It was hot, hot, hot in Chiswick last night and we had the perfect opportunity to see what all that good sunshine has been doing to the massive expanse of flowers, fruit and vegetables at Chiswick allotments.

Half of us met at the Town Hall to run over together, while the rest of the group met Jo and Fran at the task location. They unlocked the gate to let us in and we were suddenly in the middle of an oasis of giant sunflowers, apple trees heavy with fruit, vines hanging with purple grapes and ripening produce as far as the eye could see...

The allotment's autumn show is this weekend, a chance for the community to see all the amazing work the holders have been doing, and the organisers needed a hand to make sure the place was looking its best. So we divided up into two teams. The weeding group were led around the corner of the main hut to get stuck into a very overgrown section, while the second group went with Jo to lend a hand at the Wild Chiswick plot. Their job involved digging a pathway and trying not to fall in the pond.

After a good stint we had made progress - pathway pretty much created and weeds eliminated. Great work everybody. Given that we were running slightly late and that it was practically tropical weather, the fitness session was postponed until next week in favour of a gentle run back to base and ice cream.

Next week we're going to be back at a local school plus fitness - you know what's coming, team!