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 .

After a successful Ealing Half Marathon earlier in the day, six of of our crew came back to the route to take down warning signs, mile markers and directions.

Two of our number had taken part in the race - Steph Ducat and Harvey, amazing that they still had the legs to get round again! Other had stood cheering runners on - Ealing Half really is a community event and so well supported.

We have become experts in snipping plastic ties, a life skills that could come in handy if ever stranded on a desert island! There was a bit of confusion early on as we went round of our section of the route in reverse, but it was dark and taking the long way round isn't so terrible, is it?!

Signs under our arms, we headed to drop them off at Lisa's house - the well known coordination point (Lisa also has a camper van and delivers the signs to their year round storage, a handy person to know).

At the end of a satisfying day, our team headed off into the night to for r and r (not rock n roll; rest and recuperation!).

Thousands of runners wizzed through the streets of Ealing for the annual half marathon. Loads of familiar faces running or cheering. What a great atmosphere and well done to all. We all went bananas at the end 😀 Thanks to the GG supporters on the route.