We welcome Ernest to our Goodgym group. thank you all for attending. It was fairly a hot day but 7 of us ran from The Showroom Cinema to Union Street, to Common Threads We were made very welcome with orange squash and loads if fruits too. Jess gave us a briefing and explained our tasks. We were all impressed with the 'Money Plants' at the entrance and a lovely photo was taken. We worked in pairs sorting from Baby clothes to adults and placing them in appropriate signage bags . There was also a 'Sports Bag' and we were given first choice to take what we want Not everyone is as lucky as Michelle who managed some lively sporty stuff for herself . We were also given bananas, water melons, plums and other treats. Thank you for your generous amount of treats. All in all the task was carried out with the help of other volunteers too.

7 Goodgymers ran up to Pittsmoor Road to meet Karen Malone and another volunteer Daniela. Nice, hot evening and once we started litter picking then there is no stopping us. Actually Celine walked there and back from The Showroom Cinema and she was certainly faster than the runners. There were bottles, cans, some flytipping, loads of other rubbish of crisps packets, clothes, socks, shoes, paper and adhoc stuff. Another lovely, young volunteer by the name of Abdullah joined us. He seems to know everyone in the local area. He was also curious about Goodgym and asked a few questions. He says he might join us one day because he us not fit yet and drives to Barnsley to work. Litter Picking is really addictive and we all enjoyed doing it. We walked and ran after the task but we continued to litter pick on our way back. So addictive! We managed to buy Ice Cream from a corner shop to cool ouselves down and it was my treat. Celine also managed to get some nice grub from The Showroom Cafe and treated us because she bought 'Good to Go' and there was more than expected Lovely day for this particular task.

Altogether 9 Goodgymmers turned up. Celine and Cat started walking from Decathlon. The remainder 7 started running up the streets, up , up hills through Norfolk Park and up, up and away. We stopped to look at some sculptures especially the 'Doe and Toad'. Then more uphills but somehow did not come into contact with the 2 walkers. They must know a shorter route because they were already at Arbourthorne School when we arrived. Still a mystery how they walk faster than the 7 runners. Anyway we met Angela and Rachel and they explained the tasks involved. We were then given tools, equipments and gloves. Then went to the areas identified and started pruning the willows whilst others weaved them. Fortunately Adrian , the gardener by profession knew how to use a battery operated strimmer and he managed all the paths and areas needed attention. Also fortunately we have 2 other strong men, Rob and Joseph managed to uplift a heavy, compost bin and emptied the contents onto a wheelbarrow. Hard work done by 9 Goodgymmers BB with the extra help from Angela and Rachel. The pruning and weaving of the willows kept us going and we forgot about time because it was such a joy. We finished at 8 pm. I cheekily asks for biscuits for all if us because Angela did mentioned it earlier in. I said we will work hard first then will enjoy the biscuits after. So true to Chocolate Hobnobs Biscuits. Such a Joy!

It was fantastic to welcome new runner Sherif to the gg family, a welcome and really helpful addition.

The weather was fantastic last night, so it was a bit of shame we were heading inside, but as soon as we arrived Jess and the team at Common Thread brought the sunshine inside!

This week we were packing up clothes parcel for people in need, from families to funerals. It was great to know who the parcels we were putting together were going to, really bringing the charities reach and impact to life.

Some people got to general sorting of donations, whilst others had a printed sheet of the peoples requirements.

Refreshments were on had and as ever, were really appreciated.

It was great to see everyone and help out again with our friends at Common Thread.

Until next time, happy running! :)

The 3 of us net at The Showroom. We walked, jog and ran up to Rock Street, off Pittsmoor Road. It was a very. very hot day. So glad we drank some water before at The Showroom. We then met up with Karen and another volunteer. Bags , hoops and Litter Pickers were given. We were then told where to do the tasks. We did a good 45 minutes but fortunately we had some shade. There were loads of fly tipping of cardboard and clothes too. Cans, bottles and loads of other litter were collected by 5 people all together. Certainly made the streets looking cleaner and tidier. Good job well done by all. Thank you team. Bob persuaded us to go to The Harlequin Pub fir a cool drink. Thank you Bob for treating us. Well deserved drink.