After a successful Ealing Half Marathon earlier in the day, six of of our crew came back to the route to take down warning signs, mile markers and directions.

Two of our number had taken part in the race - Steph Ducat and Harvey, amazing that they still had the legs to get round again! Other had stood cheering runners on - Ealing Half really is a community event and so well supported.

We have become experts in snipping plastic ties, a life skills that could come in handy if ever stranded on a desert island! There was a bit of confusion early on as we went round of our section of the route in reverse, but it was dark and taking the long way round isn't so terrible, is it?!

Signs under our arms, we headed to drop them off at Lisa's house - the well known coordination point (Lisa also has a camper van and delivers the signs to their year round storage, a handy person to know).

At the end of a satisfying day, our team headed off into the night to for r and r (not rock n roll; rest and recuperation!).

Thousands of runners wizzed through the streets of Ealing for the annual half marathon. Loads of familiar faces running or cheering. What a great atmosphere and well done to all. We all went bananas at the end 😀 Thanks to the GG supporters on the route.

Kash and Gus were tasked with moving one hospital bed from one room to another.

Unfortunately even after trying at different angles and the bed lowered to its most compact form, the bed was too big to fit through the door. After thorough investigation of the frame, trying a disassembly (not finding an instruction manual on the internet) the best they can (without any tools at their disposition), Kash and Gus decided it was better to put it all back together and where it was.

Perhaps next time with tools!

The September conservation day at Grove Farm was a welcome break from a four-session streak at Coston’s Brook, where we had successfully located one of the invasive Japanese knotweed clusters. After our previous captivating escapades in a narrow, overgrown ditch, we moved our operations to an open meadow that needed cutting back.

Nettles, the edges of bramble clusters and dried plants all had to go, ideally cut into scallop shapes, as nature, according to Mike, favours scallops over straight lines. Mike, the lead of Friends of Grove Farm, got to test his newly acquired scythe and scything skills, sweeping through the meadow like a reaper. Meanwhile, fellow Friends Suzie and Joe, along with GoodGymers Scott, Steph and Kash, used hedge trimmers, rakes and forks to trim the meadow and move the dry cuttings under the tree cover to reduce the fire risk. The team was lucky to be joined by two young new volunteers, who quickly learned how to use loppers to cut back the thick brambles.

The next step for the trimmed meadow will be to sow a mix of a special type of grass and wildflower seeds. Maybe we’ll even get to do it at our next session. Sign up to find out!

I was back in one of my favourite places today - Ealing Soup Kitchen. And once again serving the clients lunch - delicious curries, either chicken or vegetarian, with rice and cabbage. It seemed to be a slow start to the lunch service but it quickly got busier and we found ourselves rushing to clear tables so we could get new guests settled. As always it’s a really rewarding session.

Just as the baby potatoes were back in stock at Sainsbury’s, Mr G was back in a better mood—even though the large potatoes I’d bought him the previous week had fallen apart when cooked.

I did his usual weekly shop, with one little addition: the cheddar mini muffins I’d introduced him to the week before.

When Mr G said he didn’t know what he’d do without his regular GoodGym shopping support, I reflected that these evening grocery visits are just as valuable for GoodGymers like me. They give us a reason to draw a line under the working week, get outside, and do something useful for a lovely person who appreciates it.

After a stressful week at work, Mr G is my hero.