The sun returned but Group Runs did not! Our spirits were high though and the enthusiasm matched that of the Bindweed and thistle that had taken over the courtyard garden at Plum Hall.

It was marvelous to see familiar faces return as well as a brand new face and new connections too. Welcome to Andrew and I hope we help you settle in Colchester! Whilst I love how positive everyone is I would like to raise a toast to Michelle 'Yoda' Lewington our NHS Key Worker vegan hero.

We split into groups to do a few tasks with the welcome help of a member of staff. There was grouting, sweeping, litter picking and A LOT of weeds. The neatly planted gravel flower beds are now nearer to their pretty former selves and one particular resident was very pleased that the weeds were cleared from around her washing lines.

Big thanks to Yvonne and Rebeca from Colchester Borough Homes and we look forward to next time.

As I mentioned at the task, the Shindig is coming up and I know our voices and thoughts will be heard and appreciated if you want to attend. It is virtual and you can register here: https://www.goodgym.org/stories/goodgym-shindig-2021-save-the-date

What a lovely morning in the lush green Essex Countryside. Fingringhoe Wick is such a unique gem of a habitat. Nestled between the Colne Estuary, the salt marshes of the Strood and Mersea Island is a patch of woodland and wetland that is home to all sorts of wildlife.

Our task was to stain five picnic benches with varnish and in true goodgym style we were done in no time at all. Rachael was certainly self-appointed quality control, with a great eye for detail whilst we all gave the benches a new lease of life...the before and after photos show the difference.

A big thank you to Rosie and Roy from Essex Wildlife Trust and to the local pheasant, cuckoo and rabbits! We will be back next week and there are still a few places left.

Happy New Year to GoodGymers everywhere!

Lots of Colchester GoodGymers got out on a very cold ❄ New Year's Day for a run or a walk.

Anna joined us for her first session with GoodGym Colchester. A very warm welcome Anna from all of us.

We were also joined by Melanie and Darren from GoodGym Bristol, lovely to have you both with us.

Well done to everyone for getting out of the door on New Year's Day.

Let's hope that in the year ahead we can be together again and continue do some good.

As ever Ian