Fright Night.

Vampires, black swans, dangerous masked ladies. Bats & Devils and Cobweb clad faces. For the night of fright, 11 took flight, to allotments Grove Park, where they worked in the dark!

Even though officially, Halloween is still a few days away, that didn't stop the scary hoard of running fiends who gathered at Old Spike for an evening of terror!

First up Lianne was innocently waiting for arrivals at base camp, welcoming in all those that wanted to run. First to arrive was I, Coach Ellie, looking slightly tootheir than normal and before she could scream, Lianne didn't know what had hit, wait I mean bit her. Aghhhhh but everyone knows the rule about vamps, if you invite them in, it's your neck on the line! Despite my fangs looking more like NHS dentures than horrifying weapons, she got a fright none the less! So on with the face paints and bloody bite marks galore, she then began plotting how to even the score!

As the rest of the gang piled in, one by one their faces were transformed, with bats and spiders and all manner of creepy delights. A few of the team were in no need of make-up and had come ready, dressed to kill. Girija with her creepsome, walking dead cheerleader cobweb mask, Ali the bat out of hell and Hanna, our very own tutu adorned, black swan!!

So after housekeeping, we flew out into the night, raring to task on the evening of fright.

A climb up the infamous hill, got us all the way to the gates, but not before Girija decided the fake blood wasn't good enough for her, she wanted the real deal! So she courageously threw herself on the ground, but wait..... Walking dead cheerleaders don't bleed do they? Nope they don't! So she brushed off her knees and made do with the fake stuff!

Waiting at the top was lovely Liz and crew, who had already started the toasty bonfire pit. When we spied the array of Halloween goodies they'd set up, we were leaping for joy! Marshmallows for toasting, homemade and hot, mulled spiced cider and amazing homemade frittata treats, packed with real-deal allotment veg, provided Catherine!! Eggcellent!

But before we could party, there was work to be done and Liz pointed out a few of the jobs on hand. Chopping down poorly trees and pulling up weeds. Quite fitting to the theme we noticed, were the offering of tools, which looked pretty sinister. This was especially true when Cliff Richard decided to rock up and wield a pick axe! I didn't know Cliff was a resident of Southwark, nor member of Goodgym for that matter.... But we thanked him for his help, before running away quick smart!

So after our tasking there was enough time to stand by the fire and tell a ghost story or two, warmed up by the toasting of our marshmallows and sipping of hot bevvys. What a brilliant occasion to celebrate our many visits to Grove park and all that we'd achieved these last few months.

After the toasts, it was down to the important job of the night - Judging the best dressed runner for the fancy dress prize!!!! With a genuine Grove Park Pumpkin up for grabs, everyone pulled their best scary faces as the bee-keeper Jan and veggie queen Catherine decided. In third came Girija our gruesome cheerleader, second was Ali with her wings and horns and in first place Hanna, our very own Black Swan. Hanna was of course thrilled to win her pumpkin prize.....That was, until she realised she had to run it all the way home!!!! But run we did, all the way home. I think it's fair to say though, not with much pace, as the hot cider and sweet treats rattled in our bellies all the way down the hill!

Arriving back we stretched our weary limbs, happy to be home and looking a little bit more like ourselves once more. Off to the pub the masses did go, while Cliff Richard and I just head on home.

On a Stupendously spooky eve, much tasking we achieved. With some familiar ghouls and ghosts, it was fun we had the most!!

See you next time!!!

DO GOOD. FEEL GOOD. INSPIRE