We met this week at a different location due to the length of the run, I was concerned some may head to the usual place so sent Jen there, but no need! Everyone made it so a quick briefing and then off we set! Great to have Sean join us for the first time and tell us all about being RD at Writtle parkrun, who are moving to their winter course this weekend. Check it out!

It is just over 4km each way so we held a steady pace, taking shortcuts where we could. Ram barely broke a sweat, I need longer legs...

As we got to the allotments, we were confused at the odd numbering system in place. Wandering around aimlessly until we spied Sallyann. We headed over to dig the earth over and make the area as flat as possible to lay a greenhouse on in due course.

It was while we were there that Fi revealed she knew Andrew at Mencap, but ordinarily neither of them had any clothes on! Obviously there were no follow up questions to this.

I think we did a great job making the area flat. Posing for a couple of poorly taken photos, Russell lying on the floor to determine flatness being my highlight, followed by the spooky ghost goodgymers as I wink to the camera, we wolfed down loads of biscuits.

We then headed back at a frankly ridiculous pace to see the cats eyes on the path in action. Great task, great running, and great remembering of headtorches everyone.

Well done to everyone who completed the 2km or 7km Memory Walk for the Alzheimer’s Society.

This week we were back at the new Ideas Hub HQ. Before decorating can begin, there is loads of equipment and fittings to be removed, and remnants of the old Chinese restaurant to be stripped and dismantled.

It was great to welcome new GoodGymer Fiona to her first group run. She got straight into helping Edith move boxes and equipment out of the way ready for the café to be fitted.

Sallyann, Joel and me had the sticky job of stripping the decades old decals from the windows using a heat gun. It took a bit of practice (and some tips from Gemini and Google) but we eventually got the hang of it.

Ben and David grabbed hammers and crowbars to remove the old skirting boards, and when that was done they moved on to kitchen. They were having so much fun demolishing the old boards, it took three attempts to drag them out when it was time to leave.

Sallyann and Fiona washed up while we cleared the floor, and there was time for a quick tour for those who hadn't seen the new digs, and a look at the new tiles that have been laid since we were last here.

Edith said there would be lots more work for us over the coming months.

We ran back the short way, and went home to scrub the industrial glue from our fingers.

Great work everyone 💪 and a special well done to Fiona for coming to her first task, we hope to see you again soon.

Headed down to Mrs S and all going well until alas! They’ve finally repaired the bin store lock so I couldn’t get in. No contact from Mrs S but eventually a neighbour helped out so all good!

There were also coat hangers which alas can’t recycle.

After finishing Chelmsford parkrun, 6 GoodGymers went for a post-run breakfast at 'Spoons, and with some hash browns and beans as fuel, I walked to see Mrs D.

Her patio was getting overgrown, meaning she didn't have much space to get out and dry washing, or just sit and enjoy the garden. Mrs D has reduced mobility so needs space free from trip hazards. Some of the weeds were thorns, so not easy just to push out of the way.

After about 50 minutes with the secateurs, the plants were tamed, and the patio was swept. Mrs D was very pleased with the result, and I went home for a cuppa.

Led by the wonderful Edith, the Ideas Hub has been supporting underrepresented communities in Chelmsford since 2011, and after moving from temporary location to temporary location, they finally have a permanent home where they can grow roots.

Rich lead Richard and Ram there on a 2km run, and arrived a minute after Jane and Sallyann, who walked there the short way.

Tilers were coming the next day to fit a new floor, so the first job was to prepare the ground, peeling off old bits of carpet underlay, and chipping off rough pieces of concrete. Richard immediately asked if there was a hammer, and started on the concrete, joined by Ram. In the other room, Sallyann and Jane had a go at the old bits of carpet.

Before we left, Edith gave us a tour of the building and told us some of her plans for the place, including cooking workshops and movie nights featuring food cooked by the refugee communities. There is a lot of work to do before they can open, the old kitchen needs gutting, and there'll be lots of cleaning and decorating. We'll be back here next week to see the new floor, and to help with some more jobs.

Thanks all for coming and we will back their again next week to continue the good work.