Graveyard Shift

Originally we were going to run to the Foodbank this week but we had to change that as there weren't enough donations for us to go and help out with.....so we need to start donating more food!

Instead Jane at St Peter's Church was happy to have us over and help her with the upkeep of their iconic church.

We welcomed back Abi, Mark, Sean, Sarah and Janet after all had been away for at least a few weeks. Great to have them back!

We also had Mark come along for his first taste of GoodGym after signing up way back when it all got started in Bournemouth, almost three years ago! Glad you decided to come and see what it is like rather than observe from a distance! See you next week!

After introductions and learning what makes each of us happy, from music to chocolate, we set off through the gardens for a mellow run to allow us all to catch up. Fredrika, as back marker, making sure no one was left behind. Thank you and well done for joining the Task Force and getting involved straight away!

We spotted some stylish looking logs next to the stream so stopped for a photo and then turned back towards town and headed down to the beach and the lovely BIC hill. Here we gathered and spoke about a little workout we were going to do. For those willing and able we were going to do 6 second hill repeats and only 4 of them. Enough to get a little workout out in and work on our fast twitch muscle fibers. Despite most of the gang dreading it they realised that 24 seconds of discomfort wasn't that bad at all.

With that done, and feeling looser, the gang headed up towards St Peters Church and arrived having already completed 5km.

Jane was there to welcome us and introduce us to the Team Proctor Ian, who was very happy to have us helping out.

The gang split up into groups, some taking on clearing the water drainage channels of weeds and rubbish, lifting heavy slabs of concrete and allowing water to have a easy path to freedom. Others headed out around the grounds, starting off near to the church and collecting cigarette butts and rubbish. Gradually moving away and into the bushes the gang managed to collect so much rubbish, mostly cans and bottles. Caprice, Sarah and Neil also ventured to the edges of the graveyard and found all types of abandoned stuff....sleeping bags...pillows....pants....jacket.....and even a whole bag of unopened needles...that's a first!

Thanks to Mark we also learned where Mary Shelley's grave was....someone had left some plastic poppies in a Jaegermeister bottle by her grave. Very thoughtful...speaking of thoughtful, Neil and I deliberated whether or not to try and put up a massive gravestone that had fallen over....after discussing the morality of it and worrying if Anges would haunt us forever....gave it a go but found that the stone was so heavy that we couldn't shift it.... Sorry Agnes, our intentions were pure!

After filling lots of bags and losing Roshana.....not for the first time in the evening....we may need to start bringing in back markers for the actual task........we gathered and took pictures with our haul before setting off back to Flirt Cafe where we stretched and then half of us headed to the pub for a few drinks and a chat!

Congratulations to Mark for reaching

25 Good deeds

a great achievement, so make sure you give him a cheer!

Next week we are doing a flyer drop for the YMCA. Sign up here. It'll be a longer run....no hill workout on the agenda either.