On a chilly December evening twelve hardy souls gathered in Mirth, Marvel and Maud and after a brief chat and a rundown of our favourite Christmas songs, we headed out into O’ Little Town of Walthamstow to do some good things.

It was a special night for Ye GGWF Faithful to Come and while we were looking forward to the task at hand, a number of us had the extra comfort of knowing that a good meal and warming drinks lay at the end of our chilly duty.

It was a Silent Night as we begun our run and headed up the hill we all know so well by now reaching our destination of St Mary’s Chuch in quick time.

Making our way through the graveyard, which among other fauna could be seen both The Holly and The Ivy, we arrived at the Welcome Centre and were kindly assisted by Jacintha who let us in ready to tackle our task.

Equipped with a trio of ladders that I think were made in China, surely, if they could have spoken they would have said, “We Three Ladders of Orient Are…” We set about arming ourselves with cloths, vinegar, water and all the other paraphernalia one needs when cleaning windows.

As we toiled away, the church bells began to Ding, Dong in quite a Merry way High up On their lofty belfry location.

I have to say these guys went to it at a super-pace in spite of the Bleak Midwinter, and it was a Joy To The World watching everyone work their fingers to the bone.

Eventually, we ran out of windows. We also noticed we were in a ball court and then someone found a ball. An impromptu game of Dodgeball ensued. After The First Go-el, more quickly followed but the match ended in a draw.

And with that, we headed back to base for some well-earned food and drink. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and Gentlewomen.

Next week is the last run of the year. Don’t worry about the cold; we will be undertaking our duties from the warmth of The Mill as we help to clean and sort out their toys. I’m also planning on a pre-Christmas one-mile time trial afterwards. Sign-up here

We will be returning on 9th January for a bit of plogging. I am also planning a weekend session in January at Willow Brook Primary and will send details out soon.

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