Just who is Dr Beckmann!?

This was the question filling my mind as I travelled home from yesterday evening's wonderful GoodGym evening.

I have not slept. I have exhausted my coffee supplies. But my research (via Google) is complete and I am pleased to present my findings:

1. I am not sure Dr Beckmann is a real doctor.
2. Their website is mainly composed of stock images of people looking amazed whilst pointing at cleaning products.
3. I am not sure whether Dr Beckmann ever actually existed.
4. The amazed-point-and-smile look is exactly the same as the look that glazed the faces of every GoodGymer who used the Dr Beckmann carpet cleaner yesterday.

I do not know what to do with these findings. But I have ordered 17 bottles of carpet cleaner.

Anyway! Onto yesterday evening!

A wonderful group in red (Caitlin, Chalomi, Ivo, Jacob, Lici, and Steve) met on the bridge by Barbican Station in evening sun, and we swiftly started catching up and made our running journey through the city, past Brick Lane, and over to Whitechapel. On arrival at the Brady Arts and Community Centre, we were met by the brilliant Emily and Giulia, and we ascended the two flights to our destination for the evening!

Since March, we've been redecorating a previously under used volunteer room at the Brady for the truly fab charity, Social Action for Health. I've included a few photos of how the room used to be! Over 10+ week-night and weekend sessions, we've removed brackets, learnt how to use polyfilla, sanded, painted undercoat, painted first coat, painted second coat, and last night, we were there to hang pictures, scrape paint spatters, and clean carpets.

Over 50 minutes, this awesome group brought new life to the carpets (they look great), blitzed paint from the tables and bookcases, and hung 5 pictures and 1 noticeboard, all of which make this room feel finished, fresh, and ready to use.

I am overjoyed at how amazing the room looks - and I know how grateful the whole Social Action team are - this simply wouldn't have happened without your time and energy :)

And a special mention to the wonderful Lici, who has been part of GoodGym since August 2016 when she moved to London with her family, and who will now shortly be embarking on another adventure back to Sydney. You are a joy to know, Lici, and your family and friends in Sydney will be so very lucky to have you closer again. We're looking forward to feeling jealous of your sun-soaked Aussie photos!! Please stay in touch!!

"Ashdown Crescent, you say?"

"That's right, Ashdown Crescent"

"Ashdown Crescent, neighbour to Queen's Crescent?"

"Oh yes that's the one, Ashdown Crescent right by Queen's Crescent"

"Mmmmm I think I have indeed passed that crescent, the Ashdown Crescent, the one by the Queen's Crescent!"

"Oh yes I should think you have! We all know Ashdown Crescent, the crescent next to the Queen's Crescent"

Which, fellow friends, has been the dialogue in my brain ever since 'Ashdown Crescent' entered my ears. Was this really a real place? Had my life finally become irreparably conjoined with Jane Austen's? Was I actually featuring in an episode of Downton Abbey?

RIGHT - ENOUGH OF THIS SILLINESS - I HAVE AN EVENING OF GOOD DEEDING TO TELL YOU ABOUT!

Nine of us - nine of us without (unless appropriate evidence is forthcoming) regal connections - battled the evening's business to make our ways to this special sheltered housing complex just to the West of Kentish Town. Home to 35 local residents, Ashdown supports independent living and community in a hidden pocket of green just off the main thoroughfare.

Our wonderful group of Alex, Caitlin, Dan, Emilie, Emre, Giulia (on their first good deed - you're very welcome!), Sarah, and Steve mirrored a crack team of altruistic gardening experts. Having been warmly welcomed by Frezghi and Paul, this group needed little more than a blink to divide themselves into productivity.

Alex and Giulia got straight to pruning and weeding an overlooked section of walled garden - Caitlin, Dan, and Emre honed in on the middle bank of the garden, pulling weeds and re-composting - Emilie and Sarah started an evening-long battle with two compost drums in need of emptying and refreshing - and Steve got to work with the largest broom I have ever seen on a GoodGym task.

Over 45 minutes, this group made a material and visible difference, and I know the residents at Ashdown will be grateful! We'll certainly be back this summer to do even more :)

Thank you, all, for your work and energy - it was a joy to see you all!!