop champion.

Then we channelled our inner Easter Bunnies...

and dropped off some chocolate eggs, first at SPEAR homeless hostel and then at the Vineyard community centre.

Next up was the ETNA community centre in St Margaret’s where the garden weeds cheerfully persist, in spite of the Richmond GoodGym team’s ongoing efforts to contain them. This time we were tasked with clearing the weeds again and then mulching the area to discourage regrowth. And this time, Mark reassured us, he did have the key to the giant green wheelie bin. It was surely a good omen.

Armed with our odd pairs of garden gloves, forks and trowels, and a dubious level of gardening know-how, we soon laid waste to a solid patch of weeds. And then having spread our two bags of mulch, we headed for base back at Wholefoods. Altogether, a successful Easter mission.

A big well done to all who attended but a special shout out to Fatima and Salwa for completing their first GoodGym run. Thank you to Andy for paying us a visit from GG Hounslow, wish them all well over there!

As ever Elaine, thanks for capturing the night in this run report, sleep well, you've earned it

Upcoming events and possible races which are open to anyone of us:

This Sunday at the London Marathon join the GG spectator spot in Canary Wharf

11th June - Turks Head 10k - Jane has created a GG Richmond Team for people to sign up to at, take a look here they are filling up fast so get in there quick!

25th to 28th August - The QECR is an unique 200 mile ride along the historic route of the Queen Eleanor Crosses, from Lincoln to London, more information can be found here

16 & 17 September, support The Poppy Factory at Richmond RunFest, The Poppy Factory has 31 running spaces available at this year’s Richmond RunFest. Choose from the 10k , taking place entirely within the world heritage site of Kew Gardens, or the half and full marathons, which head out along the River Thames. Whatever your distance, you’ll enjoy a flat and green course. For further information on how to join Team Poppy Factory, contact Georgina Brookes on events@poppyfactory.org / 0208 940 3305

Happy Easter everyone

Mark