2 runners and a cyclist arrived at St Timothy's Church for a return visit and were met by Sarah who gave us our instructions for the mission. Sisters, Becky and Alex arrived first and were busying themselves planting some shrubbery into a couple of planters outside the main entrance to the church when Gina arrived on her bicycle with her trusty milking stool safely strapped onto the saddlebag. Plants were planted then we moved to the rear entrance of the building to clear the overgrown weeds and grass from between the paving stones and lots of broken glass but not before a singalong by 'The Moylett Sisters' to the music being played in the adjoining community centre. Tony, from the church, arrived in time for the sweep up of the area which showed the difference that 3 people can make in the early evening heat of the day. Cake and cola were served to us by Sarah before the three of us departed for home.

Six GoodGymers came along this week to help do some weeding at St Timothy’s Church, Liden. This was timely too, as it’s Mental Health Awareness Week and all about getting closer to nature to help us all feel better.

But it wouldn’t be so much fun without a deluge of rain, would it?! 🌧 We met up and greeted our new recruit, Martyn. (Unfortunately the other new member, Jacqui couldn’t make it this time as she had injured her foot - get well soon Jacqui!).

Glad to see Gina and Tracey had come suitably equipped. Gina with her trusty “milking stool” and Tracey with her very handy kitchen fork! 🍴 Both proved invaluable items as we forged on in the rain and cleared the block paving of weeds.

The sun did appear briefly as we worked and chatted about long runs, the return of parkrun, our jobs during Covid, social meetings, etc. (Yes Helen is planning a GG Social soon!). Alex and Becky then ran off into the sunset on their journey home.

It is great to get together and do “normal” things again!

5 GoodGymers arrived at a new venue, St Timothy’s Church in Liden where we were met by the lovely Cheryl (from St Paul’s) for some clearing of weeds and growth from between the paving slabs around the church. Cheryl explained that the church and social area have remained closed since lockdown and they are currently reviewing how they can safely reopen following Covid guidelines. As part of this they are looking at a one way system and the GoodGym team were called upon to clear the trip hazards from the pathways in order for this to happen. As is becoming the new ‘normal’ there was a nice steady drizzle in the cool night air but we all got stuck in with the usual GoodGym gusto and body torches to tackle the weeds and growth to the ground. Kind hearted Tracey rescued a worm that may or may not have lost its head or tail but we all concurred that worms regrow themselves so now there would be two!! Kirsty had us all drooling when she ordered her Chinese takeaway ready for when she got home, we weren’t at all jealous especially when Cheryl produced a tray of chocolate brownies that her Mum had kindly made for us. Cheryl was very impressed and most pleased with what a few of us had achieved in a short amount of time and we left with a good feelin' that we'd made a huge difference.