Following the excitement of the pontoon restoration project and the drama of the near miss with the magnolia paint, it was a calmer affair at Cody Dock yesterday with watering being the main task for the evening. Although it’s cooled down a bit since the heat waves of August, the recent dry weather meant that the assorted vegetation around the gardens was in need of refreshment. Kiran, Graham, Phoebe, Sharon and Kevin tackled the bigger section on the east side of the dock, which includes the permaculture garden. “But what is permaculture?” everyone has been thinking, but possibly too afraid to ask… The purpose of permaculture is to allow plants to flourish as they would in the natural environment, and this means that wildflowers can spread and provide a habitat for birds, bees and other small mammals. Basically a bit of rewilding and the creation of an ecosystem that allows native species to thrive. Elsewhere, me and Rosa covered the sensory garden, the polytunnels and the dry garden (yes, this did definitely need some water, we double checked). We were pleased to hear that Cody Dock won a couple of awards in the London in Bloom campaign, recognising all their efforts with local volunteers and businesses to improve biodiversity and green space in the area, very well deserved!

The other main task was to bask in the glory of the completion of the Pochee Pontoon, which we’d worked on restoring during our visits over the last month or so. Although it was a bit dark by the time we got on to this and we were inspecting the finished pontoon from the other end of the dock, it did appear to be ‘all white’ and indeed floating as required for the Dock’s brickwork project. Basia had very kindly brought some bubbles and biscuits (we learnt that Bourbons are vegan, who knew?) to celebrate as we kept the evening chill off round a fire pit, made from the drum of a discarded washing machine (obviously).

We’re back again next Tuesday to make a start on some bench restorations and then this evening will see the continuation of the ‘Newham Hamlets’ boundary merger over at Malmesbury Primary, look forward to seeing some of you folks there.

Emergency change of task as Basia explained the gallery needed a quick refurb to get it ready for an exhibition. Filling,sanding and painting...we had it covered until we opened the paint magnolia not white. Urgent call placed and replacement paint on its way....

But as we also needed the get the pontoon completed half of us headed outside to give the pontoon and coat of paint in readiness for it to be moved next week.

Back again next week for the final coat on the second pontoon.

All white now...

Baby it’s all white now...

...the pontoon that is... Thanks to Victoria, Kiran, Hilary and Kevin Mad painting skills everyone. Next week, second coat!

• Oh my god we’re back again...

• Dave and Kiran and kevi-in...

• Si’s got a paint pot, shows you how....

• If you’ve got a question, better ask it now...

• Will it take very long?... (Yea)

• Should I paint it on?... (Yea)

• Rusty material?... (Yea)

• Paul Cornick, Hilary you better paint that pontoon now...

• Victoriiii-ia(yea)...

• Andclaudiii-ia (yea)...

• Everybody-a...

• Paint that pontoon white ...

• Vactan’s back, ALRIGHT

I must start with an apology...... sorry not great when the run leader is late......stressful day at work and a traffic jam but I knew any new faces would be in good hands with The Graham Johnson and head teacher Paul.

A slightly soggy run for Kevin and I but at least it had stopped raining.

We arrived to find the team hard at work The Graham Johnson and Lil started with a bit of gardening and wheelbarrow collecting. Paul, Alex, Isabelle and Kiran had a multitude of tools to help demolish the final parts of the decking which was the transported by trolley to the recycling area.

As we know many hands make light work and we not only managed to remove the deck but even removed the soil and rubbish from underneath....which is one less job for site supervisor Andy to do when he returns from his holidays.

I am always amazed how things have changed at Manorfield since we started running to help nearly 4 years ago and it is always a pleasure to hear Paul telling any new runners who come to Manorfield about the changes and show them the new nursery we helped fund raise for when we ran The Big Half in 2018......when you seeBrahma ask him how he added colour to the event.

I wonder what Paul will have planned for us next week. Come and join us https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/summer-holiday-help-at-manorfield-primary-school-20ea1927-4550-4fd4-a5a2-3bd4d3af96c3