Three Goodgym runners met at the house of Mrs S to take on the weeding of her extensive vegetable patch.

Some initial concern was expressed when it appeared that a basic level of plant/weed discrimination might be required but fortunately it turned out that Mrs S wanted pretty much everything removed apart from a few berry bushes and some potato plants. This kind of wholesale clearance made for a far more satisfying afternoon.

The harmless looking 'weeds' (Oxford English Dictionary: - "green vegetation lacking in berry or potato") turned out to have quite extensive roots, so it was lucky that we had an arsenal of garden tools - fork, spade, shovel, backscratcher thingy and a presumed hoe with a loose head. With these deployed we quickly filled green bag after green bag before shuttling it all into the green bin (sadly too big to get through the passageway into the garden).

At one stage an unfortunate classification lapse led to a potato temporarily seeing the light of day but it was quickly replaced and suffered no long term harm.

While we were working the conversation covered topics far and wide. Apparently being stranded in the Caspian sea isn't always as glamorous as it sounds, and it turns out that one of us has done extensive research into the best value lunchtime meal deal. Obviously the winner can't be named here but I'm sure he would be happy to reveal all next time you're in Islington.

After a couple of hours it was time to leave but we had succeeded in clearing a large area which Mrs S plans to use for some new veg and flower planting

(No potatoes were harmed as a result of this task. We even spared a small holly bush .. just in case.)

MRS S HAS REQUESTED A RETURN MISSION ON 3RD SEPTEMBER AT 10.30AM SO KEEP YOUR "EYES PEELED" FOR SPUDDY HOLLY THE SEQUAL!