We were back at Blondin Park tonight to do some mulching around the trees that we prepared recently with digging around. Despite the damp, wet and dark evening a small group of 5 people took their courage and braved the weather. In no time, the team mulched around 12 trees with trips back and forth. Wheel barrows guided by head torches 🔦. Yes its head torch season!! Then we made our way back to the cafe where Linda welcomed us back with some lovely hot chocolates. The conversation went around music tonight and what we listened to when younger or now. Tonight we were a small team of 5 but achieved alot. Was it Girl Power as 4 ladies and 1 man tonight? All I wannabe is a Goodgymer !! 🎶 🎵

On a surprisingly warm October evening, three runners and one cyclist from GoodGym Ealing supported charity Action West London by posting flyers through letterboxes to promote an upcoming Fitness Fun Day in Acton. The free, family-friendly event offers workouts for all ages and abilities, including beginner’s yoga, family interval training, Legs, Bums & Tums, HIIT, a Relax & Stretch session and more.

Jo, Sevan, Steph and Kash ventured into the streets of Acton, passing hidden murals and tributes to poets along the way. They covered Derwentwater Road, Stuart Road, Newburgh Road, Woodhurst Road, parts of Shakespeare Road, Spencer Road and, finally, Milton Road.

Our literary tour ended on Milton Road, where we hoped to give Paradise Lost a more cheerful ending. With the flyers delivered, all that remains is to hope that Acton residents will accept the invitation to get active at St Mary’s Church Hall on 17 October. Perhaps this time, Paradise will be found.

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.

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!).