Sun's out guns out, and all that. No traditional gun-show type folk with arms like WMD's, but we had plenty of firepower to assist the good folk at The Up Garden. Four of us discussed "your favourite sport's book or film?" I kicked off with The Best There Never Was, a book that unravels a complex story about politics, history and the human condition. The Challenger is a new highly recommended tennis film, by Rebecca...and Brad, must be good. We also had the superb Michael Jordan series, plus the Barkley Marathon documentary, which was recently completed for the first time by a woman, the force that is Jasmin Paris.

A hot jog to the task, we covered the eurovision song contest, Trump hush-money and Get Out leaving their Bow residence. Kieran is keen for a social send off, make note. National telly regulars and RHS winners greeted us, as we returned back to the vibrant gardens for the first time in light this year, looking magnificent, I'm sure you agree. With Dan, Kev, Shaz and Matt working on the herb garden clearance, the rest of us went and cleared the second zone. Armed with forks and a hotly sought after rotator, we cleared a small zone ready for a sand pit.

Was a good gentle workout in the evening sun, everyone completed their tasks, to Catherine and Suze's approval. I've just had a message re The Pride event their hosting, they're keen for help, will list that when we have details. Nice one for the salty goods Dan, nice to mix up the post session snacks, as long as no one brings a soup or something next time. We all wish you the trip of a lifetime, you'll be missed, be well.

Next week, we help the folk at Emanuel Church, sign up here

This week's RWQ could've been gone either way, but as it happens, it nose-dived into a fast-flowing mountain river, strewn with jagged rocks. I mean "what's your favourite pair of shoes ever?" isn't that inspired, but I know strange people that could've talked about their best running shoes, for like an hour. I know too many runners. Anyway, we still had some solid responses; old converses, NFL shoes, vegetarian shoes, track racing spikes, some fluffy slippers and a pair of swanky boots.

We completed a couple of types of post related jobs at the Get Out Garden. Dismantling and decanting a com-post-er, and supporting posts to divide the garden. Like a postman, you guys delivered the goods. We cleared the old structure of palettes and dropped the compost onto some beds, while discussing insects, jobs, and comedy. Kev and Hils, ably knocked in some posts with no tools but enough ingenuity to make it happen.

And Kev, before i forget, cloud seeding; releasing of silver iodide into the atmosphere, which has a similar structure to ice, hence attracts it, and forms rain.

Next week, it's Hackney Adventure Playground. Sign up here.

Have a corking weekend, some LM spectating perhaps.

Till next week,

B

Finally we got some evening light back, as Rebecca noted, whilst realising she'd never seen us under the harsh reality of daylight. We spoke about our most watched film; Flash Gordon, A Bridge Too Far, Lion King, Die Hard (2?), Lord of The Rings and Home Alone but to mention a few.

Somewhat of a smellier Greenway trip than normal, as works were being carried out, we arrived at Abbey Gardens before our leader, Xuan. In the meantime we opened a lock, found a key, opened another lock, and then took out some tools for our task, Crystal Maze style. Hils and Matt launched into some heavy duty compost turning work, Brad and I worked on some easy weeding and conversation, whilst the others cleared a few beds of weeds. A surprise cameo from Rosa, was a nice treat to see her at a session. We also ate some rather strong and punchy cress, which is where the random title comes from, if you had wondered.

Next week we hit up Cody Dock again, but following on from news of a finger being bitten off, by an old GoodGym runner nonetheless, please apply caution when flyering. It was an absolute freak accident, but no harm being extra cautious.

Sign up here

ps. Huge congrats to Matt, he's expecting a little person in August! pps. Good luck Rebecca on your HM, enjoy the challenge.

Till next week

B

Over to Hackney Adventure Playground, been a while since I said that. A huge hearty welcome to Alice for her first session in Newham, slotting seamlessly into the task, hope you enjoyed it. Our old pal Chris is back in Stratford too, after a few years away it was great to have the man back. We broached the topic of guilt once more, this time in a musical sense. Whilst some of you claimed to have no guilt re music, you understood the assignment nonetheless; Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, S-Club 7, Lil Wayne, Peter Andre and Dolly Parton all providing us some auditory pleasure, but at what social cost?!

Rambling over we jooged through the QEOP and down the canal towards the playground and a well overdue reunion with Ange. She explained how Sport England money is supposed to be paying for a new ground, ten years in the making. Our job was to clear some materials Ange had hoarded for future use (makes you rethink how bad it is keeping that sentimental mug ). Namely these huge wooden poles and fire doors, these things had serious mass, we needed the full GoodGym gun-show yesterday to make it happen. There's no doubt you've made a very useful difference to a marvelous local service, for that I salute you.

Next week we head to Park Village Oasis, sign up here. We're going to finish blitzing a tiny green area to prepare it for some fruit trees.

Till then,

B

The mercury dropped, but technical layers were added and the folks of Stratford marched on. We discussed "favourite non-profane insults" and got some good ones: idiot, weasel, numpty and this week's winner...you big wet lettuce.

We arrived at Cody Dock in groups, greeted by the effervescent , Basia. She led us to the toilets, strangely, or not so strangely for those of you that recall last year being awkwardly walked into a portaloo, which in a turn of events was a secret door to a hidden party, I shit you not (pun intended). This week, that didn't happen, but it was warmer, so there's that. We did 'touch-up' the toilets; the walls, ceilings and benches in particular. We discussed Petra, the history of violence in the middle east, mist coats, Joey Barton's enjoyable implosion and 30 year wedding anniversaries, amongst other things.

I personally had a very pleasant wednesday evening, hope you did too. I'll pass on the barcode that Basia sent to sign up for their party on Feb 9th, I'll see you there.

Next week, we're at Get Out, sign up here.

Till then,

B