Graham took on leading the run from the Aquatic Center and welcomed Yumna on her first goodgym run.

The plan for tonight was to make a start on creating new flower beds on the left hand side of the Church.

I made a quick stop to buy a cake for Sybil so we could celebrate her birthday after the task.

We arrived but noticed Sybil did not have any tools ready and some new faces from the church were also they to greet us.

It seems the church committee had decided we had to join them in celebrating Sybils birthday.

We always do get some great refreshments when we visit the church but tonight was wonderful and is was an honour to be asked to part of the celebrations,Sybil is a little ball of energy who has always got and idea or project planned.....which she ask for our help with.

We spent time chatting with the church members who were all very interested in learning more about what Goodgym is and how we help.

We did have to tell Yumna that not every task is quite as chilled as this.

Next week we are heading back to Plaistow school to continue with the wendy house building https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/assemble-a-wendy-house-and-a-pyrex-painting-board-at-plaistow-primary

Hilary took on the task of leading the team from the Aquatics Center.

Kevin and I opted for a shorter run from home

Tim walked from Stratford so was the first to arrive and so was there to welcome Zetta on her first GoodGym task.

After a quick catch up with Paul,Brad,Adam and Eugene who we haven't seen for a few weeks.

We also welcomed Emily and Juan to there first Goodgym task and Nick on his first visit to Emmanuel Church.

Once all the introductions had been made Sybil set us to work with weeding the flower beds at the front of the church and also trim the shrubs,with the help of two of the church wardens.

Sybil then took me to the side of the church to plan out what we will be doing when we return July.

Weeds pulled and shrubs trimmed we packed up and took the tools back into the church where Sybil had laid on a wonderful set of refreshments. Sybil sent Eugene home with a food parcel.

Next week we head to Newham Hospital

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