Walpole Park on Tuesday nights can get surprisingly busy. Tonight, the enthusiasts of a stroll in the park after dark were startled by the sight of bikes approaching them - only to find out that the cyclists were actually runners with powerful head torches!

One group of GoodGymers ran two loops around the park while the second, smaller one, decided on a slower, single round. Everyone eventually met near the Rickyard, where Ranger Jon had left a few shovels for the volunteers. He also gave them a task in the walled garden.

The walled garden was originally an ornamental kitchen garden to the 18th century Pitzhanger Manor House, the home of architect Sir John Soane. The practice of growing food and flowers in that part of Walpole Park continues today, and the GoodGymers were about to become a part of that tradition.

A newly built raised bed was waiting to be filled with compost delivered last week in four massive bags spread around the bed. Jon carefully positioned the bags for GoodGymers to make their work the most efficient. Did they stand up to the task?

The team picked up a range of tools they thought were worth trying in a small space they had. Annabel, who just came back to running and GoodGymming, following a recovery, picked up a good, old shovel. So did Miriam and Steph. Sevan opted for the fourth, last shovel. His movements had far more impetus, so he practically had a bag for himself as no one would dare come closer to his deadly, sweeping shovel. Helene was left with a spade which she used to fill a big bucket. Chris and Kash found using smaller buckets the most effective for their bag which was further down from the bed. When the two compost bags which were closest to the bed were empty, the third bag was moved nearer to the destination. Steph and Kash attacked the furthest source of compost with shovels and a wheelbarrow.

The GoodGymers had so much fun that they were surprised to see how quickly they filled the raised bed to the required level. They packed up the three now empty bags and tools to return them to the storage at the Rickyard. Hopefully, Ranger Jon will be happy to see the compost getting comfy in its new bed tomorrow!

Our next task for Ealing Parks is next week - at Elthorne Park. Sign up now!

After the earlier downpour, 5 GoodGymers met at Bodyline Studio for their group run to help HANGOT in Elthorne Park. They welcomed Ijo on her first group run, as well as Christos and Helene rejoining us after shorter breaks. In Hanwell, Bryon made a surprise appearance and, as the group walked towards the container past a group of scouts with head torches, there was a taller scout lurking behind them who turned out to be Milly!

With the super team of 8 complete, Sevan had to open the equipment container for the first time in the dark. No pressure 😅! Luckily or skillfully, he managed to open it to find only 3 wheelbarrows, which was a bit disappointing. The wheelbarrows, shovels and rakes were grabbed and a long, muddy walk to Osterley Lock began.

The team split between wood chip shovellers, barrowers and rakers. The wheelbarrows had to cross a bridge to get to the orchard which had a giant puddle on the far side. Different techniques were tried to keep shoes clean, but they mostly ended up wet and muddy by the end.

Madhan took charge of the shovelling station, Steph Ducat led the department of transport and Bryon directed incoming wheelbarrows towards the trees in need, helping Ijo with smoothing the mulch around the base of the trees. Apple, cherry, plum trees and more that we couldn't identify were given a thick layer of mulch, helping to keep them healthy through the spring.

Sanding at the theatre Branded a volunteer What will they say Monday at work?

Someday, when the toilets are painted Somehow, someway, our two worlds will be one

I sit, I wonder whyyyyy… Oh why you left the walls so smooth Oh, GoodGym, baby