We arrived this morning ready to celebrate Run Director Sooz's birthday (for which she thoughtfully provided bags full of mini doughnuts for both runners, coaches and volunteers alike!), and discovered one of our first timers was also celebrating her birthday (decency means that we won't of course divulge the age difference between today's two birthday girls...).

With Marek donning the orange high viz with fox tail to act as today's back marker, Rue on timing duty at the finish funnel, Nick at his familiar spot at turn 1, and Sooz successfully corralling a few parents/visitors to wear the fluorescent yellow, we were soon ready for parkrun #334 under blue skies and bright sunshine.

3 first timers joined us at the Fields this morning out of a total of 14 runners (plus a few of their very keen and speedy coaches), and with some impressive finishing sprints down the home straight, much fun was had by all in what were perfect conditions.

See you next week under the big tree for #335.

Ms D explained that she's got a bit bored with her usual menu, so a few new items on this week's list such that she can try her hand at one or two Jamie Oliver recipes. A successful visit to previously unvisited sections of aisles in the hunt for chicken livers, bacon and the right potatoes for mashing, before reverting to the more familiar list of regular items to fill the basket.

Upon my arrival this afternoon, Ms F's first question was how long I could stay for, and once I'd answered that we were soon hard at work. First task was to move a sofa, armchair, gate leg table, lamps, frames and various other items around her living room so she could hoover the carpet under each of these. Fortunately there was just about enough room to move the items to reveal the dusty carpet underneath!

Next task was to then have a look at why her hallway uplighters weren't working - a quick climb up a small step ladder and the culprit was clear...no bulbs. Ms F had an impressive collection of bulbs in her under stair cupboard and after a bit of pick and mix, I found two that were of the correct wattage and (most importantly) worked when switched on.

Part 3 was to then then trim a small flowering tree that was in her back patio - I asked her to explain exactly what she needed doing just so I didn't randomly trim away more than she'd intended, and once that was clear I got to work with a pretty decent pair of shears to give it a good haircut.

With that complete, Ms F was kind enough to offer me a very welcome cup of tea, and so we sat on the patio in the afternoon sunshine in the shadow of her now tidied up orange berried rowan tree, and put the world to right.

We made out way to see Ange at Hackney Marshes after double checking she would be there after missing her last time.

They had a delivery of some very long poles which had a mixture of letters on or had been left blank.

Ange told us about the up coming building projects to replace so of the well loved equipment.

With clear instructions of where each pole need to go Adam Paul Nick and Kevin got to work on moving the poles.

I had an extended catch up with Ange who took me to see the project the older children are building with a local group,they have designed and are now helping to build a climbing tunnel and jump platform.....sadly not as high a s the children wanted it to be but Ange has to follow H&S law.

The guys did an amazing job and meant lots of poles ready for the children to paint.

Next week its a visit to Emmanuel Church and this time we will actually get started on the flower bed

Event #333 at the Fields this morning, and a welcome influx of first timers (and their coaches) who were keen to join the little gang of regulars and circumnavigate the 2 laps. Initially it seemed we were lacking enough marshals to stand at the yellow masts located around the course, but run director Mas managed to press gang a few likely souls into donning the high viz, and we were soon ready to cross the line.

Marek was on double (watch) duties, with responsibility for both timekeeping and finish tokens, and Nick was at his familiar spot on turn 1. 22 hardy souls made it round the track this morning, with (at least) 7 first timers (along with a few unknowns), and 2 PBs. Another great start to a sunny Sunday.

A return visit to Mr F's on a sunny Friday afternoon to mow his lawn and tidy up the borders - the lack of rain had meant the grass hadn't grown too long since my last visit, but the greenery in the borders had definitely taken advantage of the growing conditions, so it was as much a case of plucking as it was trimming with the mower. Mr F was impressed with my handiwork, and asked for a repeat visit in a month's time.