Four jolly Goodgymmers (and a bump – extra well done to heavily pregnant Charlotte for joining the task!) made their way this frosty evening to Walthamstow Toy Library for some festive fun, to wrap presents for Santa, who is apparently scheduled to visit quite soon, although we’ve no idea why as it can’t possibly be almost December already?! We were greeted by the ever lovely and brilliant Helen, who runs the Toy Library and supplied us with everything we needed to wrap lots of lovely books. We wrapped and chatted happily, good company making light work of the task! The Toy Library is always a joy and it was lovely to be back and once again able to support this incredible project, which has been part of the Walthamstow community for almost 50 years!

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