The Haven is one of our loveliest task locations. A gate located off the end of an unassuming cul-de-sac opens out into a beautiful tranquil space with a little hobbit-style house (which we helped to roof and insulate), a dead wood hedge (which we helped to build), a handy water supply (which we helped dig a trench for) and even a little compost toilet (which -of course- we helped to site).

As the above suggests, our host Julia works hard to create interesting tasks for us and today was no exception with a second drainage channel - and some creosote application planned. However with some dark clouds and also some concerns about creosote burns we ended up shifting a rather large pile of compost and wedding raspberries instead!

After a brief rest to recover from Phil's pacey effort up the cycle path, the raspberry weeders having ascertained that 'sticks are good' soon cleared a massive space ensuring a bumper crop next summer.

The compost movers made maximum use of all three wheelbarrows to shift an enormous pile from one side to the other.

The channel diggers made excellent progress and with David's perfected turf cutting technique and Chris' ability to find a big tool had pretty much reached the end of the guide string by the time we had to pack up.

And I took some photos.

A speedy run downhill back to Mud Dock and we were withing 5 minutes of staying dry. It was not to be however and apologies to all for spending 5 minutes too long running round superfluous cones at the beginning so we all got thoroughly drenched at the end!

Thanks very much to everyone for my card and especially to Danica and Fi for the amazing cakes. I've had an amazing 18 months leading the Saturday runs but look forward to seeing all the Saturday goodness continue with the new community mission rota!