Our new mascot is a web developer.

They're a true expert in ICT (insects - caterpillars - (and) - termites).

They have promised us they will spread the GoodGym word in apartments, flats, and houses across Camden. Apparently they can get into any building.

Whilst they are neither a vegan nor a vegetarian, they (reluctantly) respect others ways of life. Unless you are an insect, caterpillar, or termite.

We will call them Camden. Camden the Big-Fluffy-MaybeScary-Super-Spider.

Our rendezvous and meet-and-great with Camden (The Big Fluffy Spider) filled the final minutes of our time at the Caversham's Listening Space Garden, amidst a darkening and (orange) moon shaped sky.

We started in our usual haunt by the Crick this evening. Caitlin, Gosia, Jackie, Steve, and I started with chatter before attempting the count-to-25 warm-up game. We didn't quite make it to 25. This irked Camden (The Big Fluffy Spider). Every successful spider - apparently - can count to 25 (flies).

Our smaller group tracked a sun-bound evening route through Camden to the Caversham, where we were met by GG Camden regular, Sarah, and GG Camden newcomers, Alfie, Anton, and Nivia (you're very welcome, all!!)

Guided by the Caversham's brill social prescriber, Jackie, we got tucked into 40 minutes of scraping, pulling, and removing summer weeds. Heads down under our encroaching evening, we each got to know someone a little better.

Thank you, all, folks (including you, Camden) for this evening - you made a huge and visible difference to this space, which is used so much by the local community - thank you :)

Here's to next time!

Writes Charlie,

"We gathered for yet another memorable evening of volunteering at this well-known urban community garden in the heart of Bethnal Green.

What started as a routine mission to move soil and wood chips quickly turned into an unexpectedly lively and fun event—complete with record-breaking attendance, a pink-hued sunset, and the kind of teamwork that would make even the busiest ant colony jealous.

We were all hands on deck right from the off.

As soon as the shovels hit the ground, it was as though we collectively tapped into some sort of communal rhythm. A human chain formed, with everyone passing, digging, and moving soil with the efficiency and focus of, dare I say it, a swarm of ants. You could almost hear the theme music to a heist movie playing in the background. (Instead of robbing a bank, however, we were enriching the earth and helping the garden flourish).

Emma, assumed the role of our unofficial forewoman. Her managerial oversight was crucial to the operation—spurring us on from a comfortable vantage point. (We’ll pretend the regular supply of snacks and much-needed pep talks didn’t help that much).

We also welcomed a couple of new and familiar faces into the fold: Ramón, the rookie of the group, stepped into the gardening scene with admirable enthusiasm. And then there was Anton, back for his third round of soil-shoveling glory.

As the evening progressed, the sun began its slow descent, offering one of those final summer sunsets you wish you could bottle for the darker months ahead.

The sky turned a brilliant pink, casting a soft, warm light over the garden, a reward for our hard work.

Hard to say what felt better: the satisfaction of seeing the fruits of our labour come together, or the stunning sight that marked the end of the day.

And the best part? We finished everything double quick. Whether it was the accompanying breeze, our ‘swarm-of-ants’ approach, or simply the record turnout, we blitzed through what should’ve been an all-day task in less than an hour.

Of course the evening wasn’t complete until we wrapped at a pub nearby. What’s an evening’s productivity without a pint to celebrate. So a few of us found our way to local favourite, The Approach Tavern. With (garden) gloves off, dirt-free pints in hand, we toasted to an evening well spent and a garden well nurtured.

Cheers to all who came out. Here’s to the first of some fabulous Autumn evenings, both in the garden and down the pub."

Tonight's big shout-outs

• To Charlie, and Emma, powered by ChatGPT, for tonight’s splendid report.

• To Gurprit for tonight's ace pun.

Next week we're back to the Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park for our first Autumn visit!

Until then.