A flock of Goodgymers in and around Colchester waited with bated breath and baited bird tables to see...... not very much actually. Pigeons were plentiful, so were magpies, gulls and starlings, but very few landed. Our favourite visitors, such as robins, bluetits and longtailed tits were taking shelter elsewhere, and who can blame them in this stormy weather. A disappointing watch, but vital data for the RSPB, and a reminder not to take our wilder friends for granted. Upload all your sightings (and none!) to the RSPB website. Support your local population of wild birds by planting native wildflowers, fruit bushes or trees, putting out a water bowl, and maybe offering a nest box or two if you have space.

Here at Goodgym we do tasks in 60 localities week in week out, and across the country this adds up to the unquestionable fact that we make a huge difference. However, it is important to analyse, evaluate and reflect in order to grow and improve. Maybe this is true for society too?

Last night was a time to reflect about the very real issue of plastic pollution and watch a documentary film that highlighted the deep, long term and global problem that we face. It was not a world premier but it was a big night for Colchester and the wonderfully talented and driven film maker from Colchester, Eleanor Church. In her career she has highlighted many issues through the power of moving pictures and this time she embarked with an all female crew to reach the North Pacific garbage patch in the gyre, a place where currents and tides meet along with trillions of micro, macro and huge pieces of plastic. The observations, even in bad weather (that was too dangerous for the scientists to start collecting samples and data), was that the plastic was visible, obvious and numerous - even 800 miles from land. Then, when the weather cleared and the science began, as well as the stories of the scientists, teachers and designers, it showed a detailed picture of the problems of plastic and the toxins which they release into the environment, into wildlife and into humans. Is science enough to get the major, powerful stakeholders to act? Time will tell.

An overarching takeaway from this knowledge filled film is that plastic is not just litter, it produces cancerous toxins and it is in the food chain. Early studies mentioned showed that 100% of men had toxins in their testicles and women's reproductive organs and fertility are effected.

It has been a long time since plastic was invented in 1869 by John Wesley Hyatt trying to replace ivory billiards balls. And in the 1960's various publications raised a global and united consciousness about pollution and the environment. In my opinion, it takes a concerted, conscious, calculated and manipulative effort by plastic manufacturers, Supermarkets and politicians(and many, many more) to hide away from the truth of science in the name of profits. So now it is down to governments and CEO's to make big changes. Some of the public want to do more but we only can do so much. Choosing what we consume, whether we recycle, whether we eat fish (containing plastics and toxins and wrapped in it) is achievable, especially when we are informed about a subject. The public need to be informed, fully and honestly, of the science. We must know the impact on our health and the planets. Much like climate change, it is hard to see big changes in habits and brave decisions by industry, huge companies (like Tesco with it's £3 billion annual profits) and governments...quick, informed, decisive action is needed that annihilates any public misconceptions.

Smoking is dangerous, it was partially banned, alcohol has an age limit, leaded fuel went, plastic bags got a 5p charge, but for me, the greedy few who profit from addiction, pollution and planetary climate disasters are winning massively and probably on a yacht, eating sushi, drinking champagne and paying off government officials. Just a guess mind you...

With an election soon it is now a time to make sure what the public want is a priority - it has been a long time since that has been true.

Can it really be a year since the Blues and Rock Garden last burst into life? It certainly can. This year Malawi has really suffered with disastrous climate related extreme weather, so charities like Building Malawi and others with local links such as Love, Support, Unite are vital.

Goodgym supported in the bar whilst Emily starred on stage with Band of Fools as well as leading the dancing. Hopefully it will be a super successful fundraiser with not too many hangovers!

It definitely wasn't a Silent Night yesterday evening at Walnut Tree House. The evening was jingling with the sound of six GoodGymers, residents of Walnut Tree and accompanying piano and percussion. We Rocked around the Christmas tree, Walked in a Winter Wonderland and Dreamed of a White Christmas. One lucky resident even had her own personal performance as we sang an a cappella Away in a Manger on her balcony. Of course we had to provide a rendition of the special 12 Days of GoodGym Christmas (written by Ella - see pic). Thanks to Louise for inspiring the dancing and wearing the best Christmas jumper! We all had smiles on our faces as We Wished a Merry Christmas and a Feliz Navidad for all the Spanish speakers. Phil had a nice chat with the residents and apologised for the lack of Bing Crosby...!

Always a lovely event to bring some Christmas cheer. Thanks to Susan for arranging and for the lovely hot chocolate!

A special shout out and thanks to our brilliant musical Emily for her piano playing, music bringing and for keeping us all in tune!

We have had a great year at Colchester Goodgym. 362 good deeds (I think now 363 as of last night!), 4,295 km run, 4 GoodGymers reaching 50 good deeds and 2 reaching 100. A special well done to our top good deeders Tav and Frazer!! Great GoodGyming.

Merry Christmas everyone and see you all in the New Year!

The persistent rain had thankfully subsided by 11am and the sun was just beginning to peek through the clouds.

While we knew to expect some hills, it turned out that three of the five miles took on fairly steep inclines!

Thankfully the last kilometer was all downhill so our legs and our lungs breathed a sigh of relief as we sprinted across the finish line.

I was surprised and very pleased to come in as second lady but the trophy is for us all!

Well done Emily and Tav. It was worth it for the lovely wooden medal.