Oh my clod I can't believe it, I've never dug soil this hard in the ground before!

Today we welcomed newcomer Louise to GG Colchester and with many red and black t-shirts on show, she wasn't short of people to run with and quickly feel part of the group. We welcomed Nicola back with her new eyes and new job - it was great to see you again! We congratulated Hannah on being offered a place on a Masters course and Ella on her parkrun PB. Then last, but not least, we congratulated Bob on his big five-zero GG deeds - a black t-shirt will be making its way through your letterbox soon!

With the introductions and news done, we made our way outside for a Jelly Bean warm and then set off to the Colchester in Bloom allotment with Ian leading the way and Helen back marking. Pam, as ever, greeted us with a smile and was quick to show as the many tasks. In a walking train style, she dropped us off at different points around the allotment and in no time everyone got busy. Emily, Vanessa, Ian, Michelle, Dan, Susie and Nicola were replanting plants from the winter barrier boxes into pots. Helen and Louise M cleared and lined storage spaces for the newly potted plants. Ella, Tav, Carl and Hannah were loosening up some very hard ground in one area and Bob and Louise S were de-clodding and spreading extra soil on another area. Louise and Bob then quickly got to work planting tomato plants and leeks.

Pam was keen to offer us tea and coffee, but we were all so involved with the tasks at hand that we lost track of time and it was soon time to head off. Pam thanked us for everything we had done and watched with amusement as we attempted to record a video shout out to Dame Kelly Holmes to tempt us to join us for a GG run one day. Then we set off on our run back to Leisure World.

In keeping with the allotment theme, we finished our evening with a quick wheelbarrow race, which Dan and Carl took the victory!

Just a quick reminder, if you would like to join us for the Goodgym Gymfinity Takeover this Friday evening, please let me know or click attending on the Facebook page here. The session is 8-9pm, £8 each and pay when you are there, but I will need to reserve our places as numbers are limited.

Well done everyone on another great evening!