It’s fair to say that our latest task at Palm Tree House got off to an inauspicious start. There was some confusion over the expected start time, and as the time that we had planned to arrive drew closer, task leader Latoya was still stuck in Wood Green, proving that sometimes when you wait half an hour for a bus, none will arrive rather than the promised three.

But GoodGym Haringey never saw a challenge they couldn’t rise above. Mark placated task owner Barbara, and seven willing GoodGymers got to work clearing weeds from Palm Tree House’s outdoor space.

We were pleased to welcome back Zuza and Karen for their second task, not having been scared off by the mammoth amounts of clothes sorting at Traid last week. Zuza was even inaugurated into the time-honoured Haringey tradition of finding the weirdest piece of litter: a DVD player. James was less impressed with his find of a stash of Buzzballs and even less thrilled by Julie’s suggestion that they were our reward for our hard work.

Many hands made light work of the weeds and soon all that was left was to throw away the bags of rubbish and speed off into the night.

The task was brief - laying more woodchip on the paths and use areas, and followed quickly by making willow rings around the fire-pit. Amy, Dave and Asan quickly demonstrated their creativity. Meanwhile marshmallows were being roasted on the fire, champagne and zero alcohol sparkling wine bottles were opened and cake brought by Sarah and Mark was devoured. With world cup football beckoning several goodgymers made their way to Wood Green Spoons where Latoya and Julie were saving a table. A great evening and Mark confirmed, to the relief of all, that he was now done with his extended birthday celebration. Thanks to all for a wonderful time together!

HEN is a residents' association covering Hartham, Elsden and Newlyn Roads in Tottenham. This was a new task for us, and we were warmly welcomed by Matt, who had a few tasks for us to help prepare for their upcoming street party.

First up there was hair: Matt produced a hedge trimmer and before you could say "short back and sides" Mark had got to work on an overgrown hedge across the road, where until recently the association's longest-standing and much-loved resident had lived. Around the corner, resident Sophie had a barnet of Marge Simpson proportions for Mark to tackle. Finally, James had a go at executing a mullet for a resident who is currently injured and unable to cut his own hedge.

Of course, the streets will not be ready for the party without a bit of makeup. Matt showed us a couple of areas that have been tagged by people with a demonstrable lack of talent. James and Helen got stuck in with paintbrushes and a tin of grey paint, with Sarah providing moral support (eg "you missed a bit"). These are now blank canvasses, and Matt has plans to stencil them in the future.

Matt has promised to invite us to the upcoming HEN do, while both he and Sophie said they may join us on a run one day soon.

There were more reasons for celebration tonight too - Sarah and James' recent birthdays, and James' tenth good deed. Great work team.

On a beautifully sunny evening 5 Goodgymers set out to help the growth of new trees in Lordship Rec. Mike, our task owner, briefed us on the benefits of putting wood-chip around the base of recently planted trees - assisting with moisture retention, weed and grass suppression, temperature regulation, nutrition, etc. However he was very clear that the wood-chip should not touch the tree itself (to prevent moisture build-up and rot at the base). What we need is "Mulch Doughnuts" he insisted. Great fun was had, and the task was completed well within time, of course with the accompaniment of various insect bites. This was Paul's 50th good deed for which he received an endearing hug from Julie. The team, which included The Neil, James, and Mark, decided to do a walk from task, somehow ending up at Woodgreen Spoons! They were joined by Latoya who managed to escape from work, and thirsts were well quenched. Congratulations Paul on your 50th task - see you in black soon!