This weekend, is was our turn to do a takeover at Sloughbottom parkrun.

7 GoodGymmers were there to help out, with Sinead being Run Director.

Myself and Woody were on finish tokens, Emily was tail walker while Kathryn, Rose and Simon filled marshal points.

It was a very chilly was gorgeous morning with exactly 200 finishers, most of whom received a GoodGym flyer after they crossed the finish line.

So on a very cold sunday morning, we arranged our 4th community litter pick - we were shocked when over 20 people turned up (we only had 10 litter pickers!) so people teamed up - one bag one litter pick per twosome.

We had a quick look at the 'orchard' area which we are hoping to take over the management of, to ensure that the people of Lakenham get access to the apples - currently it's hard to get to them due to nettles and brambles!

We then split up - some people onto the boardwalk, some in the orchard, and some took the path up to the church - a very large amount of rubbish was collected, and lots of cake got eaten!

After the successful 2022 Catton takeover Norwich goodgymmers once again embarked on the January Park run takeover! A brisk cold blustery Saturday morning ten Goodgymmers met nice and early at the Lodge to receive marshalling instructions from Lynn the Run director for the day! Helped that Careys coffee truck was up and running early so we got our priorities right!! Johnathan and Brad (with little Fletch in tow) had the important job of marshalling the oft confusing Church street junction where runners criss-cross from all over. Bobby had the job of marshaling at the blasted oak and had to get James one of the core team to help lay out the cones!! Panda Dave was at the turning post armed with a set of bells to install some belief for the final few kilometres. Steve was on tokens handout at the finish and got to spread the good word via the medium of the leaflet!! Rachel was put on the Catton Hill and was running a tight marshal station making sure everyone went right to the top of the Hill before descending to the woods!! Well done Rachey!! Bex and Emrys as always were a familiar and friendly presence cheering runners on in the woods! Woody (How apt!) was on the woods exit position encouraging people to hit that Power button!!! Ian and his little dog Ernie took on the role of parkwalker. Two regular and experienced helpers at Catton, Elizabeth and Susanna were also at their normal positions at the finish lodge – Timekeeper and Barcode Scanner respectively! Ensuring things went smoothly at the finish when things can go to chaos . A great morning was had by all the runners and there was some good feedback, particularly as it was a tough headwind and the runners needed plenty of encouragement. A big shout out to Alina running her 150th park run, and also great to see Leanne and Andi from the Feed running out there and looking great!! The core team were really pleased to have filled the roster so early in the week, especially as it was a busy one this week with over 360 runners! Well done everyone. Was nice to hang around for a bit and have coffee afterwards.

To end off 2022 and to celebrate Xmas, we visited our friends at Redmayne View Housing with Care, for an evening of carol singing, mulled wine, mince pies and chocolate fountains... they sure know how to look after us.

It was a wonderful evening and we provided the residents with a festive night they'll always remember.

Merry Christmas everyone!