Caroline and I had another three-hour session at the Community Hospice Shop out the back helping with the sorting of donated bags. You just never know what's going to turn up. Sometimes its beautiful, unworn, still labeled, designer gems. Sometimes its a case of eeeuugh! Some people clearly have a very low bar for what they deem as recyclable. Seems to me the folks running this place could do with a few more of us volunteer sorters as there's quite a big build up of donated stuff as far as I could see. We always keep our eyes out for something unusual or amusing. I found this cuddly crocodile which I rather liked. Caroline couldn't resist donning this blingy Roman helmet. We were both bemused by the shark with three shoes on and wondered at the creative thinking behind that. The joker popped by to monitor progress but apart from that it was just another fun session Goodgymming!

Four sturdy Goodgymmers gathered for an evening session at the Phoenix. We had braced ourselves for poor weather and, with one brave soul asking for a walk rather than run, arrived in less-than-appropriate gear. Sadly, our walker pulled out due to work, but on the plus side, the weather turned out to be rain-free. Still, we democratically agreed to power-walk with optional jeffing .

And it turned out we could do a lot more talking while walking, and still get fit. Rachel had a lingering request to share revenge narratives, but in honour of Victoria horror stories of attending a gym, we instead decided to talk about favourite exercise experiences - 'good gyms'. We chattered away for the 2.7km through East Finchley's back streets to the Mutton Brook, then Lyttleton Playing Fields and finally to Northway Gardens, where we met Brian.

As ever, Brian was in good form, regaling us with his stories of managing the gardens, as well as of the amazing work volunteers had done to transform the rose beds over a decade ago. He talked about the history of the gardens and how things have changed in recent years.

Then to the night's tasks - a large fallen branch needed moving, and it took four (mainly because we wanted to be useful). We made short work of it, so Brian led us to task two. The Council had trimmed willows and put the fronds in the bushes by the path, so together we moved them all further along the hedge to a gap, where they were out of sight.

Then, with the job done, Brian led us back to the road, pausing briefly to show us a beautiful cotinus coggygria - a smoke tree, visibly red even in the dark. We parted at his car, and made our merry way back, chatting away and finally getting to those revenge narratives Rachel was keen to share. And there was even time at the Phoenix Cinema for a quick drink and popcorn before heading home.

Another Monday delivery, this time with Filip and Chloe helping stack, sort and wash the produce. The brilliant Volunteers on Wheels van arrived almost bang on 10am, so we were ready to go.

This time, we unloaded: lots of cans of fizzy drinks, some weird soup thing to go in the fridge and loads of fresh fruit and veg. Tangerine season is upon us, plus the usual potatoes, carrots, pears and even some lettuce, made for a healthy delivery. The grocery was buzzing, great to see them thriving into the start of their second year.

George and I were asked to help clear a garden so a single mother could enjoy it with her son. The space had become overgrown and overwhelming. Using loppers, shears, and rakes, we managed to clear most of the area, placing the cuttings at the back of the garden to compost. By the time we finished, the trampoline was accessible and the garden ready for use. It felt daunting even for us, yet it was deeply satisfying to complete the task.