THE WEEK’S HEROES

• This week was Simon L’s first Group Run as Run Leader. Congratulations Simon!

• We welcomed newcomer Ade, thanks for joining us!

• Thanks also to returners, Swindon parkrun legend Jo, and Ciaran!

• Congratulations to The Trainer Emma for reaching 50 Good Deeds

….I’m not missing anything, am I? OH YES, massive congratulations to Andrew for his 50 Good Deeds! Somehow his black top seemed to arrive early… perhaps it arrived in a bin bag?!

So what did the friendly Jane from Ferndale Primary School have in store for us when we got there? There were three tasks to get our teeth into. Splitting out into groups, you were either part of…

THE STONERS

We set off on a monumental task of moving the big stone. Like a rolling stone that gathers no moss, thinking it would be a big job, 3 of us heaved and we shoved the stone into the middle of the tipi area of the playground. 5 minutes later… before the walking group had even arrived…the stone had been successfully shifted!

THE SANDERS

The sanders were shifting sand from what seemed the furthest most point in the school grounds to the sandpit surrounding a pirate ship. Armed with wheelbarrows, big and small, spades and enthusiasm, we shovelled, swept and sanded up a storm around the ship. Why are pirates called pirates? Because they arrrrrgh!

OR THE SORTERS

These sorters were weeding, forking, sweeping, clearing leaves, and tidying up while having a good natter. A key duty in this task was sweeping AstroTurf, and debating the merits of fake grass over real grass. Is the fake grass jealous of the real grass’ ability to grow? Who knows?! Before we knew it, we only had five minutes left! We gathered for a group photo under the tree, and then said our goodbyes to Jane and the other Ferndalers (including two children cycling along rocking out to Bon Jovi!), and then we were off back to the Oasis for coffee and a chat. We’ve been to Ferndale Primary School a couple of times before, and we’re really pleased it’s one of the sites we can offer a walking group to so more people can get involved with GoodGym goodness.

Know someone new to running, looking for a new way to exercise or injured? Tell them to get involved with our next walking group!

Interested in more GoodGym goodies? Will we ever see Andrew again now he has his black shirt? Find out more:

• This Saturday, Swindon parkrun is cancelled, but instead we’ll be taking over a paint station at Prospect’s Run the Rainbow… most of us will be at the red station, but will there be a black station?! Be in it to find out!

• It’s GoodGym’s 10th anniversary this month and next Tuesday we’re celebrating by helping with Swindon Women’s Aid Refuge. A new task location for lifting, shifting and cleaning. Maybe we’ll have something special to celebrate the occasion? Sign up here!

• GoodGym’s also organising it’s biggest ever day of Community Missions on #GGSuperSaturday 21st September to celebrate the big ten. We’ll be tidying up at St. Mary’s Church, Lydiard Tregoze, straight after parkrun. Get involved!

• We’re also looking to grow missions in the town to help older people with one-off tasks, and coach runs to help combat loneliness and social isolation. Interested in more info? Check out the links, or speak to the Task Force.