A gentle walk along the canal was the start of today's task with HANGOT as our team walk to Osterley Lock, the most southerly orchard created by HANGOT. The walk gave everyone a good chance to chat before putting on their game faces and taking on a GoodGym favourite, wiping out brambles.

The first job was to make the front of the orchard, along the canal, look more inviting by clearing brambles and other weeds away. Keeping the orchards looking well maintained encourages the public to come in and discover the tasty delights and calm spaces inside. The whole team got to work, chopping, hacking and raking, making mincemeat out of brambles and other weeds, transforming the front of the orchard.

With the front of the orchard looking neat and professional, it was onto the priority number 2, to clear weeds and brambles from around each of the fruit trees. All of the cuttings were taking to the bramble graveyard on one side of the orchard. As it overflowed and became harder to climb to the top to add cuttings, so eventually GoodGymers started their own pile on the opposite side of the orchard to provide balance and more simply, to speed things up and not walk as far.

Right on time, the tidying was done, leaving task owner Clive really happy with what the team achieved. As a reward, Dora spied something that looked like a pear on one of HANGOT's trees. It was actually one of those mysterious quinces and it was close to being ripe. Scott wasn't so lucky in finding fruit for his brewing experiments as it had been a lean year for British fruit.

Next month, we'll be back at Osterley Lock, blitzing away brambles and more. Look out for a new listing coming soon.

It was chicken on the menu for lunch today - or vegetarian alternative - with potato salad and coleslaw. Chef Vinka prepared a delicious meal which was much appreciated by the guests. Also on offer was a barber, foot care, life skills class, clothing distribution and food parcels. It was a busy session. I was again in the dining area serving meals and we had a lot of satisfied clients. It’s a lovely - and lively- atmosphere at the Soup Kitchen on Fridays and a privilege to be part of it.

Early start and joined Southall Park run volunteers as they were short of volunteers. I agreed to be Event Day course check and marshal too. On arrival, Bik said that a 2 year old was messing around with some of the cones, so I started going around the course and when i reached the magical round about, I noticed that the cones were out of control, so put them back to their spot. No child was in view, so carried on around the course. Noe of the other cones misbehaved, but some of the park visitors did leave litter for us to clear of the course. We cleared the rubbish in no time. I was then assigned as marshal at position 1 which is at the end of the straight line after the start. I was to turn the sign around once all have gone past it. But then asked if I could start and double up with another lady at point 2 as several individuals around there drinking. My task was to be there with her and once the runners have passed and the individuals have moved to go to point 1 and change the sign with the arrows to turn instead of going straight. So I held 3 positions today. We had 2 quick runners under 18 minutes!!!Total of 101 runners/walkers and 21 wonderful volunteers

Sunny Saturday afternoon and visiting my 2nd coach Mr T. I was approaching his flat when I noticed him outside walking back to his flat with his crutches. I joined him and we started chatting on the slow walk back to his block of flats. As walking with crutches ,we went slowly for the few meters to go. We went to his flat and carried on chatting. Glad that he is going out for small walks and not stuck in his flat. The weather was nice for him and not too hot.

Do you remember the times when we used to leaflet for the Reduce and Recycle Hub in Acton? Well, in September 2026, we had a chance to spread the word about its spiritual successor, organised by Action West London. On 26th September, Acton Market was going to host a sustainability-themed community day where residents could book free repairs of household electrical appliances or learn how to mend items with Ealing Repair Cafe. The event would also be an opportunity to understand what happens to what we put in the recycling bins and pick up practical tips on how to reduce waste and save money.

Five Ealing GoodGymers: Maria, Scott, Sevan, Steph Ducat and Kash welcomed a GoodGym tourist from Greenwich, JC, who took the opportunity to join our group run as the work brought him to the heart of Ealing. The running team met with the others at the site of Acton Market, overlooked by St Mary's Church and Pokopia Garden - both past or present GoodGym task locations.

The gang worked on their step count, walking through the streets north of Churchfield Road. Leaflets have been dropped into the letterboxes on Derwentwater Rd, Newburgh Rd, Spencer Rd, Cumberland Rd and Maldon Rd. The six GoodGymers enjoyed a small tour exploring several Acton mural locations and saying hi to the local cats. Despite the first properly rainy day since June this year, the evening brightened with blue skies and golden sunshine cheering the team up. No GoodGymers or leaflets got soaked that night, and all the flyers ended up in letter boxes, carefully avoiding the "No junk mail" signs.

Next week we are going to do some walking again, but we'll be changing the theme and the scenery - the Tuesday group task will take us on the route of the Ealing Half Marathon to help put up signs on the lampposts ahead of this year's race. Sign up now!

I was back on lunch duties at the Soup Kitchen today - serving the clients lunch which is one of my favourite roles. It didn’t seem too busy in the main room but that all changed once the dining room doors opened! A constant flow of guests enjoyed chef Andrew’s sausage casserole (beef or vegetarian) followed by a tasty dessert. We were so busy I only managed a couple of photos at the end. Another rewarding session for this Goodgym member.