Turns out, only I wanted to!

Anyway, we had a longer run tonight ahead of us to Beaulieu and were so raring to go I even forgot to take a pic. Did an action shot and happy with how clear it is!

Leah was very confident she knew the route there (ish), and led us right to where we wanted to be - a playground! Richard climbed into the tunnel after deciding he wouldn't get stuck, Mohammed clambered on top, and Steve surfed his way to glory.

We then crossed to the new pavement they'd built since last time we were there and met the rest of the gang. While it was supposed to be a painting task, it had switched to cleaning walls and windows after a paint snaffoo.

Leanne began to shamelessly brag about how she is one of a hundred people who is going to be swimming the marathon equivalent in September this year (everyone who knows her knows how much she loves to brag). Fay rudely asked me what was up with my face. Sallyann has sadly put her back out so had to do photos and joyfully pose with Charles with me. We finished up after Martin opined that he had deja vu in cleaning walls, right down to being asked to do the high stuff.

As we were leaving, it happened. Andy Holmes. Voted greatest DJ of all time (or something like that). Congrats! Sadly he turned away when I pretended to drop the trophy.

We headed back to get out of the car park before road closures and went on our merry way. Next week is painting at Meadow View!

We were back at Barrow farm helping dig a trench along the fence to keep the brambles at bay. Mohammed worked like a trooper while I opted for some slightly less energetic weeding! Good progress was made and Mohammed tried his first Jaffa cake. The verdict: delicious (obviously!)

Our next session is some painting at Beaulieu Community Centre, which means a slightly longer run this week. Sign up here

We said a very warm welcome to Mohammed for his first GoodGym task, looking to get fit and help out, as well as improve his English. Big thanks to Richard for helping Mohammed to register on the website and to request his t-shirt. Also thanks to Russell for reminding me to do a headcount before setting off; I'm a bit rusty on the old run leading protocol. We were pleasantly surprised to see Jane without Rich, apparently he had better things to do?!

Joel and Ben led us out along the bunny walks in the sun (it was still light?!) and up to Tyrells Primary School. Our task was to excavate heaps of soil and gravel and dig out the patchwork of weed suppressing membrane underneath. Fay was already digging when we arrived, and Sallyann was on photo duty.

Everyone grabbed a shovel and started digging. Some of the membrane was easier to get at than other areas; Martin, Joel, Russell, Fay and maybe Andy, worked particularly hard on one area and dragged out a large sheet of membrane as the last triumph of the evening.

There was some question as to how hard Andy was working, judge for yourselves from the photos.

Excellent work everyone. We'll be back in May for some more hard work.

We've got a community mission at Barrow Farm on Sunday morning and the quiz at the Ale House on Sunday evening, and next week we're painting at Beaulieu Community Centre.

See you all soon,

Laurie

There was a treat for everyone as Dylan dropped Laurie off for her first run lead since mid-2024! very, very exciting.

We said hello to Zoe who unfortunately hadn't known there would be running and didn't make it to the meeting point for flyering on Hill View. We do have a walking option for some tasks and ordinarily can arrange a meeting point.

Richard, Rich and Andy obviously grumbled but did a route on the Bunny walks to ensure there was some fitness involved before meeting the legendary team of Fay and Sallyann to begin leafletting. Andy clearly did least leafletting as he had most left but he did get a rare 'talking pass' as he was chatting to Fay. Prize for most energetic definitely goes to Richard!

We helped out 3 charities and ran back to the gym. Good to be back leading and check out all the April tasks online now! Clocks forward this weekend (to punish mothers) so nice and light next week.