A little thin on the ground this evening due to some late unexpected no shows and the unavailability of some regulars but never mind - the show always goes on.

7 of us set off for the 3k jog down to Belgrave and our target task - the windows of the Lohana Centre.

I think there had been a breakdown in communication at the task site because they certainly hadnt put out any equipment for us but fortunately Mel and I had seen fit to go and buy some proper window cleaner before hand - past experience had proved the stuff supplied before just did not really work.

We let ourselves in, sorted ourselves out, I think we were appreciated. Big celebrations for Diwali tomorrow, the festival of light! Well there will be plenty of light coming in through those windows now that we have dealt with them.

After the task, a power walk along the narrow terraces of old Belgrave. On our left the site of one of Leicesters largest employers - the British United Show Machinery Co, now just a car park, industrial units and a few shops. At 4.30 every day when I was a kid growing up nearby 5000 workers would pile out of that site on foot on bikes and a few in cars - enough of this nostalgia!

As we passed by the doorfronts Mel explained to Frank and others the significance of the Rangoli patterns adorning the thresholds - each pattern representing a prayer that guests bring in as they cross the door.

Our walk ended at the Leicesters Wheel of Light, especially commissioned for the Diwali celebrations and later it will be moved to Jubilee Square for the English Christmas.

After a bit of bartering dodgy Dave had negotiated a group deal and we joined the queue for a spin and a chance to see the Diwali lights from the air.

"Something I have always wanted to do " said Frank. "I was planning on having a go on this at some point but I thought I might need a drink or two first for courage" said Jen "My James will never believe it when I tell him I have been on this"

It is usually freezing cold at 100 feet in November but the weather gods had provided a mild night so we cold enjoy the spectacle in relative comfort. No one screamed, no one barfed, no one passed out and most important of all no one fell out!!! - fair grounds to say in a roundabout way that the night had its ups and downs but this circle of friends had a wheely good time.

Tonights run commenced with something of a reverent start.

With our start point being so close to the King Power Stadium I felt that it would be a nice thing to do to jog the mile down there to pay our respects to those who tragically lost their lives in the terrible accident last weekend.

We were not alone.

Literally thousands of people had the same idea. I gave the runners a few minutes to view the tributes and pay their own respects. A sobering experience for sure but the outpouring of respect from the people of Leicester and indeed from all around the world is nothing short of amazing.

Respects paid we ran back to The Real Junk Food Project.

Rachel had been held up at work so cycled direct and Mel to was already there. There wasnt too much in the way of tidying this time but the floors certainly needed some attention. Sharon found a particularly grimy corner and set about attacking it with whatever she could find. In the end she resorted to knife to scrape off the offending grease.

Irene was on sweeping duty. In a quest to extend her knowledge of English culture she asked me what the item she was using was actually called. Possibly a mistake to ask a bloke to name a household cleaning item but I did my best.... well its a sort of upright dustpan and brush but I called it a collector, probably not what its called but its used for collecting sweepings.

We also had a laugh about the mouldy grapes with much speculation as to why they were still around and had not been thrown away.

We did our best, gave everyting a good wipe down and swept and mopped the floors.

It was then off to a nearby quiet road for a bit of drill work. Hign Knees, A skips and then hopscotch!

Frank amused us all with his rendition of "bring me sunshine" as he A skipped down the road. Not quite sure I recognised the tune that accompanied the straight leg fast feet drill.

Hopscotch sorted out the range of abilities - Lindsay is obviously expert, I am hopeless and Sharon said she would be fine next time provided she can bring some chalk to mark out the court.!!

With the mercury rapidly falling towards a very low number we returned to base for a final briefing before next week.

Anyone scared of heights said he! - no, came the answer. If you want to unlock the riddle - be here next week.

Well at first it was supposed to be a routine visit to the Peepul Centre. Then the Bridge asked us to do an urgent paint job so it was then to be a split task. Then the Bridge couldnt find anyone to let us in so we were back to a single task. Then the Bridge found someone after all so we were back to a split task. Then the Peepul Centre had to cancel at the last minute so we all went to The Bridge!!! - Phew.

