Having survived the heat of the Hackney Half, and not to be put off by the unpredictable showers yesterday, five GoodGymers arrived by foot and bike from various parts of inner North London to Hackney City Farm - home not only to horses, sheep and goats, but young ducklings, a robin, spiders and worms.

We began by clearing rotting wood from an area, and sorting a pile of bricks into "good bricks" which can be re-used, and those beyond redemption. Jennifer was particularly useful here as her father had bricklaying experience while a student.

Christopher, Elena and John also planted tomatoes in the greenhouse, positioning them so as to encourage their climb up various strings and sticks.

Inevitably, there was also shovelling work - a good workout. A scraggy patch of ground was transformed into a firm bed of earth, achieved by dancing on it (Alison) and bashing it with a spade (John),

All made it back under their own steam, at least as far as the Angel, apart from one tired participant (me) who headed for the nearest bus stop.