It's been an extremely difficult Xmas for everyone this. No more so than for older people in Care Homes who have been unable to see their families for the last 9 months. It really is heartbreaking.

That's why we wanted to do something for some of the care homes/housing with care we've visited in the past, as we couldn't visit them in person this year to play games or sing carols. Instead, we sent the residents at Bowthorpe Care Village a Xmas Card, some of which were made by our members.

It was great to see so many GoodGymers get involved with this task, some of who were from other GoodGym areas across the UK.

These tasks have brought a smile to everyone's face, Merry Christmas to all of you.

With rain and a cold, strong wind, it was a perfect day to go canoeing. And not just canoeing, litter picking too!

With the weather as it was, a brave group of goodgymers dared to take on the task of litter picking along the River Wensum with some even going on canoes in pairs to pick litter. A few were unable to make it as unfortunately the sign up email ended up in their junk mail, but that didn’t deter some who heard news that there was still time to turn up with some spare canoes available. Speaking of news, ITV Anglia news were there to film the litter picking as well as a few photographers capturing moments from the day, which may have included the moment when a lady fell in to the water however fortunately she was ok. That didn't help calm the nerves of those trying canoeing for the first time though.

With litter pickers and gloves ready, and two scuba divers from ‘The Big Scuba’ searching the river too, the group photo was taken and it was time to split into two groups with Rosemary litter picking along the river whilst Penny and Sarah, Jasmine and Sam, Brad and Andy as well as Jonathan and Kathryn got into pairs and headed out onto the River Wensum on Canoes, although not before their safety briefing and life jackets were on!

With two hours to litter pick, time soon went by and it was time to head back to the starting point. Highlights including finding a car battery, a needle/syringe kit and a Goose egg floating on the water as well as many bottle caps and drinks cans. Other highlights included canoeing through willow trees, dropping a paddle in the water and avoiding river boats.

Thanks to Pub and Paddle for providing the canoes and for organising the event alongside Norwich Green Party.

Litter picking on the river.