Hilary led tonights and after weekly briefing it was random weekly question time we are truly global group...Canada,Spain,Netherlands,Australia,England and Wales....sorry to those I missed. We headed along the greenway,lots of cyclists and runners out tonight. Hilary took the lead with Kevin and I making sure nobody was left behind. Richard and Bernadette who are part of the Bart volunteers coordination team met us and let us know the task for the evening. We split into two teams and headed to the two of the hospitals tranquility gardens which needed weeding,dead plants removing,shrubs cutting back and sweeping up. Time does go so quick when your busy and in no time we had several bags of dead plants and leaves cleared. Some final photos and off we went and of course now its September that sun had disappeared and we headed back down a darker greenway,head torch season is here. Some top quality streches to finish the session before heading inside for quick oj and lemonade to finish of the evening.

Just awaiting confirmation of next weeks task,see website for details later in the week.

The start of a new era at GoodGym Newham with our first group run as a community led group.

Paige joined us for her first group run which was excellently led from the Print House by Hilary following completing her fitness leader training.

We have retained the random weekly question and this week was ' favourite weekend activities ' answers included trip to seaside,city breaks,cinema,brunch,being out in nature and Im sure some you can guess who gave these replies paintball and parkrun.

A gentle evening run to Emmauel Church where we meet Sybil and some of the parish leadership team.

Planting was the job of the evening,some of the plants had seen better days but looked better after a good water and we are sure Sybil will look after them.

As usual refreshments had been provided by the Sybil some fruit and ice lollies.....a welcome cool down before we headed off into the setting sun.

Next week we are heading to Newham Hospital to help tidy their Globe garden

Swansong session yesterday, with a tremendous turnout of some of my favourite people, a lovely conclusion to a job that gave me so much.

It transpired that I've run out of Random Weekly Questions, trying to refrain from a deeper enquiry about change or anything of the tear-jerking variety, hence I was blank; so we rolled a positive and somewhat sentimental question: "Favourite GoodGym organisation ?" Turns out there were loads, no clear winner, an indication of how broad our church is and how many remarkable local projects there are.

I then proceeded to say a few words, delving into what GoodGym has given me. For those who know me know that discussing and interrogating my emotions isn't what I consider a night out, I'm a huge advocate for the dated practice of bottling things up, but the occasion was worthy.

To reiterate what I may have mumbled, I'm mostly grateful for the lifelong friendships, enforced by the experiences of volunteering, running, British weather, travelling, racing and drinking. With a special nod to a lovely couple, whose relationship was forged by a series of Wednesday evening connections. Proud, for the impact we have had on the locality, the number of messages I get saying "how amazing your volunteers are". Equally, proud for the transformational change many of you have undergone through running. Loss, because I will miss you all. But I always end with this positive feeling; I think because it's now left in a very capable set of hands; arise Task Force.

Amongst this milestone, we did actually do some good yesterday, in the form of my least favourite task, flyering. The morale was high, so it was hit easily absorbed. With the return of some long-serving sisters, Mel and Ruth (and later Charlotte), it felt like 2019 again, what a treat to see you, appreciate the effort to come. With big numbers comes big effect, and we managed to get our flyering done in no time, leaving many moments to loiter and talk curb-side.

With the realisation I can't summarise nor do justice to my thoughts on my tenure, I'll wrap this up now. But not after a huge thanks to my lovely photo-book compilation.

It's not bye, but see you later.

Till next time,

B

Good squad out again yesterday, with Rebecca back from over the pond, Ryan making a special gust appearance for a hatrick of Princes and the newly engaged Dimple getting stuck into some celebratory landscaping. Nice.

But first, for those who made it to the Print House, we were presented with an RWQ of much scope; "What's the most anticlimactic or over-billed thing?" New Years Eve (no one's disagreeing with that), Taylor Swift (some might disagree with this), a Paint Ball competitor (niche info win), McDonalds (my answer was anticlimactic in itself), Endinburgh Xmas Fare (plausible) and this weeks winner...Art (all of it, but with a nod to new stuff).

Our numbers increased at Abbey Gardens, where we met the supple trio who had just done some yoga on site. Fully limbered up to work on levelling the ground for the greenhouse, laying the timbers and stones, clearing the weeds, and sorting the dead hedge. It also included a date with an unpredictable and stiff sink that we had to wedge in and out of position with a well-synchronised display of muscle. All in an eve's work for East London's premier do-good and get-fit outfit.

Next week we whip down the Romford to assist Super Sybil with the gardens (probably), she's upset we weren't there last week as we had some crossed wires, so get me out of trouble with a big number showing of GG grunt please. Sign up here

Till next week,

B

Wednesday tonic in the shape of a sunny jog and swing in the playground with your mates. But first, we spoke about "your favourite tv game-shows?" Certainly tickled my memory, with some old faves; Wheel of Fortune and Get Your Own Back. One in Fifteen was a new one to me, bit more cerebral, and The Incredible Games, bit niche. This week's winner has got to be Takeshi's Castle. Absolutely rigged carnage.

At the playground it was a classic wood-chip shifting slot, to soften the area surrounding the zip-wire swing. Tens of wheel-barrows full of organic matter were scattered on the area, an unmissable aroma of evergreen scent wafting through the evening air. We did such a good job that we were allowed to have a go on the swing, with a newly padded safety zone below we were invincible. Although, Chris came close to piling into a wooden beam, a risk worth taking.

Next week I'm trying to line up Abbey Gardens, followed by Emanuel Church, plus the folks at Newham Hospital are desperate for a hand too. Will load up and share.

Have a glorious weekend sipping cold-drinks under the sun, our one weekend of summer is incoming, no complaints, eh?!

Till next week,

B