**Tonight wasn’t just a normal group run, instead of us all kitted out in our usual running attire tonight we all donned our Xmas special. Some walked some took the bus but we were all heading in the same direction.

A few of us started in a local public house while a sensible few headed straight to the restaurant. However we all ended up in the same location by 7:15, a few stragglers had to finish their drinks before coming to the restaurant. We kicked off the evening with a mini quiz with questions relating to GoodGym and some more close to home evolving around what we have achieved in GoodGym Croydon during the year. There were three teams in the quiz and although there was a clear winner there was no losers. Congratulations to the team of Paul, Jenny, Magda, Dovile and Martin despite not realising the the difference between “how many and list the names” you somehow manage to beat the other two teams by 1 point.

In between our three courses we were entertained by Xmas cracker jokes, pass the spud and the main event exchanging of gifts. Although there wasn't much running we were throughly hydrated.

Best Xmas jumper on the night award goes to Peter, he pulled no punches he ensured that he was lit with all the fairy lights.

Flittering around from table to table and the comments received In the WhatsApp group I am happy everyone had a good time, thank you all for making tonight great without you all it wouldn’t have been possible.

Massive thanks to the staff of Atesh, for putting up with us and our joyful noise and a massive shout out to all who were able to attend. Nicola get well soon we knew you wanted to be with us but due to being under the weather you were unable to join us.

Don't forget this weekend's volunteering at Lloyd Park Junior Parkrun go help the kids get in the Xmas spirit, they'd love to see some elves

Next week will be our last group run for the year and we will be visiting ECCO, looking forward to seeing you all at our last run and if Nicola is feeling better we’ll be heading for a drink after sign up here.

Before signing off I'll share Andy's fun fact he learnt in the Pub.

An earlier interpretation of the colours was, "hardships there are but the land is green and the sun shineth" as stated in the government Ministry Paper 28 - National Flag dated 22 May 1962. Gold recalls the shining sun, black reflects hardships, and green represents the land. It was changed in 1996 to black representing the strength and creativity of the people which has allowed them to overcome difficulties, gold for the wealth of the country and the golden sunshine, and green for the lush vegetation of the island, as well as hope.

Last night 17 of runners ran, 3.9km to and from Tunstall Nursery to help tidy the playground and replant some fruit trees withing the grounds of the nursery.

When we arrived at the nursery we were met by Jane who is always happy to see us, she explained the various task she had for us to complete and we all headed out to our chosen area. There was a lot of laughter and chatter amongst the group as always.

With it being 5th November one of the residents next to the nursery entertained us with fireworks, however the show wasn't as long as we would have expected it to be but at least we assumed they enjoyed it.

We welcomed Stephen from the Steel City (GoodGym Sheffield) who was in London with work but opted to join us on our group run instead of a night in the pub. We also had Lorraine joining us on our group run, Lorraine was one of the recent members inducted into the 50 good deeds club, most of her deed have been through missions, for most of the group it was good to put a face to the name and she vowed to try and make a few more group runs, but her contributions by her missions have been great.

Following completion of the task we warmed up for the time trial with some mountain climbers, before bidding farewell to Jane and taking to the streets for our run around the block.

Congratulation to Andy (01:37) and Dovile (01:51) our new segment champions, their titles are always up for grabs and the challenge will take place after each visit to Tunstall in the furture. At present there are no current task booked for this year so they may or may not end the year as champions.

Next week we our group run will be between 5-6km in total as we head to South Croydon to see Sue, sign up here.

After the last community mission success at Lloyd Park Junior Parkrun another one has been listed for 24th November sign up here

The hot topic at the moment is Xmas there have been some chatter and suggestions about our end of year meal where and when should it be, if you're not in the whatsApp group and would like to be please let me or a member of the task force know and we can add you to the group, we would like to see as many members there and choose a date that is convenient for most so please get involved.

Last night 14 GoodGymers ran walk, jogged 5km in Broad Green, delivering the Autumn news letter on behalf of Big Local Broad Green an initiative that aims to strengthen and enhance the area through the assets, strengths and connections of local people who live and work there. The initiative will see local citizens building on their talents and aspirations identifying and acting on their own passions and concerns to make their area even an better place to live and work. Backed by £1 million funding over a ten year period. Broad Green is one of 150 areas across the UK chosen to take part in Big Local.

Last night was a night of celebrations that ended with our monthly social to a local eatery/watering hole, were had a lot to celebrate, Sarah's birthday (being good folks we didn't ask her age as we couldn't believe she was old enough to vote as she looks forever young), Rachel completing the Amsterdam Marathon, Peter smashing his goal and recording a personal best in the Croydon 10K, Fiona on completing her first half marathon at the royal parks half marathon, Andy and Lorraine both completing 50 good deeds earning them that Black Tees, Nicola completing her 100th good deeds, which she kept quiet after completing her 99th the night before at Lewisham. With her new set of wings coming she’s definitely taking off!

With thanks to our resident baker, Rachel we had a rhubarb and custard cake to celebrate the various achievements and birthday.

Next week we will be going to Tunstall Nursery and at the end of the task we will be attempting a time trial, have you been practicing your speed work? There are two titles up for grabs. (King and Queen of the segment) Will it be you?