My office is very close to the Francis Crick Institute, which is the starting location for our lovely Camden group. I left shortly after 6pm, and I entered the night at a gallant sprint. I ran hard, dodging commuters at a full pace, and moving my legs in a spiral of high-octane speed. Then, I turned onto Midland Road, and sprinting past the British Library, I thought I was moving faster than the car and bicycle combined. And yet – I still don’t know why – I was the last GoodGymmer there. From afar, while still moving at an eye-watering rate, I saw Camden regulars, John, Jackie, and Alex, having a natter. I almost collapsed in disbelief (and exhaustion, from all my hard sprinting).

So, I joined the natter. We caught up, and then John and Jackie headed over to our evening’s task, which is becoming a lovely, regular haunt of ours, at the American International Church on Tottenham Court Road. Alex and I soon followed, after a brief jog down Gower Street, and we reconvened at the church, where we were joined by Lici and Sarah.

Inside, we were met by the lovely, Brooke, and we were tasked to set up 16 beds for their guests that evening at the C4WS Cold Weather Shelter. Being regulars now at the church, we got to it, all of us knowing where to place the beds, and where the duvets and sheets are stored. Quickly, the rooms took shape, and while doing so, we caught up with one another and discussed our weeks and other lovely things. It was great to share the evening with you all.

Then, with the beds nicely set up, we said our goodbyes, took a quick photo on the stairs, and then we spent a few extra minutes outside on Tottenham Court Road, doing some more nattering. It was great, and I am really looking forward to the next one with you all 😊

We may have a little drizzle - I said - *perhaps not, but best bring your waterproof just in case... *

As went my optimistic words ahead of our task on Wednesday, and such was my optimism I decided to keep my waterproof safely stowed on its dry hanger in my dry flat...

...and then our merry group convened amidst a damp spattering, and I knew my evening of dry and warm was long gone..!

We met outside our new home by the majestic Crick, and Camden regulars Jackie, John, Louise, and Steve were joined by the wonderful Brin, Emre, and Sarah - it was a joy to see you all, and I hope to do so again soon!

After a quick warm up of squats, lunges, and leg raises whilst playing a game of catch, we split into two groups. Our task was to find discarded Christmas trees littering Camden's sidewalks and pathways, taking them to the borough's designated recycling spots. Once the merriment has passed, these discarded trees can make our streets inaccessible, and we set out to help make sure our local streets were free and clear.

My group of 4 took a tour of Somers Town, heading up and down, and back and forth, searching here then there, up streets, through estates, and we looked and looked and found... many bushes (masquerading as festive fare), many trees (safely alive and in the ground), and... not a single Christmas tree!

After 45 minutes, we took our final stroll up to Goldington Crescent Gardens when... in the street-lit distance... walking steadily against the evening shadows... was it... it couldn't be... could it... yes(!)... our second group led by John... and yes... holding... the most enormous tree! Hooray!

I do admit, folks, I really was wondering what I'd write about otherwise!

Having safely placed it into the designated recycling hold, we headed back to the Crick for a final stretch before our journeys home to showers and warmth :)

Thanks all, it was lovely to share this happy evening together :)

Danny and Emily arrived just as the last shoppers were grabbing their sale bargains at the famous TRAID end of season sale. As we've both been to the Kilburn TRAID task many times before, we knew what we with doing and got to work straight away taking the clothes off the rails. Whilst thinking it would be good if we had an extra pair of hands, as if by magic Jenni appeared!

Together we tackled the most satisfying task - pairing up all the shoes. There was something for everyone from your highest high heels to the cutest little baby shoes.

Another amazing surprise occurred shortly after - Pete, John, Sarah and Paul appeared from a nearby Camden task that got cancelled, after spotting our red GoodGym T-shirts through the window of TRAID! With so many hands on deck we actually managed to finish the mammoth task, which at the start had looked unlikely. We got all the clothes in the cages, the hangers packed up in boxes, the rails moved over to the side of the shop, and even gave the floor a quick sweep!

The store staff are always so grateful for our help, and after a job well done we were on our way...until the next sale close down!