So, we cancelled Beatles night because of rain and lack of Islington's biggest Beatle fan being injured. We should have it next week!

Rain melted half the people that were due to turn up last night, and the 15 hardcore that did come were rewarded with no rain and a nice mild evening.

We welcomed first timers Ruaridh and Deborah, cheered Aidan for his new Half Marathon PB and Caroline for doing a half with only two days' notice and started the night with a competition.

Kike had lovingly scattered cones all over and the challenge was simply for each GoodGymmer to run and collect as many as possible. Kirsty managed five and was rewarded with starting the headcount. Quality prizes here in Islington.

Two tasks as usual this evening. With Aidan leading a group of five over to St. Luke's. Here is his account:

5 Goodgymers ventured to St Luke's this week. They had been kind enough to organise an indoor task so we could avoid the rain. We had 5 Christmas trees to put up to bring the festive spirits to the centre. 'Tis the season and we were more than happy to be helpful elves.

Sadly the Grinch had been around and hidden some of the bases for the trees. But we would not let the Grinch take away our Christmas spirit, we built what we could and then we all let out a sigh of relief as the caretaker discovered the Grinch's hiding place! Trees completed. Christmas saved.

We still had time to spare so bared the rain and tackled the outdoor task. We've had an ongoing task with St Luke's; we've emptied the shed, we've move the shed (yes we are that strong) and now we were filling it!

Loooots of bags of compost needed to go inside. With Frances offering moral support/hiding in the shed the rest of us got the job done. Okay I'm joking she did help...a bit. All done at St Luke's, Steve led us back on a detoured route avoiding Upper Street and meandering through the New River Walk. Beautiful. 'Til next time!

Aidan

And the rest of us went to Whittington Park Community Association to clean some windows. We got a lot done as well, including their lounge (inside and out), the stairwell (flithy) and the Upper Hocking Hall where a Hula Hoop class had just taken place.

While working we worked out who preferred tea and who preferred coffee. We think tea just won. Kike has a mix of tea, coffee and herbal tea throughout the day, but stays away from Mocha. You see, it's worth investigating people's liquid lives. You never know what you will find out.

With the place looking sparkly we headed home and en route played secret surges, did a little technical drill on the Emirates Stadium stairs to help discover the connection between arms and legs (hippy coaching, man), and had a couple of hill blasts for good measure. We even attracted the attention of an ex-sprinter who kindly provided starter duties for us.

A little stretch, a few cookies and some of us went to the pub (now a weekly thing!)

Lovely evening and we didn't even get wet.

Next week we are getting very festive with a trip to Caxton House to make some paper lanterns and another small group is back at St. Luke's. Ooooooh.

See you there,
Simon