On a beautiful spring evening, six GoodGymers met to run to Broomfield allotments, and two of them were first timers: we give a big GoodGym welcome to Claire and Mike, it was great to have you with us.

We set off at chatty pace and soon arrived at the allotments, where Sallyann was waiting for us with the task owner Donna. Our task was to dig over some beds for an elderly gentleman who is caring for his wife through an illness and has been unable to get to the allotment as much as he'd like.

Joel and Mike started at one end, Rich and Claire at the other, while Sallyann (who disappointingly didn't bring muffins) helped fill the wheelbarrow. Gold star to Ben, who spent yesterday and today volunteering with the gardening team in the city parks, and still had energy for more digging (and for replanting things that maybe shouldn't have been dug up).

After lots of chat about how we all came to live in Chelmsford, some posing for photos, and a couple of Dad jokes from Mike, we'd dug over a good patch of ground that will be ready for spring planting.

Ben took the lead on the way home, and it was good to have time to talk more to Claire and Mike about what we do - we hope to see you both again soon!

Next week's task will be folding charity leaflets, lead by Martin, and don't forget to bring any old running shoes to donate to Jog On.

Oh, and did I mention that it was my first time run leading? Hopefully it will be the first of many 🤞 Jane