We were not looking forward to being out in the forecasted lightening storm but a whopping 18 of us made it across the Oasis’ ocean (the largest puddle Swindon has ever seen!) and gathered with all the usual gusto for the evening ahead.

We were lucky to be joined by Rich from GoodGym Bristol who did a spot of tourism with us, and Emily, AKA Mike’s fiancé and Rebecca who returned for their second run.

This week, Charles was taking his maiden voyage into the world of Run Leader. Would our captain for the evening sail us all to safety or would some of us get lost at sea - read on to find out! First Mate Sandy Sam led the Walkie Talkies. Due to the inclement weather conditions, Charles suggested there was no dilly-dallying over a getting-to-know-you question and so we were off!

It was a short run/walk and soon we were at Margaret Mathews Court which provides sheltered accommodation for adults. We were met by the lovely Dominique, who also happens to be one of our GoodGym family, and set us to work with digging over a flower bed, planting some flowers and tidying up another raised flower bed.

Challenges on this task were blackberry and rose thorns, which are there to provide protection against enemies and animals but also unsuspecting GoodGymers it would seem (ouchy!), and also the wet sticky sinking soil that is clay.

Never to miss an opportunity to promote ourselves, we used a bit of artistic licence and planted the flowers in the glorious form of the GoodGym logo! Step aside Capability Brown!

We were so pleased that a few of the residents popped on their rain macs and even grabbed their walking aids to come and watch us prettying up their flower beds. Helen even encouraged one of them into doing a little jog - another potential new member? This task brought us much joy!!!! Not just because we had a fab excuse to get wet and muddy and play in puddles, but also because we got to chat to the lovely residents who kept us entertained and without exception had smiley faces and twinkles in their eyes – they “had us at hello”!

We were then introduced to what can only be described as “The Trolley of Joy” which was wheeled out and was laden with teapots, huge mugs (we like big mugs and we cannot lie!), chocolate bars and biscuits.

The rain was persistent so we huddled under the canopy for refreshments and used it as an excuse for even more chat. Heaven! After the obligatory group photo, with the added extras of the good folks of Margaret Matthews Court and the tea trolley which was carefully manoeuvred into shot, we were good to go. Charles and Sam led us back to the Oasis where some of us, who simply hadn’t had enough tea and chat, indulged in a bit more before heading home.

In other news, we are launching a Gardening Gloves Amnesty! Please liberate them from your homes, cars and gym bags, and return them to the lucky dip bag at the next task. No questions will be asked, except maybe ‘Have they been used in crime?’ and ‘Did you wash them?’ Thanks!

Anyone up for a party – it’s our first birthday on Tuesday 6th August?!

This is our one year anniversary run so it’s one not to be missed! We will be walking and running approximately 4km in total to the Haven Day Centre. This will be a fun one so be sure to put it in your diary and sign up here

Anyone up for another party?! – parkrun followed by BBQ at Lydiard Park on 10th August

GoodGym Swindon has been invited to 'takeover' the pacing positions at parkrun as well as the barcode scanning area and some other very important volunteering roles (!). Sign up here

After parkrun we’ll be starting the party at St Johns Hollow at Lydiard Park! You don’t have to be a GoodGym member to join us. As long as you LOVE GoodGym and you've got some food and drink to share with us that day you are welcome to join us! More details here