Each week the Luton Goodgym Group run/walk/cycle is full of fun, laughter and friendly faces. Throw in a little purpose and hard graft and you've got a shining example of what community can really look like. That in my opinion is something to be celebrated. And here in Luton our team love an excuse to celebrate. Which is rather fitting as this weeks task marks the 4th birthday of Goodgym going live in Luton. I know, it's hard to believe that it's only been 4 years since David led the first group 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♀️ and this week we return to the task that started it all, as we visit Penrose Roots to Recovery just as the OG team did on day 1. Gill expertly led from the front and after her welcome, warm up and safety briefing, she set us of on our way, 2 and a bit km out of town to our task. When we arrived we were met by Pete the task owner who had us clearing bramble to create a space so that him and his team could safely harvest Pears 🍐 from the tree above (and there are loads to harvest). As we were celebrating or Run Leader for the evening had arranged for some delicious cakes that she had prepared to be dropped off to the task by her husband, which we lovingly call Gilliveroo . Needless to say the cakes were amazing and there was one foe everyone. There were also special toppers for a few of the cakes to celebrate some of the milestones that had been achieved over the last 12 months. One however was particularly apt as the amazing Gail finally became a LGG Centurion and as with all the other milestones this recognition was immensely deserved. Well done, you're a true Legend. It was fantastic to be joined by Rebecca who hasn't been able to come for a while and was there at the first task. Before we headed off back to town, Pete offered the team some marrows that had been grown at the allotment and he was taken up on his offer, so there will be all sorts of culinary delight being created with them this weekend I'm sure. Great task this week, fantastic effort by all and a real sense of pride that the group is growing and making such a positive mark on our town. Well done everyone 👏 👍🏻 You're all amazing 👏 ❤️

Here are the photo's from the Luton Goodgym trip to Ben Nevis. We can add more.

For this year's annual Peace Walk in Luton, we started at Zakariya Mosque, where young people from the church read passages from the Quran that they had memorised.

We then took a short walk to visit St Martin de Porrres. The Peace Banana in his car led our peace walk followed by the children from local schools. GoodGym ran back and forward to help everyone cross the roads safely. When we arrived, the priest explained the Catholic church hall and the artefacts they use.

Then we heard a beautiful classical piano piece and a rendition of ‘Lean on Me’ at St Hugh’s church.

St Hugh's had a 'Peace' sign outside for many years. It has started to get worn out and the local schools have designed and created a new one. Poignantly, Reverend Martyn Shea described this as a metaphor real peace in our society, so in our communities we also need to maintain and work on peace.

Finally, we had a group meal at St Hugh’s church where we could chat with old friends and new from many different communities and faiths in Luton.

Thank you to all of the organisers and we're already looking forward to supporting the Luton Peace Walk in 2025.