10 Goodgymmers were suckered into lending a hand in Wood Green for a spot of tree maintenance, getting rid of epicormic growths on the plane trees along Lymington Avenue.

Finger-watch Galore

Big up for Maddie, our newbie at this task, who bravely announced she is a professional violinist just as we handed her sharp tools that could cut through fingers. Cue, of course, an evening of very stressful finger-watching. Maddie was a pro and took it all in good spirits. And no fingers were harmed in the making of this report. Phew. You can come again, Maddie.

Blood, Sweat, and Tears

This is a task that we enjoy coming back to every year. As Summer goes on, the suckers on the plane trees in London get a bit out of hand, and we are always happy to lend a hand keeping them under control in this corner of North London. Did you know that London Plane Trees are technically known as plantain trees? No, me neither.

Anyway, while the bulk of our Goodgymmers got on with the task of giving the trees a nice haircut, Neil and Sheril were in charge of a thorough litter pick along the same route. Our litter pickers' conversation was wickedly murderous in their contents which spread through the group like wildfire. So suffice to say it was a lot of fun but probably libellous so unprintable. But it did set us right in the mood for the one bloody incident of the evening when good ol' Gramps failed to spot a very thick and dried up bramble and got a massive cut on his head. Luckily, Latoya jumped into action, got a bunch of splinters out of his noggin, and patched him up real good. Not before giving him a comprehensive telling off, mind. Eeeshka.

Just before 8pm, newbie Maddie made the mistake of saying she was still full of energy, so we all endured a few minutes of wall sits, followed by a session of Sally (iykyk). None of our Goodgymmers even put up a fight, proving that we are all indeed suckers for punishment.

All in all, a lovely evening was had, if i say so myself.

Boom

4 GoodGymers converged on Lordship to get a thorough workout hauling logs

After a brief and somewhat indecisive run from Wood Green (where will we cross Westbury Avenue ? Who knows‽ (I've only been doing this for a decade!)), we met up at Harmony Gardens.

Congratulations to Paul on smashing out a fantastic 10k last weekend. And commiserations to Paul for getting too caught up and booking in for 2 more 10ks in the next few months!

The weeding we did last time has made a big difference. And the chat started with what's fruiting at the moment. Apples, blackberries, and plums all got nibbles as we went round the Rec. No mulberries left in the park, but Mark's got some going still.

The task was hauling some giant logs ¾ the way round the Rec, and into the long grass to make a bug hotel. More bugs means more voles, which means more birds of prey! Very cool.

This was a proper work out. Sarah regretted doing a pump class at lunchtime. And your mild mannered report Dave hoofed some truly enormous bits of dead tree (by making sure he was picking the already super light rotten ones).

The insects didn't seem very grateful with their new home, as the ignored high socks and bug spray aplenty to give a good biting.

Before long 8 o'clock rolled round, and we snuck in one last barrow load, and dashed off!