It was time for our regular visit to Chiswick House, one of our favourite local tasks. The grounds are run as a charity helping to preserve and maintain the historic estate for everyone to enjoy, with volunteers playing a huge part in keeping it safe and welcoming.

We met at the Estates Yard, where we were greeted by Philippa, who manages the volunteers, and Hugo, a handsome spaniel who had appointed himself Head of Operations for the evening.

Hugo wasted no time 'helping'. Within moments he had acquired a pair of gloves and was proudly doing the rounds and leading by example.

Our destination for the evening was appropriately enough the dog play area, where we were soon joined by a healthy contingent of West London's canine community. The task was to shovel and spread wood chip across the area to keep it in good condition.

We got to work raking, shovelling and transporting. It soon transpired that some of us were better protected from the weather than others (see photographic evidence). As the evening progressed, we became steadily wetter yet no less determined. Despite the conditions, the two piles steadily shrank as the play area improved.

In half an hour we were pretty much done and Philippa was impressed with the speed and efficiency of the group. It's amazing what a GoodGym team can achieve when presented with a task and a deadline.

With the task completed and the dog play area looking much refreshed, we headed back to base for stretches and a chance to dry off slightly.

Thanks to everyone who came along and braved the rain. Next up: our mission at Waterman's Park this Saturday

Here's a draft in a GoodGym run report style:

Last night we headed back to St Mary's Church, the oldest church in Battersea and quite possibly the most beautiful too. Sitting right on the Thames, St Mary's is famous not only for its stunning riverside setting but also for its links to William Blake, who was married there in 1782, and to the artist Turner.

Before setting off, we got warmed up and kicked things off with a World Cup-themed question. Judging by how quickly everyone got it, it may have been slightly too easy. I'll think of something more challenging next time!

A huge congratulations also to Jack and Hazel, who smashed the Blenheim Triathlon at the weekend, racing alongside one of the famous Olympic Brownlee brothers. An amazing achievement.

We then set off, running through the beautiful Battersea Square, which felt like we were on holiday, before arriving at the church. We were greeted by a little and large dog duo featuring the vicar's Great Dane (or was that pony?).

Our task was to help the volunteer gardening team who work to keep the church grounds looking fantastic and welcoming. There was plenty to get stuck into: weeding along the church walls and around the perimeter, sweeping paths, strimming overgrown areas and raking up the results.

As we worked, the church bells rang out across the grounds, the Thames flowed beside us and a family of geese wandered past inspecting our efforts. It was one of those evenings that reminds you why outdoor tasks in summer are hard to beat. Especially when we were rewarded with so many snacks! Eventually prising Felix away from the strimmer and everybody else from the haribo, we headed back towards base, breaking up the run with a series of fitness stations. Single-leg squats, planks and tricep dips were all on the route, and there was also supposed to be one final exercise station, which I forgot and strangely nobody reminded me....

Thanks to everyone who came along and made it such a lovely evening. Next week we're off to rescue the pétanque court at Lark Hall Park. Hope you can make it!