An advance party of Lee and myself went direct to the Bridge to start prepping and to mee our host Patrick. My plan was to get Lee started then run into the DMU to pick up the group but the usual Tuesday traffic put paid to Patricks journey so it was a quick change of plan for Lindsay to lead the run.

With the rooms masked up and the dust sheets down 7 willing runners arrived slightly breathless and raring to get going.

There were mutterings of "arent we going to start with a watery base coat on the bare plaster" and "have we got any more masking tape, there is still more needs to be done" and " have you brought some steps Dave we will need them for the high bits" - It was clear that some of these runners had decorated before.

As is usually the case, with the job in hand explained, the group just picked a task and got stuck in.

Lee had already made inroads into the priming and he was soon joined by Lindsay and Frank on the doors. Team Roller consisted of Jen, Nic and Sharon who made short work of the emulsion. That just left the artists Katy an Rachel to do the detailed glossing of the skirting and architrave.

I have to say I was immensely proud of the care and attention paid to this job. We may be volunteers and we may be unskilled amateurs but it certainly doesnt stop us from doing the best job we possibly can.

In Mels absence Nic immediately put her hand up to take photos.

Sadly it was impossible to do a complete job due to drying times and the need to undercoat and prime etc but we have made a good start.

Patrick invited us downstairs for a cup of tea and gave us a talk about the work of the Bridge - over 60 rough sleepers regularly using the services of the Centre. What great work they do and it did strike me how nicely laid out the place was.

The back to town team was led by Lindsay leaving Lee and I to clean the tools and tidy up.

I got a call later that night from the manager Stuart to see how we had got on - he is very appreciative of our efforts - well done everyone.

By prior arrangement and agreement we got everyone to a short cut start at the Peepul Centre to allow us to be able to make it to tonights task on time and spend a reasonable time there.

We were met by our good friend and staunch supporter of GoodGym - Coro Febres - who made a real fuss of seeing us again. We will of course be running to the Peepul Centre for next weeks task.

Frank showed up in a snappy suit and availed himself of the changing facilities, Sharon stored her bike in Coros office as due to unforseen circumstances she had no lock and Jim locked up to the racks outside.

At Jims suggestion we took a route along the Leicester Canal - through Belgrave and eventually onto Thurcaston Rd and round to the LOPC.

On arrival at LOPC we were met by Mel,Lee, Katy and Jeannette. We were shown to the training room and Chris told us about our task. We were to fill "Goody bags" ready for the next open day at the LOPC.

It didnt take us long to set out tables with the items on and set up a speedy production line. We were so speedy we had nearly finished the job in hand before Katy had chained her bike up.

The early completion left a bit of time for chat and some shout outs for half marathon efforts at the Leicester event last weekend - particularly Jen and Lindsay who achieved club diamond standard times and Jim and Mel who also braved the horrendous conditions to complete the event .

We were thanked by Chris who informed us that it would have taken one person all day to have filled the bags."Many hands make light work" springs to mind.

We left for the run back and it was decided that we would run the Snake back along Loughborough Road, but after a regroup at Thurcaston Road we took a different route along by The Space Centre and snaked our way along by Abbey Park and back to our starting point.

Cool down, stretch and off home after another successful task.

Getting very Autumnal now for our Goodgym tasks but this didn't deter 13 runners turning up tonight .Dave warmed the runners up before leading them for a 3km run. Mel met the runners by the canal path ready with litter pickers and bin bags. The group split into two smaller groups , group one headed off along the canal path and the other group tackled the litter on Bede Park. - Jen leading the former and Nicola the latter.

It was great to see our newest members Sharon and Irene back for more

After 30 mins the groups met up with 10 heavy bags of litter.Stus bag was the heaviest with bottles, and cans in abundance. By this time the light was fading but this did not stop the enthusiastic group having a great workout on the outdoor equipment. Refreshments were well received and the cool down and stretch completed.The group had a jog back to base and were bid a farewell until next week.