Let's start with some big news

The GoodGym January Challenge set an overall combined target of 6,000 good deeds and 80,000 km. A highly ambitious target but as of this evening the overall stats stand at 6,053 and 81,231, respectively. How good is that? I have no doubt that GGWF were responsible for getting the organisation over the line. Well done to everyone who has participated in January, you are amazing.

Crocodile Milton

Tonight's run was tinged with a little sadness as we said goodbye to another Waltham Forest legend in the shape of Hannah Milton. Hanna's departure is all the more difficult to bear because a week from now she will be enjoying weather that couldn't be more different from the bitterly cold English winter grrrr brrrr grrrr. Anyhow, I am sure we will see Hannah again at some point in the future.

And on to the run

Despite the cold, we have another strong showing from our wonderful Waltham Forest runners tonight. It was particularly nice to see Kirsty and Megan for their first outings of 2019 but all thirteen runners who made it out tonight were are very much needed at the task where there was much work to be done.

Heading out up the hill to St. Mary's got the blood flowing despite the relatively short distance. Once we arrived, it was all hands on deck to get the planters closer to fully operational filling them with compost and then topping them off with gravel ready for planting. Great teamwork and fast results. Honourable mentions should go to Francis, Kirsty and Ross who efficiently rid a flowerbed of a host of weeds while the rest of the team focussed on the planters.

After completing our task we took a longer route home to warm up a bit and then it was back to Mirth to wish Hannah a fond farewell and scoff the cakes that she brought along for the occasion. Goodbye and good luck, Hannah.

Next week

Next week, we are at Willow Brook Primary School for some rainbow style fence painting. Bring some colour into your life and sign-up today

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On another evening that was preceded by heavy rain that miraculously ceased to give way to mild and fresh conditions that are perfect for running a ten-strong crew of wonderful Waltham Forest volunteers gathered to help out at a local school.

Before we get into the details of our run last night, here is some news:

• There is still time to sign up to our musical Community Mission this Saturday. Helping out at East London Brass's rendition of The Snowman. All the details can be found here

• Is there a better place to run inside the M25 than Epping Forest? This Sunday's GoodGym Long Run will be happening there. Check it out, you won't regret it

• Next week GGWF are having a post run Christmas Party. Even if you aren't coming for food please do join us for a drink the more the Merry Christmaser. Consequently, we need to keep to a strict timetable and will be setting off for the task at St Mary's at 6.45 pm sharp. Any late comers can join us there as it is very close here are directions

And now, on with some details about our night. The destination was Willow Brook Primary School. The task was to fill a sandpit for the early years children to use. Our contact was Graham the Head of the School and also a keen runner. Graham let us in showed us around and joined in admirably to help us complete the task. The volunteers were all brilliant. This was a real team task because I am not talking about a little plastic sandpit pit that's good for a few sand castles; this was more like a private beach. What's more, the sand was about 100 metres from the destination. What a workout this would be as the team quickly set to it with some digging and filling barrows, some barrowing and emptying and some smoothing out and helping unload at the other end.

As usual, the team did not disappoint and Heather, Ruth, Francis, Ercole, Clara, Hanna, Carmen, Megan, Ruby and not forgetting Graham all went to it with gusto.

Barrow after barrow of sand arrived to be deposited and returned for a refill and repeat. The sand started to pile up and the lovely new layout began to take shape.

What a workout, I am sure the biceps of our intrepid crew are aching this morning. If they aren't too stiff, give yourselves a massive pat on the back, you rock.

Before, I go, please note that there are just two Wednesday tasks to go before a brief hiatus and we return on Wednesday 9th January for a New Year Plog*

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*Plog - picking little while jogging

On an evening that was preceded by persistent 'orrible rain and problems on public transport, it was impressive to see nine bravehearts rock-up to either our base or meet us at the task last night so well done all for battling through the elements to join us. It was particularly lovely to welcome new runner Megan to the crew for the first time. Great have you along Meg and I hope this was the first of many. You were certainly a dab hand with the staple gun.

We also welcomed experienced campaigner Nicky Woodall along tonight. Nicky plays in a brass band in Walthamstow and they have a fabulous performance of The Snowman coming up on Saturday 8th December. They need help with various things and it should be a really fun event. Nicky has posted it as a Community Mission. Take a look and sign up here

Before we get into the deets of the run, here is some news of other events.

*Saturday 1st December *- GoodGym London Christmas Party sign-up here

Three To Go - There are just three Group Runs remaining from now until the New Year restart on Wednesday 9th January 2019. Don't miss them; they will on be 5th, 12th and 19th December

The December GoodGym Longrun will be taking place in our backyard, Epping Forest, on Sunday 9th December. I am sure it will be a fab run with a great crew. All the details and sign-up here

So on with tonight's task. We were back to finish off the construction of some supersized planters near St Mary's Churchyard. There to greet us was the fabulous Penny and a wonderful collection of committed residents who joined with us in accomplishing this tough, technical and hugely rewarding task.

With many of us already au fait with what needed doing we all slotted into various roles with ease and many roles there were to slot into. Here are some of the things we did: - Transporting over a dozen or so large planks of wood - Measuring and sawing a bunch of the planks - Fixing fence post caps on - Building large planters - Installing a membrane in the bottom of the planters - Treating the wood - Barrowing compost over and filling the planters with it

Phew!

It was a sight to behold watching these industrious folks beaver away and how quickly everything took shape. Before you could say:

"Q. What does a carpenter do after a one night stand? A. The second nightstand."

we were standing beside three perfect planters with a 4th well underway to construction.

These beauties will be here for a long time to come and I can't wait to see them fully planted and resplendent in all their glory when we eventually reach the Spring.

Well done again to everyone who made it and sorry for anyone who's plans were scuppered by transport of other unforeseen problems.

Next week we are helping out a local school so do, please join us if you can.

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