Our first physical task of the warmer weather!

A deceptively difficult foray into all things tree felling (or the aftermath thereof), we braved fairytale style thorns and walking the plank in order to clear up the paths that had been blocked by tree trimmings.

Gloves on and ready for (almost) anything, we took turns hoisting branch piles above our heads and tramping single-file to the designated spot behind the shed. A few, "oofs" and "ouches" later, we realised that the thorns and jagged edges were going to require us to be a lot more vigilant.

Refusing to be beaten, we quickly made light work of the pile of plant waste and were off into the evening for some well-deserved pizza!

Another great social run in the books!

This time we met up at the William Morris Gallery in Lloyd park for a quick run to distract from studying and tax returns. Sarah took us on a nice flat route that eventually led us to a playground. Of course we couldn't resist a quick jump on the trampoline and a go on the seesaw (would be rude not to really). All played out, we carried on back towards the park and went our separate ways.

If you're keen to get involved in a mid-week or weekend social run but are short on time, please shoot me an email and I can try to schedule something that works for everyone!

Tonight’s BadGym Halloween task at St. Mary’s churchyard was attended by Rosalind, Charlotte, and *Hell-en. Area activator Julia was not able to attend unfortunately, because she’s been *coffin’ (get well soon, and have plenty of iBOOprofen).

So, it was just the three of us basic witches. We, naturally, ran to the task under the cover of darkness.

On arrival, we located the bag of treats (secateurs), and tricks (chainsaw, bloody axe 🪓, the usual). After some tomfoolery, resulting in the near decapitation of yours truly, we set about the business of the task at hand. We remained surprisingly sanguine🩸 and, creeping it real, we diligently attacked the ivy in the churchyard, which had become frightfully overgrown. Do not take us for ghouls, we came well prepared with head torches and gloves. *Reader, it was an absolute massacre. *

Make no mistake, this was no task for arachnophobes. Several particularly hairy specimens were lying in wait for us in the shadows.🕷

We had some lovely thanks from the people at the church, where a service was going on in the welcome centre, so that was a real BOOOOn.

And, with that, after a village jog, we scattered into the night. *An absolute thriller. *

Until next time: Moooo hahahahaha.

Report by Helen 🧟‍♀️Scare👻brother-Naylor

A lovely cool evening for a long walk around the block to help deliver William Morris Big Local newsletter!

Three of us met at the Greenleaf Church and went to collect the newsletters. We managed to cover a good section of the area and almost delivered the whole heavy box of newsletters. As it was three of us we couldn't pair up so we had to improvise by mixing and matching the sides we were on so that we all could talk to each other and make progress equally. We actually got into a really nice rhythm and found ourselves being 'in the zone' and it really felt like a workout by the end of it walking so much. We managed to have some chats and got a few hellos from passers by as well!

Overall a great task and it was great to have a small but perfectly synchronised team tonight! We finished back at Greenleaf and then ran (Ros and Rebecca) and cycled (me) back home! A nice active evening out!

As we were so focused there were no photos!

Lovely evening with lovely people!

Arriving and task on time, Ercole was the first one at the church waiting for Julia and Rosalind running a few mins late! After a quick hello and how's it goings we grabbed the gardening tools and went out into the car park to clear the area of weeds that started to poke through the pavement slabs. We also cleared the gutters by the entrance. It was surprisingly involved and energetic to pull out the weeds and scrape the dirt between the paving stones. But it was a great opportunity to put the world to rights and catch-up on what was everyone up to. We discussed things like bunting, anaemia, in real time blood testing, anti-social behaviour, back pain and so much more:)

Jog and walk after a task was just lovely as the evening was mild and the sun was shining. We gently jogged to the Lloyds park and then practiced our best race walking to the amusement of everyone in the walk. Then we just walked around the fields and made our way back to the Greenleaf base.

Tea and biscuits were kindly offered to us and we rewarded ourselves with a nice sit down over a cuppa, pineapple (sugar) juice and selection of biscuits! Such a lovely evening to spend with the GoodGym family! Thank you to everyone for a great evening to break up the week!

Next week we are going to Saint Church for some gardening jobs to try and improve this lovely setting so that it's used by the local community and not the local drug users!