The happening headline said "back to the Peepul Centre for more weeding and litter picking" but our taskmaster Coro hadnt read the script. She didnt know we used headtorches "Its kinda dark out there so you guys are inside tonight right"....Result!!! We'd have been more than happy to litter pick under our lights but the opportunity of a nice indoor task at this time of year was a real bonus.

Having met at a slightly earlier time at our usual base we set off for probably the last time this year along the canal. Not 50 meters from the off and we bumped into newbie Chris - who later showed us a nice turn of pace - He and Jeanette led off the front and Mel and I brought up the rear.

As the light faded on us there was an impromptu stop for a minor medical emergency. Michaela had attempted to demonstrate her best canalside forward roll only to find that some rotten so and so and put gravel on the path! Unfortunately in the palm v gravel battle the latter won and the first aid kit had to be deployed for a bit of TLC. It was only after we had used a full vial of saline eye wash on the wound that I discovered the wound wipes - doh! Obviously I had a man look.

So, back to the task.... we were presented with a shopping trolley full of painting gubbins and directed to a large outer staircase wall in need of a coat of emulsion. The only problem was it was covered in little sticky tags that could only be described as "industrial strength". Removal of said tags was the first challenge. Nicola was heard to say "I think I am going to get some of these to hang my shelves up" The irony is, when I want to, I can never find anything that sticks that well, but tie a rope to these and you could have moored the Titanic. Mel and Jen suggested "lets just paint over them!!" but I put my foot down... if a jobs worth doing etc. A few scrapers and a bit of brute force and the klingons had gone and we were ready for painting.

With any decorating job its as much about what you dont do thats important - and you dont make a mess!! As a self employed handyman who takes great pride in his work I was immensely proud of the neatness of our work tonight. Great care was taken to get neat edges and everyone managed NOT to step in a roller tray full of emulsion.

Limited by time and height we could only do half of the wall but it was quite obvious as to how much of a difference we had made, once again Coro was impressed and thanked us warmly for our efforts.

A quick photo under the Peepul Centre banner and it was off into the night air for some intervals - 20 seconds sprints with a jog recovery - times five. The aforementioned Chris showed us all a clean pair of heels and having been set a little challenge by the trainer for the last rep almost ran out of track.

All energised it was a fairly brisk run back through town, again led by Chris and Jeanette. 5k distance as near as dammit, probably a bit more with the sprints.

More painting next week so tonight was a good practice - see you there.