Sam-did lamp

The dark didn't stop this hardy bunch making amazing progress in clearing brambles, branches and collapsed fencing from this hidden gem of a space.

For the second successive week, Ian had a new top and medal to show off, having completed the Oxford half marathon at the weekend in pretty soggy conditions, well done Ian!

We headed to the park to warm up our legs for the hill ahead of us. The stress pig adopted at last weeks task made an appearance, being thrown between members of the group who picked a warm-up exercise for us all to do. A round of star jumps, jumping lunges, high knees and mountain climbers later, we set off through the dark park, dodging the puddles as we went. Thank heavens for head torches. Once we had climbed the heights of Anerley Hill, backmarked by Ian, we descended into the dark depths of the Upper Norwood Methodist Church garden space to find our host, Pam.

The tangle of brambles, stray branches and collapsed fencing didn't phase our enthusiastic group who attacked the overgrown space with gusto. Sam did his best Statue of Liberty impression, working his arms hard by holding a light high so everyone could see what they were doing. It is amazing how much 8 people can clear in just over half an hour, with real progress made. The group stacked fallen branches and logs high, and filled 2 huge bags with brambles and other garden detritus. Fiona channeled her inner grape stomper and climbed into one of the bags to squash the weeds down to make more space.

Pam was delighted with the progress made and we could all see the potential in the space, with suggestions flying around for its future use. I'm sure we will make many more visits to help Pam transform the unloved space into a valuable community space.

Our legs were thankful for the downhill run back, past the Crystal Palace sports stadium which was busy with athletes, as was the football pitch behind the sports centre. Our timing was perfect, with a shout of 'excuse me, could you thrown the ball back' as we ran past, reminiscent of childhood days. The lights of the pitch illuminated the hill identified for everyone's 'favourite' hill runs. We practiced driving our arms first before everyone demonstrated great form whilst tackling the hill. It was soon time to head back through the VERY dark park, before a welcome stretch after all those hills and bramble bashing.

Next week we are heading back to Living Well food bank to help sort donations and organise the space, always a feel-good task. Fiona has very kindly agreed to give us a yoga workout afterwards for the fitness session, definitely something to look forward to. Sign up here.

This Sunday there is a community mission at Baxter's Field, helping them plant their spring bulbs. Sign up here if you can help at this wonderful community space.