It was one of those odd days in Bath, when things are a little different. Missing were the bleached jeans and t-shirts of modern times, replaced by Empire waist gowns, breeches and top hats. Turns out, it is approaching Jane Austen's 250th birthday. So as much as Bath celebrates its connection with Jane Austen everyday, this year it's Celebrating with a big C.

Sydney gardens, I was informed today, is not far from where Jane lived; doubtless she would have frequented this pleasure garden aplenty in her time.

For the GoodGym gang that arrived today though, it was the usual red GoodGym T-Shirts and suitable clothing for gardening. Cosmo, Tanya, Bennath and Meyrick helped our Friends of Sydney Gardens with clearing the area around the ruins of the old outside dining room. We'd cleared this earlier in the year for a visit by the Mayor, but it had grown again, all our work undone by nature's persistence.

It's getting cooler now we leave summer behind though, so with any luck it won't grow back too much before spring.

Also finished moving the last of the sand up to the play park, so there was a sense of completion in today's work.

Once again it was a privilege to marshal for the junior parkrun at Odd Down in Bath. Handing out high fives to the young runners who pounded the cycle circuit full of enthusiasm, determination and pride.

The 2k route is quite a challenge to small legs but this lot aren’t quitters. Neither was GoodGym Bath’s Tanya who not only made her way up the hill to lend a hand but then headed into town for a yoga session. Exhausting.

83 children took part this week - many of them with parents in tow. I suspect there will be even more next month when the holidays are over.

We’re back at Odd Down Sports Ground in October - GoodGym has four spaces for marshals. Why not join us?

Still continuing to be a wonderful summer, strawberries might differ in that opinion though, but it's warm and sunny still, was it was on Tuesday evening at St John's Court. Four GoodGymmers assembled to help the guys at this retirement/care home with whatever we can lend our hand to. Tanya Tanya, Emily Emily, Kam Kam and Meyrick Meyrick arrived promptly and were tasked with improving the garden beds at the main entrance.

We made ridiculously quick work of this, even by our standards, and pretty soon all the weeds were cleared and the lovely planters were re-planted with new flowers. We even named them Huey, Duey and Luey and Andy, Pandy and Sandy - may they live long and prosper.

All done, we all head of to watch the Lionesses win their game against Italy on their way to the final. What a great time to be alive!