Volunteered at Hackney Night Shelter

It is a little pet hate, these hard heavy canisters rolling about on pavement & streets.

I do (too regularly) spot the odd one around Hackney, not often 9 in one go though. Yes the blue bag contains another 5.

Now safely removed and dropped in the scrap metal bin. Besides sorting a safety issue, a workout as well carrying these things.

"It should be a fairly straightforward job as it's just to attach it back using the string and hooks."

Another classic where the tin didn't really describe the challenge presented to us this evening, albeit it was a very heavy mirror that most definitely required two of us on the job, and a fair bit of practical problem solving on how best to get the mirror hanging properly, safely and (most importantly to Ms F), straight and level on her wall. After a few tries, and straightening of hooks, we had it back in place and with a few gentle nudges, hanging straight once again - Ms F was delighted, as were we - so much so we then retired to the pub afterwards to celebrate our efforts.

Run director Rue seemingly had almost everything perfectly under control at about 0850 this morning (tokens aside...ahem), and as we discussed between us all where to deploy our helpful volunteer team, including GoodGymmers Hilary, Nick and Kitty (on her GG debut!), around the course, a mass of little people seemed to arrive from all directions and we momentarily when into slight chaos mode as it suddenly felt like we were in the school dining hall and fielding questions from all directions!

However, like all the great masterpieces, once he'd picked up the baton to conduct today's proceedings everything seemingly fell back into place, and any fracture lines were quickly covered over as if it was all intended. One of our newest volunteers, Evie, led today's warmup, which certainly got both participants and onlookers hearts racing...and then it was 3-2-1 go.

38 enthusiastic runners took on the the slightly muddy 2 laps today, including 6 first timers, and our first runner home was crossing the line in a very impressive 8:17, with another 7 posting PBs - excellent work by all concerned, and thank you as always to all of today's volunteers.

See you next week under the big tree for more fun at the Fields.

Today I had the good fortune to visit a resident of Hackney and jump into the role of excavator first class .... A number of sapling roots have been removed as well as the odd Bramble here and there. Such a nice person and always pleased to see me, there is an abundance of coffee and sweet biscuits to be polished off too.

What a great way to spend the afternoon. Magic.

Two GoodGymmers took put in quick shift clearing Christmas Trees from the streets of Hackney, now that Twenty Night has passed.

A quick scout of the area around Hackney Downs, and 6 Christmas trees were shifted to the collection point.

Thank you Sooz for organising.