It was one of our hottest evenings at FoodCycle but that didn't put off our trio of GoodGymers from volunteering at this regular task. Gill had got started on a rustle up pudding knowing that there were lots of eggs to use up. She came up with an idea for a fruit flan - orange sponge topped with crème pâtisiere and fresh fruit. Meanwhile Martin was on the main course supporting the team to create a delicious looking plate of roasted potatoes, slaw and veg. Fawaz was a hands on host getting the hall set up, serving the guests and making sure people had plenty of squash to stay hydrated. Guest numbers were down but we think that with the weather being so hit people were just not wanting to be out in the heat.

This week's group run too us up to Dallow Downs and the Ferndale allotment. Thanks to previous efforts this allotment that had fallen out of use is now fully occupied with keen growers.

the final part of bringing the allotment back into good use was clearing up collected bits of rubbish in the overgrown parking area.

We got rummaging in the foliage to find the bits of old wood, metal buckets and general litter left lying around and now grown over by thick plants, building an impressive pile ready for quick removal. With all the rubbish pulled out the area is safe for a strimming and reclaiming the area for better use.

We made quick work of it so we took the scenic route down the beautifully sunny downs and picked litter on the way. Filling a couple of bags with our findings before we got back onto the streets.

This week the team ran out to the 61 Football Club and helped with tidying up outside the clubhouse in preparation for the upcomng 65th anniversary of the club's founding.

On the way we were treated to a fantastic rainbow 🌈 so stopped for a quick rainbow selfie before carrying on with our run.

On arrival at the club we found Cliff and Richard waiting with tools ready to clear the weeds and sweep up around the outside of the building. With seven of us we managed to do a thorough job and head back into town with the last of the evening sunshine ☀️

Gail and David went to the Luton International Carnival's Health and Wellbeing zone on the hottest and sunniest day of the year so far.

Gail was excellently organising all the visiting organisations and David was at the Goodgym stall, shared with Parkrun introducing the public to Goodgym and Parkrun and making plans with all the other organisations.

Tonight 6 Goodgymers used their talents to cook up a great meal for the Food cycle guests. We served 27 guests plus take aways. Gill did the Food collection, Dani and Lucie were cooks extraordinaire and Abdulrahman,Fawaz and Neill served the guests with smiles and generosity. Starter: Carrot and parsnip soup Main : Roast vegetables with cauliflower cheese in an onion gravy Dessert: Cake and custard

Mr B's impressive privet hedge had grown out of control, and out of reach! Martin and David went round to bring it down a level and improve safe access to the property as Mr B isn't as steady on his feet as he once was.

Amply fueled by a generous offering of tea and muffins they cut loads down and chopped it up into small bits to go in green waste bags. The hedge on the neighbours side was left in a much more manageable state and let a lot more light into the garden.

Mr B is something of a writer and as a thank you gave away a couple of copies of a book he has written about the adventures of London pigeons and a poem about snails!

There's plenty of hedge left to trim so a return visit from GoodGym is definitely on the cards.

Mr B's Poem:

Memo from a Mollusc

Dear gardener please read the blurb
On my shell, it says do not disturb
Pray cut some other hedge today
As I'm in snailland far away

Last night this may you amuse
I tanked up too much on the booze
The carrot wine it was just too divine
Have another one Fred said it's just fine

Now I need a leafy corner
With gentle sunshine to be sober
Do not this humble plea refuse
And your good humour you won't lose

Let not your garden be too prim and proper
Let it flourish a little and you will prosper
Be not too eager to impress the neighbours
And take some time from your ceaseless labours

To forgo the rush and tear and slowly stand and stare
At the the tiny creatures wandering there
Whose unhurried ways and patient trails
Make them our teachers (especially the snails!)