Spirits were high tonight as we continued our excellent start to 2026 with another great turnout. Ed, clearly struggling from over-indulging at weekend, just about remembered what to do for the group run intro as we celebrated all those that had helped out at another hugely successful York Community Woodland parkrun, especially run director Michael 💪

I'm not being held responsible for a load of wet trainers - Ruth

After numbering off and much debate about whether the river path was open, Rich led out a small walking group, whilst Ed led the main group backmarked by Vicky and Babs. There was a little bit of confusion when we arrived as Ed and task owner Nicola hadn't agreed exactly where we would be meeting at Millennium Fields, so we gambled on a light in the distance belonging to Nicola and not a dog walker.

I was never sure whether I was supposed to be the bird or the bee - Rich

Fortunately the gamble paid off and we were soon being led down to an area that we had worked on previously where apparently the bird and bee seeds had been hugely successful. Cue some interesting conversations about the birds and bees and even bears!

Meanwhile a small splinter group featuring Jane, Daniel, Kit and Jamie got to work turning over the compost bays that have been a bit of a staple of good gym millennium fields tasks over the years. This time with the added challenge of just having 2 spades between them.

Another group armed with trowels got to work on the bee bank although I'm not entirely sure exactly what it was they were doing, but i was informed by Abi that it was very good for a particular type of butterfly 🦋

Once enough seeds were sown it was then time for a quick fitness session involving running around and getting into different sized groups depending on the number that Ed shouted out. There's still some confusion over exactly how many people were at the session tonight with every number seemingly dividing well enough to not leave anyone without a group 🤔

January may be over but that doesn't stop goodgym York from coming out in force to keep doing good!

We started by celebrating the folk who ran Dewsbury 10k and especially Amy's sub 50min PB! We also adorned John with the cape of good deeds for reaching a phenomenal 600 tasks, and congratulated Becca for getting to 50.

We were then off to Holgate Allotments where Helen already had the bonfire going. Tasks included emptying the shed, cutting back brambles, digging over the soil and keeping the fire going. it was a chilly night and we were grateful for the warmth, even if a few people got a bit singed!

i didn't need my leg hair anyway - michael

We enjoyed the fire so much it was too difficult to tear people away for fitness so we did some exercises whilst enjoying the heat. There was a bit of a stand off between Ed and Alex on the arm circles, and despite Alex's pleading we had to call a draw!

We have been asked if we'd like yo return to take the shed down. Now that sounds like the perfect follow up and right up our street!

Oopsies, someone forgot to confirm the task with CYC Rachael, so there was no chicken wire and no Rachael (my bad). So after a quick phone call we had permission to weed the wildlife area instead. The gallant 5 weeded by hand in the drizzle and cold for half an hour, before calling it a day. Well every little helps! (I'll be sure not to have egg on my face next time!) Thanks team!

Tonight was a very special session indeed!

We celebrated not one, not two, but three milestones! Bec did her 100th deed, Nick his 400th and Vicky her 600th. Top effort guys! 👏

The celebrations didn't stop there though- tonight we also reached our January good deed target.This has been an incredible achievement by everyone who has come along this month. You should all be so proud.

And as if this wasn't news enough, a real news reporter from ITN calendar news joined us to do some filming.📺

So, what did we get up to? It was our annual outing to give the willow at Park Grove it's haircut. We has a team lopping and sawing, another shuttle running the offcuts to team weave, who were adding to the willow dome. In the forest school Debs, Ed and Neil were making woodchip and Laura was busy collecting brash to chop up. 🪚

For the grand finale we did a fitness session based on the January bingo - 10 exercises on park equipment. This entertained the reporters as much as it did us!

We then headed back to base, waving cheerily at cameraman Mike on the way past and a few continued the celebrations in the pub. 🍻

Top work, but its not over yet. Still lots of kms needed, tasks to sign up to, bingo squares to complete and pledges to fulfill! Let push through the last few days and you can all have a day off on Sunday!