When Jen and I both received texts from Rachel telling us it we just just the two of us, were we going to bail? Never a chance.

Tom’s unfortunate foot injury (achieved by supporting his partner running The New Forest marathon so zealously that he ended up running most of it himself too) meant there was no run before work commenced. But a mixture of bike and bus got us there. Jen had already hit the gym this morning so absence of the run was probably for the best.

The session flew by, largely thanks to excellent conversation that ranged from the recent form and profligacy in front of goal of Hueng Min Son, to the best swimming strokes, to being in the air as news of the Queen broke.

We met our jolly host who offered us each a litter picker and a bag, and we got to work.

Both having blatantly ignored the mission description’s advice to bring a head torch, we made several knife-edge decisions on whether something was a piece of litter, or indeed a leaf. Unusual items discovered in the grounds of the Slade Centre were a clothing rail, a fur coat and a buggy.

Hugely grateful for our attendance, he even rewarded us with a bag of cooking apples. Tom obviously checked the Official GoodGym® Gift Policy tooth and nail before accepting such an extravagance.

Timing worked out just great, as our host was heading off shortly after 8. The first of the year (for me, at least) to take place largely after dark. A sign of things to come…

Thanks to Jen for being excellent company and look forward to the next one!