A biblical battering of rain began just before the start of our session. I quietly expected everyone to cancel... I will never doubt you fine, hardened folk again. I couldn't conceive of a fresh Random Weekly Question on route, perhaps due to directing all focus on pushing forth into driving heavy rain, perhaps not. We did discuss favourite biscuits, a recycled golden oldie. Choc digestives for our returning mate, Lil. Custard Creams for Matt and Shaz. Oreos for our returning-to-regular-runner, Charlotte, though she now goes by Char. Ginger biscuits for Gualti and Bourbons for me, fun fact - I used to dip these in apple juice as a kid, oh that sweet sugary rush. Lemon Puffs, this week's undisputed winner for being so very niche, Kev's a hipster and he doesn't even know it.

Over to Abbey Gardens we went, skipping puddles unsuccessfully and stoically chatting away, as the weather tried to beat us into submission. Alice and Hils were awaiting us, we got given the instructions and off we went. Excavating one of the beds; shovelling the heavy saturated clay soil out and 'carefully' ripping apart the bed frame. It was hard work, wheelbarrows were filled, shovels were dug in tirelessly, heavy loads were transported precariously and huge rotted wooden frames were snapped innovatively. A roaring success; turning horrific conditions into an incredibly productive - and I'd go as far to say, fun - evening. There's an undeniable and unspoken bonding that occurs on those character building days, unique to those people at that time and place. You my friends, smashed it.

Next week, we dash off down the canal to Cody Dock, sign up 'ere

Till then,

B