11 runners embarked on a bit of a marathon to do some litter picking and path clearing at Beaumont Leys Library.

Its seems I sure pick my nights to be away as once again it was a foul one weather wise - freeeeeezing!!!

Lindsay led and Jim and Ben ran the tail - the route from the West End to Boggy Fleas is not without its hills. Our Newbies from the starter run Rachel and Stu were welcomed to their second run and it was also a welcome back to Surinder after a few weeks absence.

The advance party of Lee, Jeanette and Surinder had already arrived when the main group joined them and there appeared to have been a bit of miscommunication between the task master and the duty staff - we were expected but they didnt seem too sure of what had been agreed for us to do.

Despite this hiccup and judging by the pictures it looks like we did the right task after all as several bags of litter were in evidence and there was certainly work taking place on the offending paving.

I should imagine the group were glad to get back on the road to try to warm up as it really was bitter out there tonight. The feedback from Lindsay was... "as usualy everyone gave 100%" - nothing short of what I would have expected so a big well done to you all.

Tonight we welcomed Ben to the group for his first Goodgym experience and Andy, a good gym veteran of a whopping 46 Good Deeds who was visiting us whilst on a work trip to Brighton. We also welcomed back Rose who joined us for the first time since our epic launch back in July. A big well done to Rose who, during the run, told me about her triathlon at Southwater over the weekend. Awesome effort!

I shared the news during the speech, that earlier in the day I’d walked past the BHT task we did a few weeks ago in Oriental place and I was delighted to see they now have a planter full of flowers, so I think our tidying efforts there kick started a new found pride in their outdoor space!

After the speech and the warmup we headed up the big Dyke Road Hill to tonight’s task at Exeter Street Hall. Thanks to Helena for leading the speedier group and to Beth for back marking. And it was great to have Tess back after a few weeks off and she did a fine job of leading the moderate paced group (now christened The Mods!) with myself back marking.

Dave met us at Exeter Street Hall and told us about how the local community pulled together to raise the funds to buy the hall and keep it as a valuable community resource. They have recently completed some building work to improve the hall’s accessibility and our task tonight was to have a general clean and tidy up before they reopen. We set to work vacuuming floors and curtains, dusting ledges, getting sticky stuff off tables, washing down walls and painting new door frames. A special mention to Frances and Rachel who tackled the newly accessible loft area which had some particularly dusty beams. I was informed that the dust up that was actually from the Victorian era! Ew!!

We did a great job and Dave and team were very appreciative of our efforts which will help them get the hall reopened and back in use for later this week.

A much easier downhill run home and a quick fitness session on the Old Steine where we focused on some one leg strength and stability moves to help keep us ‘strong and stable’ during our runs!

See you on Saturday for our first monthly parkrun outing to Preston Park and next week where we will be returning to The Bevy for some gardening or a shorter option to One Church where we will be nailing the railings! And after we will be staying behind for a drink for our monthy social.