12 Parkruns, 11 Community Missions...and this could take some time, so i'll dash through the snow and get on with this report instead... OK, so on 25th December 2023 (also known as the 359th day of the year, or Christmas Day), three GoodGym-ers, amongst several other santa's helpers from the local community, joined Michael & Mimi's team at the Old Cottage Cafe in Charlton to host a Christmas lunch for some of the elderly & vulnerable people in the area.

The task sparkled to life with packing goodie bags, writing cards and setting tables ready for the in-house guests, before it was time for a festive adventure around the corner to deliver some lunches and gifts to local residents. Our return saw the arrival of the guests dining in-house, so it was time for the small-space waltz to meet, greet and deliver drinks and rather lovely canapes. Warmth, festive attire, lots of food, furniture re-arranging and a somewhat competitive raffle ensued, with everyone leaving carrying gifts kindly provided by donations from the cafe's patrons and suppliers.

The team at the cafe in Charlton Park have been running this event for several years and do an amazing job with a lovely group of friendly volunteers so it was great to be involved. Seasons Greetings to all!

Wednesday was a chilly one! Sarah and I warmed up and had a leisurely run to Glyndon where we met Pieter, Andy and an unwitting rocking horse I've named Nigel. Andy showed us the cupboard Nigel was to be packed away in. How many cupboards have we tidied, sorted, repacked and cleared out at Glyndon? Surprisingly large cupboards and it's deceptive how much you can fit in them.

We had to take everything out to put Nigel in - face down was the best storage position, poor thing - and then remember where everything went back, not least slotting the TV in for easy access. A trip to the shed later (full of all manner of things needed for a community centre) and we were finished in plenty of time for a nice run along the river.

All the best Nigel, we hope you get your Toy Story moments to canter around Glyndon of a night.

Nice work team, until next time!

On a mild night late in the year of AD2023, three and ten Splendid Athletic Club-goers... (hmm, maybe getting Chat GTP to write this isn't the best idea..? 😉)

Ok, so on Wednesday 22nd November 23, 13 Good-Gymmers met at Charlton House (slightly spooky at this time of year - maybe a good location for future horror films?)

A warm up involving tag, sheep-shoeing and the merits of stand-up comedians meant we were ready for anything as we headed towards Kidbrooke and the excellent Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre, home to hidden treasures in the form of historical works of art going through the process of conservation and restoration.

It's also home to a Community Garden, in which our task tonight was based. First up was restoring a recently damaged Bug Hotel (well we all deserve a holiday...!). Four post beds made, minibars restocked and spa ready for treatments, it was time to really rock the boat. Well, actually, just move the boat. Then it was all hands on deck to dig out a more stable base for this feature, re-position the boat and build up a stony sea.

Crew pose struck for a photo op, we headed off, full steam ahead back to Charlton.

Thanks all and see you for next week's adventures!