Sticker Saturday happens once a month, and yet it comes around so quickly. Today it was the first of two Goodgym events as we had a community task starting at midday. As always there is no obligation to attend both events but we will always time it so that option is available.

Today was a crisp, lovely autumnal morning, perfect for our regular Sticker Saturday outing to Princes parkrun and parkwalk. Amina, Aatefa, Clara, Leo and Sallyann joined together for our familiar route.

Princes parkrun is a busy course, but one we all know well. As we made our way around, we were greeted with plenty of shouts of “Good to see you!” and “GoodGym!” It’s lovely to feel part of the parkrun community, particularly in a park where we do so much volunteering. We’ll be back there on Monday, helping the Friends of Princes Park, who work so hard to maintain this wonderful green space.

Parkrun is about taking part, not just chasing times, but there were some achievements worth celebrating today.

A huge shout-out to Aatefa! She has recently become one of our fabulous new run leaders and started doing parkrun in January this year. In just ten months, her times have improved by just over 22% — phenomenal progress! Aatefa and Amina are regulars at Princes Parkrun, attending most weeks, and it’s inspiring to see their continued commitment.

Congratulations to Amina on getting a PB today. Amina usually has to dash off after Sticker Saturday, missing out on brunch and the social side of things. Today, though, she deserves extra kudos: she headed home to continue with her tasks and then returned for a later community mission. Brilliant commitment, Amina.

Suren deserves a special mention, too. He ran to parkrun, completed the course, ran home and then headed off to play football. Now that’s making the most of a Saturday morning!

Clara walks at a phenomenal pace and has been parkwalking all over the country, so it was lovely that today she could enjoy her home parkwalk at Princes Park with us.

Fantastic to have Leo back with us, too. His joyful presence has been missed at Sticker Saturday. As per usual, he had mislaid his loyalty card and needed a replacement. How many cards is that now, Leo? See if you can make it a hat trick next month.

Steph W joined us after running a 10K in the Wirral last week. Steph just quietly keeps moving forward with her running journey nonchantly doing 10ks after her her half a few months ago. Its just wonderful to see and it was great to catch up with her.

After parkrun, Aatefa, Clara, Leo and Sallyann headed down to Squash Community Café, where our very own Sticker Guardian, Steph H was waiting for us.

She had prepared a fantastic display: a squash on the table, surrounded by loyalty cards. What a brilliant advertisement for GoodGym! There was absolutely no doubt which table belonged to us.

We were also joined by Max. A very warm welcome! It was his first session with us, and he managed to squeeze in not one but two sessions today. A double whammy on your very first day — well done!

Breakfast at Squash was, as always, gorgeous, and conversation flowed. There was even some discussion about next year's loyalty card design. Our Sticker Guardian assures us she has some ideas up her sleeve, and I'm delighted that she is happy to remain in post for another year. We clearly couldn't manage without her!

All too soon, it was time to disband. Some of us then headed off to our next session at the Bonded Church. You'll have to read that session's report to find out how we got on and who reached their 20th Goodgym task.

If you fancy trying out Sticker Saturday, we have two more sessions before the end of the year. And it's never too late to win a prize in one of our special categories!

There are still secret categories up for grabs, and nobody knows which ones remain to be won. Intrigued? You'll have to come along and find out!

Why not join us in November? We'd love to see you there. Stickers, parkrun, good company and a gorgeous brunch — what's not to love?

The evening began at Suitcases, where seven GoodGymers gathered before heading to Princes Park. Sophie, who was leading the run, welcomed everyone and gave a particularly warm welcome to our two new members, Matt and Charles, before the group set off.

With Sophie leading the way, seven members ran to the task while the others made their way to the park separately. By the time everyone arrived, 13 GoodGymers were together and ready for another GoodGym session.

After a few introductions, Kate from Friends of Princes Park welcomed the group and talked us through the evening’s task, along with the important safety points before we got started.

Our work was centred around the paths near the island and the Nelson Mandela Memorial. The task involved trimming back overgrown trees and branches, raking leaves and debris, clearing grass and vegetation, and brushing the paths. It was satisfying to see the difference as we worked along the paths, making them clearer, tidier and more accessible for park visitors.

The shorter days and darker evenings also reminded us that summer is now behind us. It was a timely opportunity to check our headtorches and running lights, recharge them and make sure they were ready for the darker months ahead, and, of course, we put them to good use during the evening.

There was a wonderfully relaxed and friendly atmosphere throughout the session. Everyone worked together, chatted along the way and happily got stuck into the task. The combination of practical work, fresh air and good company made the evening pass quickly.

Moonraking beneath the night sky

Then came one of those little moments that made the evening memorable.

As we worked, the moon rose beautifully above Princes Park, illuminating the evening sky. With our rakes in hand and the moon shining overhead, we had come to clear the paths but it felt as though we were Moonraking beneath the night sky.

It was a fitting name for an evening that brought together community work, exercise and a beautiful autumn sky. Sometimes it is the simplest moments that make a GoodGym session particularly special.

There was another reason to celebrate too: Dinacompleted her 10th GoodGym session! A fantastic milestone, congratulations, Dina!

It was a wonderful evening of running, volunteering, friendship and community spirit, with a little moonlight magic along the way.

A very warm welcome to Mattand Charles, congratulations to Dina on reaching her 10th session, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came along and contributed to the evening. And, of course, thank you to Friends of Princes Park for giving us the opportunity to help care for this much-loved community space.

Thirteen GoodGymers, a few rakes, a beautiful moon and one memorable evening of Moonraking.