WOW (Way Out West) and Emmaus had both asked for help this evening so we we split into two group, three if you count the runners separately from the walkers, to our task destinations. After we'd said hello to the visiting horse which we assumed was part of the Raleigh launch.

It was fab to have Vicky and Runner Harry on their first GoodGym task and Dora joining us in Bristol for the first time. All three were in the Emmaus contingent and fitted right in with the task of sorting bagfuls of cards donated when Paperchase closed down. We were soon divvying up the cards by celebration type if the card had a matching envelope whilst "loners" of cards and envelopes became big piles themselves. We filled two boxes with just Christmas cards and made executive decisions about which cards were so bad they should go straight to recycling. The musical and light-up dachshunds in Paris were a firm favourite.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, plants were pruned and weeds banished in one of the areas looked areas by Way Out West - we might even get to go back for more planting as the space becomes better and better.

Back in Queen Square it was time to celebrate the launch of the GoodGym x Raleigh partnership and very excited faces receiving their cards and chocolates, though disappointed there was no horse this time.

Hooray! People arrived who'd signed up, they ran to the planned task (and shrieked at Shree but she was wearing headphones) and the task owner was there! GoodGym luxury!

Stef had bulbs galore and we split into planters and choppers to gather lavender for Stef to take back with her. No trainers got chopped on the process but it was quite close at one point...

Vaguely Northern Darren found a shiny bug that looks really dull in the photo.

Stef's going to send photos of the bulbs in flower unless we're already back there to weed!

Lovely to get to chat to everyone and learn some historical "facts" about a pet shop, a tram line, lead shot and the source of the spring. Lightening does strike twice, apparently.

See you all next week!

Everything was totally under control all evening, except for the two lovely people who wanted to know more about GoodGym whilst we were welcoming the session and newbie Peter, the task not happening, the litter pickers not being there and Maria arriving as the walkers were leaving.

For all that, we had a lovely time with Vaguely Northern Darren leading the runners to West Street, the group then making our way to South Street Park, exploring and tidying the playground, Bark Park, bug hotel and finding the Conker Animals. A mini fitness session later, we were on our way back to Queen Square to celebrate Caz's 100th good deed with our totally normal centurion outfit, unicorn lance and shield to trot around the circle and high five everyone else who were eating her lovely flapjack.

Off to Bambalan for GoodGym Eats with new friends and lots of fabulous chat - turned out nice again!

Laura, Lexi, Sarah and I were off to an earlier than usual start on Saturday morning to help spruce up the South Street Park notice boards by sanding them down and varnishing them to protect them from the weather. The varnish looked like squash or fruit juice (don't drink it Lexi!)

Due to social distancing measures we had one notice board each to spruce up which were located at different areas of the park. We missed our usual chitter chatter as we were quite spread out in the park, so the four of us went to the nearby North Street for a coffee afterwards.

Way Out West was grateful for our help and may ask us to come back to do another coat of varnish...so keep an eye out for further Community Missions :)

Take my light Tell me what you are seeking It’s not all night This is just the beginning [of the parade]

Although you have to go [on the parade] It makes me feel like drumming I don't know when I'll see you again

Darling leave a lantern for me I'll be there before you pass LIDL To give you all the light that you need

Darling leave a light on for me 'Cause when the parade takes me away You are still the light that I need

I can't explain, I just don't know Just how far I have to go But darling I'll keep the battery Just leave a lantern for me...

With apologies to Belinda Carlisle

On a lovely spring morning, twelve runners ran to Bedminster to help spruce up some beds and planters for Urban Buzz. Our work helped support a local community group who have been very buszzzy improving the street environment all along West Street.

Strides of March: After a quick brief on the planting tasks, a team of eight set to work on the flower bed, whilst two teams of two took on the planters. Light work was made of the planting, allowing a bit of varnish to be applied to a community notice board.

Varnishing act: Task done, we had a short run back followed by a quick warm down. Several runners stayed on for a bite to eat at the Mud Dock cafe.