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

An overcast Wednesday, which isn't uncommon this year, as we've had a dismal start to the summer season, however, we quickly forgot about that as we danced through Stratford towards Forest Gate. Conversation veered mostly to Cypress; Brad's recent wedding he attended, the weather, eating culture and the war.

We doubled in numbers at the church, where Hils,Sharon and Kev met us. We were tasked with digging out the beds at the back of the church and planting some new bulbs. We had one bed to a pair, and got to work. Turning over the soil and 'fluffing it up' a bit. Got to use a Bulb Planter tool, which was a first, found it quite effective, although thoughts differed here.

Think we managed to complete four beds before running out of time, which is four beds replete with vivid floral explosions in a couple of months, thanks to you.

Next week we're at Abbey Gardens, sign up here

Cheers

B

Top-tier, elite GG force were out in the May evening sun yesterday. We discussed weddings, beer garden drinks, Ofsted and the merits of alcohol on route.

The Princes, infamous around these parts, met us at the church. Sybil, who we haven't seen for a long time, welcomed us warmly with refreshments and a run-down on our task; weeding a flower patch, to let her peonies and tulips dance freely under the Stratford sun.

She's keen for us to help at the allotments, with a 'heavy task' come June. I've messaged Elaine, and will do a little internal cajoling so we can get extra hands on deck.

Before I sign off, big congrats to Rosie, she reached the huge half century milestone, it was touch and go whether she was going to make it before the sun explodes - in 8 trillion years - but she did it. It's been a proper treat to have you back these last few months or so, since your big comeback. You've earned that t-shirt.

Next week it's off the Romford road and down the canal, to Cody Dock, sign up here.

Till then,

B

The church hired a skip to coordinate with our visit, there was a certainly a slight expectation on us to deliver the goods. By that I mean provide enough people, energy and can-do spirit to clear out a densely packed room full of furniture, boxes, obsolete electrical bits and more.

With just Hils, Rebecca and myself jogging it in from base, it could have been a long eve, but we had confidence the squad was showing up on the Romford rd. "Favourite thing about British culture?" An easily amended question off the back of last week's francophile brainstorm. Queues, sarcasm/wit and this week's winner from Rebecca....pub culture.

The team showed up at the other side, five more power-houses of benevolence ready to get stuck in; including a long-time absentee, Miriam, a lovely surprise to have you back. We got straight to business, decanting the old out of a store room, through a narrow and ancient church passageway, and a door befit for the vertically challenged. Took us a good fifty minutes to load it all into the skip, breaking it down when necessary with screw-drivers and highly technical Kung Fu kicks.

The church are hugely thankful, a job that's "given them nightmares" for so long. You guys rolled in and nailed it in less than an hour - just another example of what this little regular outfit in Newham does so well.

Next week I've reshuffled our plan to go to Abbey Gardens, instead we'll help assist Cody Dock with event set-up.

Till then,

B