Last week’s decision by the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, to stand down and leave the Labour leadership and premiership in the grasp of Andy Burnham MP stole the thunder of a couple of excellent local events I have attended in the last fortnight.
Brentwood’s Strawberry Fair was, once again, a triumph, with thousands of people flocking to King George’s Playing Field for a day in the not-too-hot sun amid performances from local dance schools and musicians (Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines was a particular favourite). There were sporting activities for all ages, and the chance for Brentwood’s Rotary, Climate Change Action Group, local businesses, pubs and brewers to spread the word about their campaigns and products.
Last weekend I attended the Brentwood Park Run (as a mere spectator) on the occasion of its 500th event. This park run is known as ‘the Beast of Brentwood’ as the course in South Weald Country Park has a hill at the end that keeps on giving.
The Park Run organisers, all volunteers and participants themselves, did a wonderful job in putting the celebrations together. The Brentwood Imperial Youth Band played the runners off on their run, and I joined the Mayor of Brentwood at the start for the ‘3-2-1-go!’.
It is an exceptional local event – great for health, community and enjoying our magnificent Essex countryside. We are fortunate in Brentwood to have so many volunteers who give up their time and skills every week to enable park runners to take part and finish the course in whatever time most suits their running or walking abilities. Thanks to all who take part every week – do go and join them if you feel up to a run at 9 o’clock on a Saturday morning.
