Nearly half way through December, so an injection of sparky Goodgym energy was called for, to keep the compost heaps of Hoxton Trust Community Garden, well, moving and grooving. Think: keeping the oxygen circulating in style, minus any inferno, which did inspire the 1976 disco classic from The Trammps, apparently.

Stepping forwards onto this garden dancefloor was a trio of Goodgymers who brought with them some helpful compost know-how, strength enough to move (little) mountains of earth, and a buoyant optimism in their chatter which matched the friendly squawks of sea gulls flying roundabout.

To begin, Gardening Manager, Max, introduced the task: four neatly boxed piles of garden debris, each requiring a fair few twists and turns, to keep up the transformation to rich soil-enhancing compost, which will replenish the gardens with goodness come Spring time.

Harvey and Dan began with spades to shovel the top layers from a couple of the compost heaps to new piles at the side, all the better to reach down and rotate the soil lying at the very bottom. Not far along in their digging, Goodgym newcomer Barbara bounded up to lend not only a hand but also a head of horticultural knowledge. A hearty Goodgym welcome to Barbara, whose vigour and care will be an asset to any further tasks she lends her support.

The fresh energy and insight Barbara brought to our composting team was immediately appreciated, when confronted with the unexpected surprise that revealed itself when removing the protective sacks laid over the third compost pile...

In contrast with the largely fine soils that could be merrily stirred with ease, here lay clusters of dry branches and leaves, barely begun along their path to decomposition. With an approving nod from Max, we proceeded to distribute some of this crispier material amongst the smoother earth in the neighbouring troughs, including the fourth at the end of the line, which the industrious Harvey had taken careful charge of. 

During this careful choreography, we learnt how Harvey has contributed to over 900 good deeds during his Goodgym volunteering, joining us directly from a training session run and a stint as marshall at Acton Junior parkrun, earlier the same morning! Not quite as prolific, yet, Dan was pleased to be another first-timer at GG Hackney, on the back of sessions with GG crews in Tower Hamlets and Liverpool over the course of 2025. So, together with Barbara, a team representing a range of GG experience; a reminder of how we all started and where we all may reach one day!

An hour or so into this Funday Sunday task, we agreed that the organic matter within those four heaps had felt the full invigoration of our steady and thorough mixing. We returned the sack covers to seal in some warmth, cosy enough to keep the composting process aglow, until another visit lined up here in January - Sunday 25th is the date for your diary!

Walking back through the gardens with a wheelbarrowful of tools to return to base, we passed by and almost under a giant clock... Perched on a (sturdy) stand, the clock is presented proudly to the gardens, showing it off like a special Tree of Time amidst the other, err, actual trees (of which twenty species can be found within the gardens). The timepiece dates from at least 1871, formerly part of the "Eastern Fever Hospital", one of the first state-funded which stood until it was demolished in 1982, making way for the Homerton University Hospital. A striking relic connecting the site to significant public amenities provided for Hoxton communities in times gone by.

Following this Alice in Wonderland interlude (in Dan's imagination), Max received the equipment back across at the Hoxton Trust courtyard, introducing us to a recently erected pond to complement the pots and plants that feature for sale there. The Trust was established in 1983, incorporating the garden from the site of what had been a row of derelict shops. In securing a new home for plantlife and wildlife alike, the Community Garden provides a backdrop for visitors seeking some green reprieve from the city, and a venue for lively community gatherings - the annual Christmas jamboree featuring a brass band had taken place just last night!

One more photo momento in front of a stupendous agave plant, each composter then headed off for further fun, leaving this spot of central east London greenery in Sunday tranquility. We trust the supplies of future compost are well set to give that extra verve to the new growth on the horizon, following a couple more months of Winter's restorative hibernation.

As the mist danced across London Fields, there was a festive feeling in the air!

With a bumper volunteer turn out, the usual suspects took to their posts:

Rue on Timekeeper Sooz on warm up Hilary, Louise, Nicolas out in marshal positions and Sarah on her tree!

The GoodGym squad as helped out as we recognised a rostrum of milestone achievers and then the junior runners were off.

Thanks to the fantastic volunteers, 43 youngsters - with NINE new personals best - made it through the 2km run with big smiles and big finishes.

See you down at the Fields next week for more festive fun!

Volunteered at Hackney Night Shelter

Leyon gave his time and energy today to complete his first ever GoodGym session, helping out in the garden at St Michael's Church in Hackney. The priority was completing the lawn edging along the north side of the church - a task started by GoodGymers last year.

Regular church gardener, Manda was delighted to have Leyon's help and get another job ticked off the list.

We gathered at our regular Sunday spot in London Fields, where the puddles were deep and the enthusiasm was deeper! Our mission: to create a safe, joyful, and seamless junior parkrun for or young athletes and their families. Two first-timers joined the crowd, ready to begin their parkrun journey.

Our role was to be the supportive backbone of the event. The team moved with grace and adaptability to make the morning sparkle, so huge thanks are due - • To Sooz: For her incredible coordination, warmth, and skill in bringing new volunteers into the fold. • To Aimee: For being so willing to jump into any role with a smile and featuring her first visit to the London Fields Junior Parkrun. • To Sarah: For her steadfast and cheerful presence on the course. • To the New Volunteers: A huge welcome and thank you to the parents who joined our volunteer family today. You were amazing!

A successful morning! All 27 juniors crossed the finish line, muddy and triumphant. We celebrated two major milestones: Connor received his Ultra Marathon orange wristband (50 runs, although he has done 57 runs!), and Billy earned his Marathon green wristband (21 runs). We also noted many more runners nearing their own milestones—stay tuned for more celebrations!

Today's fitness was all about community endurance: standing tall in the drizzle, projecting cheerful voices, and thinking on our feet to keep the event flowing smoothly. It was a workout for the heart and the spirit.

With Good Deed Points off the charts! We helped turn a soggy field into a place of achievement and joy. We supported young runners, strengthened our volunteer team, and packed everything away with a sense of shared accomplishment.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a muddy, messy, and perfectly wonderful Sunday morning spent serving our community. Same time next week?

Volunteered at Hackney Night Shelter