Ms F had managed without the weekly GoodGym shopping last week, partially because I had stocked her up for water, but found carrying milk a bit challenging. So here I was, on my after-work duty, to replenish the heavier goods Ms F needed.

The lady was concerned about her hearing getting worse, particularly after one of her hearing aids had stopped working during an important meeting earlier this week. Despite that and other health challenges, she kept a positive outlook on life and practiced gratitude.

"I'm grateful for GoodGym and the discounted taxi to the doctors." - Ms F.

"I wish I'll have your mindset in the future when things become challenging to me. - Kash.

There were some new items on today's list, for example French fries, specifically McCain's. haven't bought any fish as the breaded haddock had been sold out and Ms F decided to replace her usual salmon with cheese soufflés and a free treat: a chana-flavoured Pieminster pie. That was something new to try.

"See you in a couple of weeks when I'm back from holiday." - Kash. 

"You'll tell me everything about the place." - Ms F. 

"And you'll tell me how was the Pieminster." 

"The Prime Minister?" 

"No, don't worry about him. You're not his spokesperson. I said: the Pieminster."

Hopefully, Ms F will get her audiology appointment soon. In the meantime, we can only remediate misheard phrases with a bit of humour.

Seven months have passed since GoodGym last supported Walpole Park, making it clear that sessions in this beloved green space in the heart of Ealing are very much an autumn-winter thing. The temperatures, however, did little to signal the changing season. GoodGymers still happily sported short sleeves and shorts, while the park, despite being pitch black, teemed with nightlife, wildlife and parklife. Frolicking people and foxes alike were seen – or smelled!

The park welcomed back some seasoned Walpolers: Chris, Harvey, Steph Ducat, Sevan and Kash. Amy and Scott, who joined GoodGym over the spring and summer months, got their first taste of a nighttime Walpole Park session. Breda also visited from GoodGym Hounslow and was amazed by the abundance of tools sourced by our friend Richard.

Yes, Richard! The long-missed Ealing Greenwayer, best known to us from Pear Tree Park, made a comeback wearing his kitchen garden volunteer hat. He also hosted a historic session: the first time a task owner was actually present in Walpole Park during one of our activities!

Richard showed us a secret pocket of leafy compost, which we were tasked with moving to the kitchen garden's compost bins. The mulch was very well concealed indeed. Even when led to this obscure (but surprisingly well-lit, thanks to Ealing Studios) spot, the compost was hiding in plain sight.

"We are actually standing on a layer of composted leaves" – Richard.

To get to the mulch, we first had to excavate it. And it wasn't as quick and easy as simply shovelling: the compressed leaves were intertwined with roots. Some of us relished the challenge of seemingly endless digging and the accompanying upper-body workout.

"It's like a canoeing trip. After the first half an hour your arms are dead, but then you're numbed and just carry on." – Amy.

Supplied by Richard with barrows in addition to two larger trolleys, we managed to fill one of the compost bins almost to the brim. It was a successful first Walpole Park session of the season, but surely not the last one. So watch this space for more night-park-life coming up this autumn and winter!