How to build a thatched roof in 45 minutes!

OK, the title is a stretched slightly to what we actually did, but more of that a bit later.

Thirteen runners met at the Uni and we welcomed Anton for his first group run with Julie and Hannah on their second runs. We had a quick chat about forthcoming races that will soon be upon us in March, Cambridge Half (Laurie), Colchester Half (Rich, Gerry) Brentwood Half (Joel, James G) running these events. Encouragement was given to entering our local Baddow 10 miles on May 19th with a good Goodgym showing. https://baddowraces.co.uk/

Our task was back at Interact, so we set off with some warm-up exercises along the thoroughfare of the campus. James G led the group with Rachel as back marker, a quick bunch of squats while we waited for the traffic lights to change by the Police Station (they seem to take such a long time to change :) ) We gathered together at the top of the pedestrian high street and split into two mixed groups to do caterpillar shuttle runs with the change over on my whistle blast. It's important to keep an even pace so the person sprinting from the back has a good workout but isn't worn out trying to get to the front! Great efforts from everyone and good control at the front. Arriving at Interact we were met by Susie who explained for the benefit of Anton what fantastic work they do with young people at the centre. Susie also explained what the task was tonight which was cutting down some overgrown ivy that hand completely swamped an out building. The plan is to use this out building as secure storage. The ivy completely covered the walls and roof so we were asked to cut it down from the roof line to the ground. Catherine and Rachel grabbed the wheelbarrows, Hannah, Jennifer, Andy, Joseph, James G, Julie, Laurie took loppers, secateurs and started to tackle chopping back and revealing a brick building. In the meantime, David, James C and Anton went inside the main house to move some furniture to other rooms.

Once the chopping back had been done, it looked as if we had created a building with a perfect "thatched roof" ! Time then for a quick drink and a biscuit or two, then we headed back to the Uni via the high street.

Great running and task by everyone involved tonight.