A return to an evening task st Emmanuel Church.

This week Sybil had asked if it would be possible for us to give the church a spring clean ready for their Easter services.

A received a very warm welcome from Sybil who then led us into the church.

Brooms,feather dusters and clothes at the ready we split into groups and proceeded to dust and remove as many cobwebs as possible.

Kevin was in charge of ladder holding while Adam gave the ceiling a brush.

Graham and Brad with the help from one of the church wardens fashioned an extra long brush to reach the cobwebs above the arches.

A quick refuel thanks to the wonderful lady wardens who had made us cheese on toast in addition to tea and coffee and fruit,we also finished off my birthday cake. Refueled we made a final push to get the final webs before we said our goodbyes not before Sybil made sure we had some fruit for when we got home.

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

Saturday morning - perfect time for a parkrun goodgym combo! Wanstead flats the meeting point. For some of us the first time parkrunning at Wanstead flats! Great morning for it. One of the few occasions I haven’t seen someone taken down by the muddy section. Good warm up for a couple of Sunday morning half marathon heroes in the group.

Then on to Emmanuel church. Anticipating the big crowds of Sunday morning, the church were keen to get the leaves that had fallen on the paths around the church cleared - avoid some potentially hazardous situations. Initially, we divvied the task, boys to bag the leaves, girls to rake (hence “bag boys for life”) but ultimately everyone was chipping in with everything. We counted up and think it was probably around a squillion leaves that we cleared between us and the other volunteers at the church so all in all, job well done.

Watch out for more Saturday parkrun goodgym combos in the coming weeks as we’re trying to work out when our next instalment is gonna be and we’re definitely thinking this side of Xmas!

The start of a new era at GoodGym Newham with our first group run as a community led group.

Paige joined us for her first group run which was excellently led from the Print House by Hilary following completion of her fitness leader training.

We have retained the random weekly question and this week was 'favourite weekend activities' - answers included trips to the seaside, city breaks, cinema, brunch, being out in nature and Im sure some you can guess who gave these replies: paintball and parkrun.

A gentle evening run to Emmauel Church where we meet Sybil and some of the parish leadership team.

Planting was the job of the evening, some of the plants had seen better days but looked better after a good water and we are sure Sybil will look after them.

As usual refreshments had been provided by the Sybil some fruit and ice lollies.....a welcome cool down before we headed off into the setting sun.

Next week we are heading to Newham Hospital to help tidy their Globe garden

Heatwave edition yesterday, a day for vests and shorts (and thick knitted jumpers?). We jogged and caught up heading north on the high street. But only after we shared some good or bad spontaneous activities; last min ski trip, night's out gone wild, random decision to pin on a race number and solo travelling in the Canaries. All good examples it seems, spontaneity is good, case closed.

Hils and Kev greeted us at the church, as we wasted no time getting to work on the task. Weeding the beds, which we planted bulbs in not so long ago. Definitely needed, as the bulbs have grown nicely, but with a trim and purge of the weeds their imminent floral bloom will be much more impressive. Topics of discussion: only children, trends in amount of children, cost of living, policing methods, US election and composting - that's just what I overheard.

Pineapple, apple and biscuits were thrust upon us to finish, as we left a bit later than planned. Eugene valiantly ran home with his tropical fruit prize, bravo to that man.

Next week we get a traffic free jog down the Greenway, as we head over to Newham Hospital, a long term partner of ours that have recently reached out again. Sign up here.

Till next week,

B

Hot one in East London yesterday, after a clammy train journey where I wondered - "is that smell me or you?", I arrived at Print House to catch up with Eugene. We jogged down together, discussing his new job, plus the merits and drawbacks of driving, amongst other things.

Bolstered by Rosie, Paul and The Princes at The Church, the ever affable, Sybil, led us to our jobs. Clipping back some Lime Trees, of the genus Tilia (obviously), loosening up some soil and planting the remaining bulbs. Mostly in the shade of the towering church above, making the yard a rather pleasant temperature. We wrapped with some watermelon, grapes and drinks, the perfect ointment to a hot evening's work.

Next week we head to Abbey Gardens, they're very keen to have us back to finish the ground levelling for the imminent arrival of their Green House. Sign up here to make a small yet noticeable difference in your hood.

ps. bum shots not me!

Till next week,

B