Our litterpicker rebels were at it again this month and scopped rubbish there and then in the borough. But isn't it nice to receive some recognition from the public when you are picking up rubbish. Janet was pleased to get a nice thank you from a passing by cyclist when she was clearing rubbish along the canal near Hanwell. The Egyptian geese nearby might have been thinking the same but we will never know. Gracie mille to all and hopefully you do get thank you on your litter picking missions

On an exceptionally warm Tuesday night, eight GoodGymers reprised their roles as rake and spade wielders and wheelbarrow drivers in the sequel to the magnificent fruit tree mulching task in Blondin Park. Dora even made it into the permanent cast after her debut at the same location last month! The task owner, Linda, wasn't around this time to welcome us, but she had arranged for volunteer David to support us and provide everything we needed - apart from Linda's famed hot chocolate!

The soft, golden-hour light was replaced this time by a darker backdrop, punctuated by flashing headlamps and work lights that helped the team find the apple trees in need of mulching. A few trees had been waiting for a dose of woodchip, with their bases exposed, since the beginning of August. These were prioritised for mulching by most of the team, while Richard and Giles made a start on digging the grass out from around a tree that wasn't quite ready for woodchipping yet.

Despite the late hour and the time of year making for less-than-bright conditions, everyone enjoyed the mild night-time temperature, with only a few drops of rain falling from the sky. The team achieved an impressive amount in such dim conditions, leaving only a few larger trees still awaiting their turn for mulching.

Monday night and all the roads lead to ...The Purple Elephant Project. Runners, walkers and cyclists chased to sun through the streets of Richmond to meet Maggie at the the project. Task was planting bulbs and putting together some furniture. As the runners zoomed and reached the location early, Maggie welcomed them inside as said that we would focus on the furniture as it was darker than she anticipated outside for the bulb planting. As Goodgymers don't go undeafeated, we said we will get our head torches out when the full team has arrived to get the bulbs planted and have zero losses.

Four boxes were waiting for the Knights. The whole team was in place and we teamed up on unpacking and building the various furniture. Some of us felt strong and brought the older furniture down and out of the building. We had a whole symphony of sounds during the building of the furniture : screw-diculous sounds!! Instruction-page sighting due to missing parts or was it with the other team? Allen-key scraping, clanking screws and wood tapping.

Some parts took longer to build, but then some Goodgymers disappeared outside with their head torches to plant the bulbs that Maggie had for us. Mission accomplished in the dark like proper ninjas.

The brave furniture knights conquered the Flat Box Kingdom .