2018 Over and Out

The ultimate run of another rip-roaring, heart-warming and fat-shredding year. Yeah, it was another good'un.

With most of the whatsapp declaring their non-presence, I was startled to see 16 of you show up regardless, phew. James' 'Random Question' kicked us off, tuned out to be quite a conversation starter "Who would you like under the mistletoe?" Idris Elba is certainly hot property down in East London (Just remembered I used to serve him in a Crouch End pub, nice fella). Bryan Reynolds, Jamie Lee Curtis, Salma Hayek, Lisa Kudrow, Rachel Weisz, Aqua Man and Pam Anderson (!) all not unexpectedly making list. Tom Minchin and Bill Bailey nice surprise editions in there. Plus Countdown's Rachel Riley, who it transpires is Siobhan's good mate. Your xmas drinks - yeah, expect about thirty male Goodgymers sporting tuxes lathered in last year's xmas aftershave.

2miles or 20mins later, whatever your metric, we were arranging calendars and goody bags, sorting firewood and watering some plants. It was a quick and easy one really. Remember 25th Jan, Cody Dock Burns Night, and a our belated xmas party. sign up here all urged to come. Tori is doing several readings i'm told, what a night in store.

We zipped back along the waterways in our festive attire, special mention to Mel for her bespoke costume. With many others rocking festive head gear. Props to the elf and chick-head too. With increasing regularity we are now spoiled with baking delights from our team, Hilary once again feeding the troops with a sublime vegan fudge. It probably deserves its own paragraph.

The Annual Awards/2018 debrief was a lovely affair. Last year HQ sent me stats of all our runners in 2017, hence the awards were borne from that. Some more frivolity in the certificates this year, they don't fully define you as a human being, but almost.

Thanks for a bloody good year, making my job a piece (of orange-scented vegan) cake and doing an incredible cumulative amount for the community. David Cameron spoke enthusiastically about 'Big Society' a few years back. He did complete sweet FA to achieve that. But groups like this, operating quietly all over the country, keeping spirit alive within localities, promoting worthwhile organisations and helping fill in the gaps of public services. It's an honour to be part of. Keep at it.

Have a superb break and see you all next year.

ps. next task on 09/01 sign up here