#GG10 ‘fun with flags’

Oh what a night. A night to celebrate, to sing, to read, to do good and to run. We started the evening with handshakes and hugs for members new, old and returning.

First to take the stage was Ella, reading out the Goodgym Experience beautifully. We certainly do feel like this is our town and the night would demonstrate how much we have done to help.

Goodgym always has perfect timing, or did Hannah plan her 50th good deed on this evening of celebrations? Either way what a superstar.

More congratulations to Ian on a smashing Dedham 10k and a little self love to me and bravo to Ella for our jaunt to Surrey for Reigate half marathon.

We set off with the sunlight fading to Firstsite with two missions, one to tidy the lawn and secondly to tour as many of the places we help with a photo at each one with our flag. At Firstsite we met our friend Eddie who gave out tools and instructions. The team trimmed, chopped, tidied and swept with the help of Toby and Harriet. A lovely job.

At the end we sang ourselves happy birthday and went on our photo-shoot tour of town. In chronological order we stopped for a photo at Castle Park gates, where we volunteer at parkrun and litter pick for Keep Britain Tidy. Next to Level Best Art Cafe where we clean the kitchen and restaurant, before we jogged down the High Street to pose by Colchester in Bloom flowers and the Townhall. Onwards (and via Ian's place of employment) we strode to Jumbo and although we have not helped the big water tower we have done leaflet drops and hill training in its shadow! Next it was to Beacon House, who help the homeless, where we painted a room and then down to Middlebrough and the River Colne where we plant and litter pick! PHEW!

After all that fun we ran back to base and heard two stories from the Goodgym book 'Fit Together'. Emily, who is a coach runner, read Florence's story and Susie read Andrew Robson's tale. Inspiring and relatable.

What a whirlwind and we ended by mentioning #GGSuperSaturday...more fun and perhaps a raised glass to toast 10 years of Ivo's Goodgym magic.