To quote Ruth, we achieved ‘allot’ in an hour helping tidy Newbridge Primary School’s allotment. It needed a whole allota love indeed; the small beds, compost bins and surrounding area had been left for the bindweed to cover and choke everything in its wake. Surprisingly some hardy rhubarb and strawberry plants had continued to grow, fighting for space amidst it all.
Ruth, Tanya, Cosmo and Kate set to the task at hand with lots of energy, focusing initially on one bed, removing all the weeds and bindweed that got in their way. Once this was achieved and it was time to add some fresh new plants! Chives, Rosemary and Basil were added to the edges and no doubt the children will be greeted with the lovely fragrance as they walk by. Flowers were also added for a bit of colour. It was an hour well spent, and we’ve had a thank you from the headmaster for our contribution (true story). Good work all, and hopefully will be invited back to help finish the job.

Once again it was a privilege to marshal at the weekly junior parkrun that takes place at Odd Down cycle circuit in Bath.

Dozens of children aged between 4 and 14 made their way round the 2k course often accompanied by their parents to make it a whole family affair.

They went round with determination etched on their faces and you knew the pride they would feel at the finish.

Our task was to cheer them on and it was great to see the young runners put on an extra spurt as we encouraged them. This time, instead of a giant foam hand giving out high fives, I was in charge of a cow bell. I hope the neighbours didn’t object at the noise.

It’s good to be part of something that is of such benefit to children’s welfare. The junior parkrun Health and Wellbeing survey in 2024 found that three in four children feel happier after taking part in a junior parkrun. It’s not just about happiness – 65% of children said they feel proud of themselves and 57% feel more confident.

GoodGymer Tanya should also be feeling proud after making her way up the hill to the task and running back down afterwards.

When cab drivers want to start work in London they have to prove they have “the knowledge” - an intimate understanding of the city’s streets and locations.

I suspect something similar operates among the posties of Bath. Key information about roads and the secret numbering of houses that can only be passed on to other postmen and women, leaving the rest of us bemused.

On Tuesday I navigated the intricacies of Newton Road and Redland Park and found myself up all sorts of alleys and along trails of disappearing house numbers. It was Bath GoodGym’s mission to deliver flower show leaflets to the area on behalf of the Twerton and Whiteway Community Network.

A hundred of them found their target doormats and will, I hope, inspire the householders to go along to the event on Saturday 14 June, reviving an old tradition and bringing the community together.

We've had some wonderful weather recently, but as is oft the case with the English climate, it doesn't stay for long. Having said that, it wasn't in any way uncomfortable as 8 GoodGymmers (Cosmo, Ruth, Aaron, Jason, Emily, Kate, Ava and Meyrick arrived for one of two visits to Sydney Gardens this month.

Dry it was, and cloudy, perhaps a little chilly in the wind, but a far cry from winter which I hope we've now left well behind. The Friends of Sydney Gardens have a 'formal event' of some kind on the 11th of May, (apparently the mayor is attending). There are certain areas that need a tidy up before this as they will be viewed by the visiting dignitaries, and GoodGym Bath were more than happy to help.

There is a gated enclosure next to the Holburn Museum, which acts as a store for grounds maintenance. In the middle of this area is a derelict building, a relic from the 1700s. Our supervisor educated us that back in those days, this derelict building was in fact a 'Supper Room' and was linked to the main building (the Holburn Museum) by a series of other buildings, a bit like the West Wing.

This was overgrown with weeds, brambles, nettles and saplings all vying for dominance; the result of years of neglect had let them run amok. Our job was to trim this unsightly flora back and reveal what is left of the Supper Room to be seen in all it's glory - this will, though, take some imagination.

We pretty much cleared it all in the short time we had. Great work GoodGymmers, we'll be back in two weeks.

Dozens of children and their parents turned out bright and early this morning for their weekly run around the cycle track at Odd Down. Junior Parkrun is a wonderful way to start the day and get those stats in for those 4-14 year olds who are serious about running. It’s wonderful to see the concentration on those small faces determined to beat their personal best.

And that’s where we three GoodGymers came in. Tanya and I donned the hi viz to cheer on the young people as they took on the 2k, as well as making sure they stuck to the course. While Helen and mini volunteer Archie brought up the rear as tail walkers. Complete with tail!

I'm not sure why the cones had all gathered together - safety in numbers, I suppose.

It’s a great feeling to see the runners put on an extra spurt of speed to give you a high five and, overall, it was smiles all round in the sunshine. It’s got to be the best way to start the day and I’m looking forward to the next.

We're back at Odd Down on Sunday 1 June - you can sign up here: https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/help-cheer-and-marshal-the-odd-down-junior-parkrun-07cb7fa6-26de-4b1e-b910-aeee06e5d511