Another task switch for the ever-flexible GoodGym Bristol team as the task beneficiaries couldn't make it - plogging to the rescue with different routes for runners and walkers.

The runners agreed (well, were persuaded under duress) to pop into Old Market Assembly if they were passing to checking they DO have a booking for the panto theatre-goers after far too much "Oh no, they haven't", "Oh yes, they have" email exchanges and unanswered phone calls and messages. Phew.

Ousmane joined us for the very forst time having already conpleted his TaskForce training AND had volunteered as photographer - thank you and welcome! And Becky was back, having not waited 5 years again this time.

Everyone chipped in with Caroline backmarking, Vaguely Northern Darren run leading, Jason choosing the runners' target zone, Richardpromoting GG to everyone with his merch-wearing and Kingsley keepy-uppy conversations about footballing. Or something. Ed and Melanie were even helped by a petrol tanker driver who brought litter to us so we didn't get too close to his tanker delivery. Excellent team effort, everyone.

Looking forward to the rest of our December sessions :-)

What chance to do weeds have when GoodGym Bristol is on a mission (well, a Group Run/Walk, but you get the idea)? No chance, nada. If only we were sure of what was a weed and what wanted to stay...

We were faced with two big shrubs that may or may not have stabby thorns, a lawn of weeds that was apparently gravel underneath, some flower beds behind actual beds and paving that was half weeds.

And GO!

Charles had brought us a big, empty wheelie bin that didn't stay that way for long (empty that is, we left it on its wheels) as the shrubs took shape, leaving as many berries for the birds to munch over winter. We could even see the beautiful sign that had been hidden when we arrived.

Kingsley successfully got right to the top so there were no punk haircuts going on in St Paul's. Becky came back for loads of fun for the first time in 5 years - hope its not so long before we see you again! Freya had a break from hockey, Marianne squeezed in a good deed before going to play Florence Nightingale and a Good Samaritan on his way passed gave us some cookies to go with our post-deed drinks. Oh, and the strange looks from the ambulance and police car, but no fire engine so we didn't get Emergency Services Weird Look Bingo.

With sweeping and litter picking underway, wed soon filled not just one but two great big green wheelie bins, returned the tools and had an end-of-task photo (with Freya still wanting to finish more). Moving an abandoned "Road Closed" back by the main road, away we ran and walked for more chat with Kingsley sharing his new stress-busying tips. With GoodGym being top of the list, of course.

Sooo, not quite according to plan as (again) the confirmed task materials weren't at the venue, and the rain was torrential, so GoodGym Bristol turned all resourceful and found their way to an indoor venue (that may have sold alcoholic drinks as well as hot ones) and Ed saved the day by having quiz sheets and pens in his backpack. OK, they were supposed to be for his colleagues the next day but our needs were greater and Ed could always print some more off the next morning!

We know it's great to get out running and walking when the nights are drawing in and its dark so early - we're proud to support This Girl Can's campaign to make sure women and girls can get out and run (or walk) no matter if its light or dark. Let's keep getting out there.

So off to the Children's Scrapstore for whatever Hallowe'en adventures they had in store for us.

Phones, mops, brushes (but no witches broom) and a vacuum cleaner that you could live in. That was the order of things this evening. Now for a short poem:

A tangled web of wire.
Handset matching causing ire.
A mop to clean.
So mighty, yet so lean.
A brush in a rush.
And a vaccum.
So big it doth loom.

An evening full of fun.
Looking forward to another one.

Is not gold? This evening we were litter picking in the Redcliffe area, where we previously had a run in with the 5-0. No gold was found but some of the litter we found was golden. From a monster of unknown origin to a poster inviting people to a games event (maybe related?). The usual plethora of litter was also picked. We did not gambol although the rats were quite excited to see us. Anyway that’s enough random rambling.

No litter pickers were harmed in the making of today’s task. Mostly.

Until next time…