Madhan and Kash met early at Bodyline Studios, knowing that GoodGym Ealing is going to welcome a new member today. He materialised in no time and introduced himself as Stephane. Stephane came all the way from Hayes to our area which was the closest GoodGym to him. Soon, a runner in red appeared on the horizon. It was Sevan who was going to lead today's running group. Sevan's and Stephane's names sounded somewhat similar, so Stephane became Steph for us.

Steph, an avid runner himself (we're talking ultra distances here!), decided to join Madhan and Kash as one of the walkers. He had a race lined up the following day and didn't mind skipping the running tonight. Sevan set off for a run via an extended route and still made it first to the task.

Meanwhile, the walking group opened the Rickyard treasury in Walpole Park. Madhan, Steph and Kash borrowed 3 wheelbarrows, 4 shovels and 2 rakes. The equipment was perfect for using woodchips to cover up our tracks. It felt somewhat disappointing that we haven't set off Rickyard's alarm this time!

Emily and Mike arrived just in time to take the wheelbarrows to Lammas Park Enclosure where Trevor, who looks after the community orchard, awaited us with extra tools and barrows. He gave us a briefing about the task which was to cover the bare earth in the orchard with woodchips. The bonus assignment was to fill up the pond in the orchard and water the flower beds in the park. Milly, who felt that water was her element today, volunteered to do the bonus tasks. Claire, who arrived after the water tasks were already booked, joined the rest of the team shovelling, wheelbarrowing and raking woodchips.

The shovelling activity released hidden powers stored in the pile of woodchips. An abundance of warm, smoky steam filled the air.

It smells like toothpaste. - Madhan

We transported the aromatic ash-enriched woodchips to the orchard, rising clouds of dust when offloading them. The air was warm and dry, and the golden sun was passing through the lush greenery of Lammas Enclosure. Quite a different experience when we visited the orchard on a chilly and soggy April evening!

We concentrated on creating lovely paths in the orchard, leaving the work to woodchip under the hedges still to be finished on another day. When it was time to put away the tools, we had to do our due diligence. Because Trevor could meet us only at the beginning of the session, we had to return the wheelbarrows and tools to two nearby addresses - and Rickyard of course! Luckily, the equipment was labelled, so we didn't mix them up. Milly, Mike and Sevan strategically volunteered to return the barrows borrowed by Trevor which made their way to a pub in South Ealing much shorter. Madhan, Steph and Kash went the opposite way, to Rickyard, and joined the rest later.

It was a gorgeous evening and a real pleasure to be outdoors for a task. We look forward to more summer vibes on our future group runs!