With the clocks having changed and the days finally stretching out, this week's GoodGym Newham run to Care4Calais felt a little different – for once, we could actually see where we were going and more or less what we were doing when we got there! That said, the air still had a chilly bite to it, making sure we didn’t get too comfortable on the run over.

Meeting at the PrintHouse, Graham, Martin, Nick, Rosa, and I laced up and set off at a steady pace, making our way across Stratford to Care4Calais. Shoutout to Nick on his 599th good deed – a true 'Kevin Prince' milestone! Meanwhile, Kev and Shaz ran from theirs to met us there, ready to get stuck in with another evening of shoe pairing and general clothes sorting.

Upon arrival, we jumped straight into action and had a great session of sorting, chatting, and occasional moments of shoe-related detective work.

Looking forward to the next one already! See you all next week - we're off to the Hackney Marshes Adventure Playground where Ange will no doubt have a solid task lined up for us.

Another painless pick up and drop off of Miss S' medicine from the friendly Royal Docks pharmacy this morning, with all parts of the plan coming together without a hitch.

Miss S called me "wonderful", and I got a healthy (and free) dose of Vitamin D whilst doing it - what's not to like.

A delay to our run today meant no visit to Wanstead Flats parkrun.

Kevin and I made our way to Emmauel Church.

They church was holding a stay and play session inside the church hall for local children and their parents.

Sybil greeted us and let us know today we would be planting gladioli bulbs that she had donated from her allotment.

Due to the recent warm weather the ground was hard but gave us a good wotk out.

Was great to be able to see the daffodils we planted last year in full bloom and the tulips are just starting to flower.

Once all the bulbs had been planted we headed into the church for refreshments, Sybil always provides an amazing assortment of goodies for us to enjoy.

The reverend and a member of the congregation were busy making beautiful bouquets to be given out at tomorrows Mothering Sundays service.

Tuesday we are no Fools as we head to help care4calais Sign Up Here

My last visit to the Royal Docks pharmacy was during the Covid era, so it was good to reacquaint myself with the once familiar neighbourhood. The pharmacist, efficient as ever, knew exactly who I was picking up for before I'd even got to the counter, so it did feel as if somethings haven't changed too much!

With the sun out, it was then a pleasant walk to drop off Mrs S's medicines at her front door, and with time in hand, I took the opportunity to go and gaze at the (infamous) Beckton Alp - Beckton may not be a patch on Davos for picture postcard chalets, but at least it shares a mountain view and blue skies...

Thank you to Graham for stepping in to lead the run from Print House to Cody Dock for me,knew running wasn't going to happen for me due to a migraine.

We welcomed back Martin for a return visit to Newham and it was also great to see Paige back.

Julia one of the awesome team met us at Cody Dock and let us know what we can look forward to at the Spring Forward event,also go to look inside at the new visitors centre....opening is imminent.

We headed down to Star Lane and split into 3 groups to cover as many roads as possible to post our leaflets to let as many residents as possible know about the upcoming event.

Well done to Rosa,Hilary,Eugene and Graham managing to run to,from and during tonights session after the awesome effort of your trail half marathon in Wales....wow those hills(see photo of elevation they ran)

The sun was setting and the mercury was falling as Hilary and the team headed down the canal paths to the childrens adventure playground to lend some Goodgym Muscle to Angela

The adventure playground are installing a pond created for amphibians part of a sequence of ponds being installed along the Lee Valley to create a pathway for frogs and toads to breed. Help was need to level the ground ready for a viewing platform and used the removed earth to fill planters that will be planted with potatoes shortly. Splitting into two teams to take on the dual tasks whilst discussing the plans for the upcoming weekend, we are heading to Wales, were several of the team are taking on the Nant Arian silver trail half marathon and 10 k, After finishing up and stacking the tools we said farewell to Angela and head back to base.

Next week we are putting our posting skill back to work as we drop of leaflets for Cody Dock to advertise their up coming Spring Forward event sign up