A change of plan this week meant we were able to return to the STEAM Museum to finish a weeding task we’d started back in July. We were joined by newbies Cath, Jo, Karen and Yvonne. We think they fit splendidly into the GoodGym family – read on to find out why!

After much super sleuthing the day before, a crack team deduced this was the last group run that our lovely run leader Sandy Sam would be attending before her wedding!

So we formed a rather unconventional bunch of hens and presented her with a bouquet and veil and announced that there would be post-run cake to celebrate her upcoming nuptials to Adam. We are clearly lacking in the sleuthing as she will be back next week – more cake anyone?

The getting-to-know-you question was what our chosen superpower would be! Emma the Trainer would have COMPLETE silence when she is doing parkrun directing (of course!), Sharon would be able to repair any broken joints (horse or human – handy!) and Jo would choose mind control (eek!).

The runners led by Sandy Sam and backmarked by Stuart, and the walkers led by Jo all arrived at STEAM in no time. It’s on the site of the old Swindon Works of the Great Western Railway and in its heyday could produce three locomotives a week!

What a great task - outside in the fresh air, right in the heart of Swindon’s heritage, chatting with friends while weeding. Last time we took a scattergun approach to the weedy landscape so this time we were more strategic to achieve maximum aesthetic pleasure for the visitors and residents who all use this area. We filled lots of bags as the hard working staff really needed some help in this weed multiplying weather. The ‘after’ picture was very satisfying! We weren’t doing so well on our weekly quest to find peculiar objects. But wait - enter Bodyless Bob! A tiny dismembered head (of the toy variety). He’s not pretty, we don’t know his story, and one doesn’t like to ask but we adopted him and took him back with us anyway.

Before we left we had a quick look around the very impressive museum. Swindon really did make the most beautiful trains! On the way out we spotted a wooden train planter at the main entrance that was made by Swindon Men’s Shed who we visited last week. Oh, we do love a coincidental community connection!

On the run back we encountered a rather merry chap who joined our run for a bit. Move over Bodyless Bob, we give you ummmmm, Legless Larry? He seemed to enjoy jogging and shouting motivational things like “Go GoGo-Gym” which is an entirely different type of exercise altogether, but still, a future new member perhaps?!

Before the Task Force could consult the GoodGym training manual for recommendations on what to do in such situations, he waved goodbye and was off!

On to “Murder Alley” and there was some tomfoolery by the Walkie Talkies (check out the photo!). We apologise unreservedly to any security services who spotted us on CCTV and may have been inadvertently placed on red alert due to our theatrics. And it has not escaped our attention that all four of our newbies were perpetrators! Like we said, fitting in nicely.

All safely back at base, with Sam still looking resplendent in her wedding veil, we had a large, lovely and chatty catch up over coffee and cake.

Next up is a Group Run on Tuesday 27th August. We will be running approximately 9km in total to the Saltway Centre and back to help clear out some planters so that Aiming High families using the centre can plant their own bulbs and seeds. The Aiming High Short Breaks programme provides access for children and young people with disabilities to social and leisure activities, and to enable their parents and carers to have a break from their caring responsibilities. Pop it in your diary now and sign up here! If you’d like to join us for a post-run drink back at the Oasis, order at Coffee Corner before 6pm.