The Wild East

Last night's run was a visit to Wild Marsh East in Tottenham Marshes. This fact got me thinking that there must be a Wild Marsh West, and sure enough a quick Google and Wikepedia revealed all. The latter destination would have made a much better title for this report, but nomenclature aside, it was a blast.

Before, I get down to the business of the run, here is some news you can use.

After our pleasant post-run supper at Sodo earlier this month, we are planning another apres- courir nosh-up, on Wednesday 7th August. The organisational baton is has been passed to Ultra Marathon supremo, Ercole for this occasion so check/join the WhatsApp group for news updates.

Talking of August, don't forget about the GoodGym Olympics on 3rd. At the moment just the super dependable Beth Hoskins is representing the Waltham Forest massive so why not join up and have some fun with Beth and plenty of like-minded GGers from around the country?

Back to Business

Returning to our wild marsh run, we assembled a posse of eleven quick drawing littler picker slingers at Walthamstow's finest saloon bar, Mirth Mavel and Maud. No new GoodGymers this time but we did welcome new to Waltham Forest, Rachel to our crew👋. It was also splendid to welcome back some friends we hadn't seen for some time Libby, Kirsty and Alex. The latter two have been busy in the property market and will soon be off to south London but not before a few more runs and a proper farewell with us, I hope.

Once we were all assembled we had a quick chat, a headcount and off we trotted - joined instantaneously by a breathless Raymond.

Our run there and back was admirably led by GGWF's latest Taskforce recruit and setter-upper of this particular task destination, Mr Ruari Rhodes. Kudos to you, sir.

After a testing 2-miles, we arrived at our destination. The landscape of the UK has changed beyond recognition over the last few centuries but I am told these marshes look much the same as they did many millennia ago. Mind you, I doubt they had many pylons when the Romans occupied Londinium. Wikipedia claims that Tottenham Hotspur played their first matches on this land back in the 1880s. Surely even those lead-footed lollygaggers wouldn't have played in grass 4 feet high? Anyway, I digress.

At first glance, the marshes looked pretty pristine. Nevertheless, following the advice of Park Ranger, Ges Hoddinott we tentatively headed deep into the wooded area. Sure enough, we soon found a detritus trove! Cans, bottles, nappies a barbeque and all sorts of unmentionable things were collected and slung into our bin bags. Phew!

With time ticking on and another long run back, we tied up our bags and and left them by the dog poo bin (another modern addition that would have caused consternation in days of yore) before heading back to base for richly deserved refreshments.

Thank you all for coming guys, you are amazing. I am sure the little creatures that inhabit Wild Marsh East are chattering excitedly today about your fantastic work.

Join us next week for a very special task in Lloyd Park

☮️