Latest posts
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RevivR
On Sunday morning, I listened to an episode of Ramblings about defibrillators. It made me realise that I hadn’t done a first aid course in a long time and that I didn’t have the first clue how defibrillators work. I would like to do some in person training at some point, but in the meantime I came across RevivR, a short interactive course from the British Heart Foundation covering CPR and defibrillator use. It’s really easy to follow, and I was impressed by the CPR practice. You prop your phone up so the camera can see you, then “pump” a cushion in time with the music, and a little speed dial turns green when you’re keeping the right rhythm. I’ve set a reminder to revisit it every six months, as they suggest.
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Early autumn at Winkworth Arboretum
Winkworth Arboretum is a regular spot for us in autumn (see previous visits in 2021, 2024, 2025). We were a little earlier this year, so there weren’t as many trees aflame, but we did get to see some that are often past their best on our visits.
I picked up a few fallen leaves and brought a couple home with me, but this cluster I put back on the ground where I found it. I loved that the leaves were all still attached together, and knew they wouldn’t survive the journey without breaking apart.
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The calm before the runners arrive
GoodGym Brighton helped out at Hove Prom Parkrun this morning. It was crisp but clear and still, so I took the chance to try my new fleece-lined hiking trousers. They kept me toasty!
The course is two laps of 2.5k. My marshalling spot was on the second half, so once the runners had set off in the other direction, the other marshals and I got ourselves into position. The rest of the prom had people on it, but for a few moments, until the fast runners reached us, it was calm, with an uninterrupted view out to sea.
Then the runners arrived. Last week the parkrun had to be cancelled because there weren’t enough volunteers, so it was brilliant to see the community hear the call and come out in force. There were 92 of us volunteering, and 782 runners.
This was my first time volunteering, so I took an easy role. I’m not sure I’ve ever been thanked so often by so many people! The other first-time volunteers I spoke to had an equally positive experience too. I’d recommend it if you fancy an uplifting morning.
