A crisp chill was in the air but we got moving and made light work of a physical task. Using our own strength and a comical cart that probably should require a license to steer, we shifted chairs, tables, bags and boxes from The Rookery to Level Best Cafe.

We chatted a little about how hard the pavements in Colchester are for wheelchairs and buggies - especially where Prezzo had blocked the pavement with flower pots.

After our first task we went on a little jog around Colchester litter picking and checking the flower boxes that we cleared a few weeks ago.

The chat and smiles were lovely and the determination to do kindness warms our hearts.

It was an efficient and speedy evenings run and walk.

A delight to meet Bek on her second GG outing and look forward to seeing all the new faces again.

Our focus was on getting as much done as possible on arrival...the grateful Sue asked us to litter pick and attempt to get rid of the moss on the courtyard paths...armed with two stiff brissled brushes the moss was significantly reduced...Vanessa and Louise gardened and trimmed so that living room views were less obscured while Emma, Bek and Dan litter picked and swept!

We had noodle bar on our minds so we worked hard and fast.

Sue was very grateful as was one resident who advised me not to get old!

A triumph of an evening and a lovely meal with friends.

Six goodgym runners ran to help their local community and Colchester’s Premier art centre, FirstSite. Helen, who was leading the run warmly welcomed Bek, a Goodgym first timer. It is always great to welcome newcomers, and we hope Bek enjoyed her evening with us! Helen explained the routine and the task we were destined to tackle, and everyone quickly got stuck in. Chatting and laughter is always a great feature of our weekly Goodgym sessions, and there was lots to talk about. Enthusiastic Pam from Colchester in Bloom joined us to coordinate the task and with Helen’s guidance Louise, Bek, Vanessa, Andy and Stu willingly leapt into the decorative garden in front of the copper clad building to get gardening. With a handy mobile gardening app used to identify friend or foe at the ready only the weeds were being plucked from the ground with the real plants left behind to enjoy better days. With the light starting to fade we had to start wrapping up the task and with all the tools and weeds packed away we were able to admire our handiwork. Everybody was satisfied that Goodgym had made a positive impact and made the whole area much more enjoyable for visitors. Waving goodbye to Pam marked the start of our fitness session and Helen led us through a simple circuit workout. In the well lit area in front of FirstSite we made our way around five different exercises which for some reminded us that we could have done a little more exercise during lockdown! After a bit of cool down stretching, when asked if we’d enjoyed our evening there was a resounding chorus of “YES” . Well done all and well done Bek, Goodgym to meet you.

With thanks to report writer Stu! 👍