It was the last August GGG, and what a stunner! 13 brilliant goodgymmers ran to Hervey Road Sports Field, a lovely little plot of land just south of Charlton House. Those who met at the house enjoyed the sunny chats as we went around and discussed what could cause us to eat a whole chocolate bar – or take a Valium. Moving past the stresses of life we moved onto critical information, the goodgym welcome speech, read in full by myself, I’ve been leading for over a year, and I await the day I can recite this speech, or read it in a more serious manner. After a quick icebreaker of what’s the best/most interesting/weirdest thing you’ve seen in the borough; those who have lived in Greenwich longest definitely won – I wish I had seen the Olympics happening in Greenwich Park, I only have false memories created from the episode of Twenty Twelve. We did a quick warm up and then headed out and down the correct roads towards our task.

We arrived and as usual Annie and Richard, the wonderful carers for the garden had a plethora of tasks to get on with. Mulching, gathering up bark for a path, watering our lavender plants and weeding the borders and trees. The best bit is always watching everyone crack on with gusto and chatting away as they do it. We are very lucky to have been brought together to do this together – even if Marta claimed GGG as the weirdest thing she had seen in the borough! Team mulch/bark refreshed the path that leads through the wildflower patch, and the wildflowers were in bloom, and it all looked super fresh after 30 minutes. Team weed and water brough the lavender plants back to full focus and the weeds piled up and were whisked away to the compost bin.

Soon the task was complete, and we said our goodbyes, but not without courgettes and gourds being handed out! We headed back to Charlton House or home, and some even adopted a new alter ego – I can’t wait to see Brin and his marrow run a half marathon on the weekend. We headed off into the dusk after a stretch, and a quick knock-on heaven’s (or choose your own location) door. Thanks for another well spent evening all and best of luck to all those taking part in the Big Half and other events over the weekend, I’m focussing on that post half pint and a chat! Thank you to Julian for the pun 👏