After last week's failure to find shallots for Mr R, I was determined not to return empty handed this week. Tesco's shelves weren't stocking them, but his local greengrocer had both the round and elongated versions, so I was faced with a choice on which to get - I went with round, but next time I'll know it's the longer variety (easier to chop...) which gets his vote.

A GoodGym bonanza today with Hilary, Nick and Md all joining from Newham.

It was a quick setup by Sooz, Nick and regular Mas.

Sooz led the usual announcements including a quick passing mention of her birthday and announced muffins and flapjacks for the finishers!

Sarah heading to her space at the tree, and with almost more volunteers than runners, we were off.

16 youngsters made it across the line and although there was a slight hiccup with the first place finisher having taken somewhat of a shortcut all was soon fixed and complete for another week!

On my last visit, Mr T had greeted me at the entrance to the building as the main door wasn't working, so he wanted to be sure I could get in. In the intervening period the door has been fixed, but Mr T's telling of the story behind the repair would've filled three episodes of a tv drama - suffice to say the council workmen, when they finally did arrive, knew they had to do a good job...

Again, and fortunately, the visit to the various shops along Tottenham Court Road to pick up his supplies was a little less stressful, and perhaps a bit quicker too than the door repair, which of course gave us more time to pick apart the stories of the week (and more) once I'd returned with everything he'd requested.