Each week the Luton Goodgym Group run/walk/cycle is full of fun, laughter and friendly faces. Throw in a little purpose and hard graft and you've got a shining example of what community can really look like. That in my opinion is something to be celebrated. And here in Luton our team love an excuse to celebrate. Which is rather fitting as this weeks task marks the 4th birthday of Goodgym going live in Luton. I know, it's hard to believe that it's only been 4 years since David led the first group 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♀️ and this week we return to the task that started it all, as we visit Penrose Roots to Recovery just as the OG team did on day 1. Gill expertly led from the front and after her welcome, warm up and safety briefing, she set us of on our way, 2 and a bit km out of town to our task. When we arrived we were met by Pete the task owner who had us clearing bramble to create a space so that him and his team could safely harvest Pears 🍐 from the tree above (and there are loads to harvest). As we were celebrating or Run Leader for the evening had arranged for some delicious cakes that she had prepared to be dropped off to the task by her husband, which we lovingly call Gilliveroo . Needless to say the cakes were amazing and there was one foe everyone. There were also special toppers for a few of the cakes to celebrate some of the milestones that had been achieved over the last 12 months. One however was particularly apt as the amazing Gail finally became a LGG Centurion and as with all the other milestones this recognition was immensely deserved. Well done, you're a true Legend. It was fantastic to be joined by Rebecca who hasn't been able to come for a while and was there at the first task. Before we headed off back to town, Pete offered the team some marrows that had been grown at the allotment and he was taken up on his offer, so there will be all sorts of culinary delight being created with them this weekend I'm sure. Great task this week, fantastic effort by all and a real sense of pride that the group is growing and making such a positive mark on our town. Well done everyone 👏 👍🏻 You're all amazing 👏 ❤️

If you can't stand the heat... but we couldn't stay out of the kitchen as it was FoodCycle day. Gill had come in early to make pastry for quiches but once they were cooked the oven was turned off and the focus for Gill and Martin was on making salads. It was lovely to see Chanel who was on food collection, but then returned to join Gail, Susannah and Neill in the hosting team. A lovely summer menu which guests and volunteers enjoyed . A mixed melon starter, quiche with warm potato salad, mixed salad and coleslaw. And for dessert a fruit salad with a fruit lie and fairy cake. Well done team. Good food from GoodGym.

On a lovely warm summer evening as the sun settled down in the sky this band of Goodgymers made their way by biking running and walking to the Riverside Meadow beside New Bedford Road. Welcoming Chrisshane and Omayemi to their first Group Run. 👋🏻

Our mission for this evening was a familiar one, uproot all the Goldenrod. We've met this plant before which is invasive and trying to take over on this meadow, but it's back to test us again. It is noticeably thinner than in previous years, a good sign that we are winning, and there was a good mixture of native plants in the gaps we have cleared.

So we got stuck in and started pulling at the clumps. We made good progress and managed to clear about half of the field before our time was up. We'll be back soon to finish the job!