It was touch and go as to whether I was running solo last night. It was not only cold but the weather app on my iPhone revealed that sleet and perhaps snow were forecast that evening? Mix all that together with an outdoor task, would the GG Swindon crew really step away from the Central Heating to do some weeding outside a derelict pub? The answer? Of course! The enthusiasm and commitment continue despite the not-so-great-weather conditions. I’m really looking forward to our first snowy run…yes – we get to run in the snow (I’ve checked it out with GG HQ; as long as it’s not too icy underfoot)…!

The first to arrive was the ever-so-chatty Richard whose priority was to pre-order his post-GG coffee. This what we need to do now to ensure a hot beverage after our run. We have to order and pay for it before 6pm. There’s nothing better than having a chat after the run, even if it’s just for 10 minutes or so? Please do come and join us in future weeks; it’s nice to get to know one another a bit more. For example, I found out last night that Jo is super brainy and, like The Scientist, is a chemist. Richard ‘the vicar’ on the other hand is more into physics, whereas Helen likes to deal with people’s money. The company that Helen works for will be sending her to the Gambia next year? I hope it’s not a one-way ticket? We need Helen at GG Swindon!

Anyway, while Richard was placing his coffee order, about half dozen GG’ers made a prompt appearance as though they had all been waiting in their cars with the heating on until exactly 5:55pm?! I was ‘surprised’ by the choice of clothing for some of our runners considering the near freezing temperature outside? Oh yes – Graham, Owen and Andy were wearing shorts?! Now that’s impressive – I’m not sure I could do that?! Shorts, and of course, their red GG tops, which came in handy a little later when I started taking too many photos outside the Cricketers. We like to have red GG tops in our photos! However, like the rest of the GG Swindon crew – my cherished red top was buried under a multitude of other layers. We were getting ready for that snow of course…!

It was 6pm and we gathered outside in our usual position for a headcount in the cold. I knew I would have to wrap it up quickly today; the shivering had started already! GG’ers had to tell the group what their worst EVER Christmas present was. Kirsty’s response of ‘after shave’ and Charles’s dislike of ‘novelty socks’ made everyone laugh; however Graham’s response of a ‘green golf ball’ confused me. What is wrong with a green golf ball?! Jason then reminded me what the colour of grass is…and how on earth are you supposed to find a green golf ball in the grass?! Thanks Jason…! Anyway, we then thanked the wonderful Kirsty for organising our Christmas get together. We are going bowling and we would love for you to join us check it out here or speak to Kirsty the next time you’re at a Group Run.

Our watches were ready to go and we took off into the night; past the BMX track behind the Oasis; along the old canal path, and under the railway line to Swindon’s Historic Railway Village. It was a short flat run tonight, but we still had an opportunity to chat on the way…and I learnt that Kirsty works on the railways and was starting work in Newbury shortly after our run. Now that’s commitment for you – GG and then a night shift; a big thumbs up to you Kirsty!

We soon arrived at the Cricketers Arms. Now what a place that is! Next to the old (now boarded up) Mechanics Institute and opposite the well-lit Central Community Central (which used to be a hospital), Daniel Rose, Executive Director at the Mechanics Institution Trust, met us to tell us more about the area and what the plans were for the Cricketers Arms. All being well, the downstairs will become an information centre and the upstairs will become a B&B, but at the moment it is derelict with a jungle of weeds outside. Weeds so tall, they were taller than me! GG’ers LOVE weeds and were keen to get going (we only had 45 minutes!) so Daniel showed us where the bin bags and tools were and left us to crack on with pulling, digging and scraping out those weeds. Sharon was first in the jungle pulling out the biggest weed I’ve ever seen and within minutes the jungle was rapidly disappearing thanks to some great team work. The finds along the way were interesting and varied; at least 5 empty bottles of vodka; empty cans of lager; a security tag, biscuit and sweet wrappers…and a buddleia (which, according to Richard, can often be found alongside railway lines?). Similar to last week, Sam was not keen to lose sight of her fingers so she avoided the dark corner where the buddleia was and instead stuck to places that were well lit thanks to Graham’s impressive head torch…!

Within half an hour, the job was done and it was now time to tidy up, have a group photo and head back to the Oasis before the rain arrived. During the tidy-up process, Andy helped me to tie knots in all of the bin bags so that the weeds didn’t make the Great Escape during the night. He also told me some AMAZING news. What is this news you may ask? All I can say is…over to you Andy?!

Everyone agreed that we did a fab job that evening; how much we got done in such a short amount of time; it almost looked like a different place outside! We set our watches and made our way back to base, stopping briefly to do some shuttle runs between lamp posts along the old canal path (with the promise of trick or treat sweets to the winning team). Of course, there were no winners, so everyone received some sweeties during the ‘cool down’ back at the Oasis. What a fun time had by all? I do hope you can join us again next week? Crazy Legs will be leading the group to Playsteps Day Nursery (not far from the Cricketers Arms), to do some painting indoors in the warm! It’s another short run; perfect for beginners so please check it out here and sign up today. It’s not to be missed!