Pulling up weeds and other good deeds

We have been talking about going out for a post-run bite to eat for the past few weeks and yesterday, we finally got our act together. After a flurry of WhatsApp messages in the afternoon, a table was booked at Sodo Pizza for 8.30 pm. I avoided my usual afternoon of intermittant snacking, and was particularly looking forward to the evening's activities when I arrived for our weekly Group Run.

To add to the excitement, we welcomed not one but two new runners to our crew with the bonus of a long distance tourist visiting from Liverpool. So welcome again to Rucha, Kelsey and Alison, it was great to see you all.

Before we could scoff pizza, we had some good deeds and exercise to complete. So we wasted no time in heading out on our 2-mile run to Willowbrook Primary School. As soon as you walk into this fantastic school a feeling of instant karma washes over you. I think its a combination of lots of natural light, the comfortable looking sofa that is begging to be sat upon, and the stunning and beautifully presented collection of art, all working in harmony to bring a smile to your face.

This calming feeling is matched when you enter the playground because in addition to a pirate ship, sandpit and other playthings, Willowbrook hosts a lovely collection of trees and plants that instantly connect the whole site to nature. Admittedly, I haven't been there when 600 children have been running around the place, but surely art and nature are two of the most important things we should be treating young people to?

Anyway, I digress. The reason for our visit was that some of nature had got a little out of hand. In addition to the splendid collection of trees, flowers and plants were innumerable less attractive weeds and tree suckers that needed removing. With the help of two of Willowbrook's finest, Alison and Alfonso, we were quickly set-up with the tools and equipment we needed to rid this place of its turbulent weeds.

Forty minutes later, we left an almost weed free Willowbrook and headed back for pizza. I have to say Sodo did not disappoint. They were very understanding that our numbers had swollen from ten to thirteen and the pizza was superb.

Talking of superb, we will be back to old favorite St Mary's Churchyard next week so do join us. Sign-up here