Poole

Group run

Good 'Gin' runners last run out, on the roads in Dorset...

16 GoodGymers made their way 2.9km to help the St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Poole.

  • Julia Taylor
  • Jason Hawkins
  • Hilary Knowles
  • Nicola Barker
  • Esther
  • Robert Campbell-smith
  • Sian Barnes
  • Jayne Smith
  • Ali
  • Sarah Morris
  • Elizabeth Lees
  • Richard Knowles
  • Removed User
  • Tim Yorke
  • Jane Morley
  • Christine
 
Tuesday, 17th of December 2019
 
Led by Esther

So this is Christmas and what have you done?...

Well quite a lot actually!

We have hacked away tress and bushes, pulled weeds, cleaned windows, painted fences, mopped floors, sorted out growth in pathways and pulled away ivy. We have planted 3000 bluebell bulbs and picked litter from public areas. We have amazed so many task owners with what 10 or so people can do in half an hour and always with a smile and a laugh amongst us.

What a fantastic goodgym we have built up here in Poole!

But whilst all that has been happening something else has happened on this side that no of us knew was happening till it did - a group of people were becoming friends, good friends! We started to get the same faces week by week, the same smiles, chatting people, laughs and jokes being told. The result? A bunch of friends who now attend Goodgym Poole. June 25th was our first task so we have completed 26th Good Deeds as of tonight here in Poole - half the year of tasks!

It was just over a year ago that the role of Goodgym Poole Trainer was offered to me whilst 26 pregnant, really unsure if it was a wise decision taking on a project during my Maternity Leave especially one that involved me having to run at least one a week! Never one to to turn down an opportunity, I thought I would give it a go. Well it was absolutely one of my best decision to say Yes!

Tonights task summed up Goodgym so well. We ran to St Mary's School where we had once again the lovely head, Helen Armstrong. She lives in Dorchester and is on the final week before Christmas, but stayed on to give us guidance about what was needed. In her words - this is what she does! No wonder this school is doing so well with a dedicated head like this!

We arrived at school and the caretaker had planned for us two walls to paint, dust sheets down and paint rollers ready! As there was so many of us tonight, it was half on the paint, and the other half of the runners were great at just finding things to do! Helen found us some extra cleaning materials so the windows were cleaned down and chairs and tables wiped down as well - no guidance needed, the team just get on with it!

Expert painter tonight goes to our newbie, Jason, who was great on the old paint brush! (Great to have you along Jason

Back straight to base tonight as we had mince pies ready!

Nikki surprised us by bringing out cups and huge flask of warm mulled wine - amazing! Whilst we huddled under the canopy at the back of Daveena's, a huge sleet shower battered down, it felt quite biblical whilst sipping a mulled wine! We had a great variety of mince pies and even a little homemade flapjack from Sian to add into the mix. Thanks to Robert for the idea of mince pies on the final night!

It was kick out time at 8pm and it was like being in a pub having to move everyone out onto the road so lock up can happen. But that is amazing as everyone was chattering and wishing a Merry Christmas.

I have to say a massive thank you to everyone that has joined in with Goodgym Poole this year.

Biggest surprise was, after the run I was handed a massive bottle of Good Gin! I am really touched by the lovely words and present so thank you to everyone involved. I will say however this is only possible due to you fantastic people, giving up your time to do a good deed or two, making everyone feel welcome and creating such a great atmosphere!

So Goodgymers - go grab Christmas by the Baubles, jingle till you tingle and have an amazing time with family & friends!

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Report written by Esther


Discuss this report

Nicola Barker
Nicola Barker
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 14:21

Great write up thank you Esther!!

Sarah Morris
Sarah Morris
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 17:35

Really enjoy being part of such a lovely group and agree with Nicola great write up. Merry Christmas see you in January

Sian Barnes
Sian Barnes
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 18:46

Ahh Esther lovely write up!!!! I love good gym so much 🥰🥰🥰

Tim Yorke
Tim Yorke
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 19:02

I love Tuesday nights thanks to you people. Happy Christmas Poole Good Gym!

Elizabeth Lees
Elizabeth Lees
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 19:33

Merry Christmas 🎄 ⛄🎅and a Happy New Year to all. Thank you Esther for turning Good gym into Great gym 😊

Richard Knowles
Richard Knowles
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 23:07

Thank you so much Ester for making us such a positive and friendly bunch, I think it comes from your inspirational guidance, awful puns and general love of making us go up the steepest hills in Poole; and of course ignoring us when we complain!! We most certainly will be back for more in 2020!!

Hilary Knowles
Hilary Knowles
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 23:10

What a lovely run report. 😍
Merry Christmas everyone, and thank you Esther for being so inspiring. We wouldn’t have kept coming back if you hadn’t been so welcoming! I love our Team GoodGym. What a fab group of people you are. Here’s to many more puns in 2020. 😂

Esther
Esther
Thursday December 19th, 2019 09:02

You guys are fab! 😍

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Esther
Led by Esther

Running & talking - My favourite things! Running coach, nutritional advisor and wellbeing mentor!

GoodGymers helping out
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    • Richard Knowles
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