It was a clear, crisp evening at Chiswick allotment and burial ground last night. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, the Autumn sky was lit with stars, and the cemetery next door was peaceful. All that could be heard was the odd hoot of an owl, a train sounding its horn somewhere in the distance, the wheels of a bike splashing through a puddle. But wait, what was that....?

Rock and Soil

That was the incomparable sound of GoodGym Hounslow arriving for their task for the evening! Soon the air was filled with music, from the Beatles to musical theatre, to London pub songs and everything in between.

Goodgym's got talent

We met with Kourosh, the head of the allotments, who set us to work quickly with loppers, forks and spades. Our task was to continue to clear the wall of ivy and dig out the space in front of it so that it could be used for planting. So with the scent of cherry woodchip in the air making us dream of cake and other delicious things, we got to work.

Wall of sound

The wall at the entrance to allotment was pretty much covered but before long we were pulling away the growth to reveal the beautiful brickwork underneath. Meanwhile the diggers were doing a sterling job of clearing the area of grass and weeds and creating piles for the rest of us to transport. All the time we were serenaded by Lucy's dulcet tones, and thinking of requests. We also cheered on all the racers from the weekend, with Florian, Eloise, Michelle and Matt all smashing that elusive 10 mile distance!

Short circuits

Job done, we just had time for a photo before rushing back to Turnham Green for fitness. With eight different stations it was a circuit themed session of squats, fast feet, tricep dips and the beautifully executed bunny hops. Great work everybody!

On Sunday don't forget we have a mission to help clear Baron's ponds, and next Wednesday we're back to finish the sanding and painting of benches at Strand on the Green - see you there!