There was definitely an Autumnal feel this evening and we three of Luton's GoodGymers i the kitchen at FoodCycle there was no surprise that the mini pumpkin like squashes were turned into a delicious soup by Lucie. Gill suggested that it was like having our very own soup dragon (being from the generation that watched black and white tv programmes. Unfortunately her attempts to recreate the Clangers meant the others thought she was losing the plot. She and Dani git on with creating a lively earthy mushroom and lentil loaf and a delightful bread and butter pudding - with help from the other FoodCycle volunteers. Neill and Abdulrahman were hosting again and Abdulrahman , as always, had a smile throughout the evening - even when hoovering the church hall at the end of the session. Well done team, another delicious meal and lits of happy guests.

Everyone at the cafe today got so busy we barely had time to munch! Thanks to all goodgymers ( Gloria, Emmanuel, Angel, Abim and Rev. Charmaine) present to support with serving large number of attendees and cleaning up.

It had been a while since we visited the Welcome to Luton gravel sign, it had got a bit patchy with weeds and looking sad so we spent our evening running up the hill to get to it. Pulled out the weeds, tidied the stones back into their right places and then enjoyed a quick run back down the hill.

Another successful litter pick in People's Park, teaming up with the Friends group to make a total of 11 people helping to pick 10 general bags of rubbish, 8 bags of recycling, discarded scooters 🛴🛴, fencing and pillows out of the park.

It was also the first session for Patrick so well done and welcome to the team!

This week's group run welcomed Austin and Jackie back for their second sessions and first group run we even had Kazeem join in for his first session. It's been a good few weeks of introducing Goodgym to new people!

We ran out to the Stockingstone meadow and Bide-a-while orchards where newly planted apple trees are getting established beside some older specimens, reviving the previously neglected orchards with Konni from the Luton Orchards project.

We secured protective wire mesh to guard the trees from damage and did some weeding and clearing mulch from the base of the tree to stop the trunks getting damp and rotting.

With the task all done and trees safe and secure, we headed off to the bandstand at Wardown Park for a randomised workout from the fitness dice which gave us a selection of jumping jacks, core toning and squat jumps to finish off our evening as darkness set in.

Another busy night at FoodCycle and fortunately we had lots of fruit including a crate of plums. So plums it was for the dessert. Gill concocted a mango pudding and was then helped by Lucie to make a very tasty plum compote. Lucie had also been busy prepping the stir fried cabbage and the veg for the main course. And of course our meal wouldn’t be the success it was without the hosting team, and Neill and Abdulrahman were great at packing the grocery bags to take home, setting up the hall and serving the food to the guests . They made a great job of clearing up afterwards. We may not be sugar plum fairies but we certainly worked some magic tonight.