On a balmy Tuesday evening, a squad of eight set off from the Aquatics Centre for a classic GoodGym combo: run, task, teamwork, impact.

This week’s destination? The ever-welcoming Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground, where we were met by the indomitable Ange — beaming with good news. The playground dates back to the 1970s, when a degree of risk taking and challenge was all part of the design philosophy. Lots of the structures at the playground that support this philosophy are in need of replacement and Ange has recently secured some funding that will support long-overdue redevelopment work.

Those who’ve been on previous tasks here may remember shifting a hefty stack of wooden piles to free up one area for works. This time, the redevelopment zone had moved to the entrance where we'd moved them, so naturally, it was time to move them again! (strategic rotation?)

Armed with gloves, grit, and GoodGym spirit, we made short work of not only the infamous wooden piles but a few other bits of timber, too. Classic GoodGym efficiency — in and out, job done.

Special shout-out to our trio of first-time GoodGymers: Bianca, Lise and Mark — great to have you along and hope this is the first of many! And a warm Newham welcome to Richard, joining us for the first time in the borough — strong debut energy all round.

This task is always a favourite. Ange’s commitment to the playground and her legendary organisation mean it’s a joy to return each time — even if the wood just keeps moving in circles. Thanks to everyone who came along and made light work of a weighty task. Until the next pile shift... ply on! 🪵

Next week, we’re making a long-awaited return to the brilliant UP Garden — an award-winning community hub that’s been transformed from a disused laundry yard into a urban oasis for local residents. It’s always a pleasure to visit, and our host Suze will no doubt have a good list of tasks! 💪

we do love a visit to see Ange at Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground

We welcomed Priscila to her first GGNewham group run.

Ange had a couple of tasks planned for tonight, a goodgym classic moving wood chip and digging and hole ready for a wooden installation next to the pond.

Kevin and Priscila took on the task of digging a meter deep hole which was made more difficult due to the amount of rubble that is buried on the site,the joy of the playground be built on an old blitz dump.

Hilary and I took on the task of re wood chipping one of the swing areas within the playground.

We finished the evening tadpole spotting in the playgrounds pond.

Kevin and I ran to the Adventure Playground via the Olympic Park.

Tim had walked from Stratford via the River Lea

Hilary was leading the running from the Print House.

Ange met us at the gate,she had a very busy day with over 100 children having spent time enjoying all the playground has to offer.The have a trip on a canal barge coming up which sounds like great fun.

Tonights task was to restack a pile of wood as it had been left with nails sticking out and quite precarious.

Some of the small pieces will be uses for the fire pit and pizza oven.

Wood restacked we went to have a look at the tadpoles in the newly built pond. The pond is part of a project to have a pathway of small ponds along the Lea Valley to increase amphibians.

We said our goodbyes and headed home.

Next week we are heading to see Sybil at Emmanuel Church

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

Last night, GoodGym Newham took on another epic task—this time at Hackney Marshes Adventure Playground, where we helped dig out soil to create an access area for some new planters (at least, we think so… it was a bit dark to be sure!).

Most of us enjoyed a scenic run up the River Lea, while Martin met us there, ready to get stuck in. As we shoveled away, we were treated to some Whitney Houston belters, which naturally led to a chat about our favourite karaoke songs.

Among the classics mentioned*:

• I Wanna Dance With Somebody
• I Believe in a Thing Called Love
• Daydream Believer
• Smooth Operator
• Wannabe
• And the intriguing choice of "Anything Instrumental"...

A huge well done to everyone who took part! Next week, we’re back at Care4Calais—see you there for another feel-good mission! 💪🔥

*With apologies if I (very likely) mis-remembered any of these - more than happy to edit in the interests of accuracy!

The mercury was dropping as the five hardy souls set out from the toasty warm meeting point to head over to the Hackney Adventure playground, A bracing run along the canal before meeting up with Ange to get instructions on todays task,helping to prepare a new shelter in the wooded area for the children's playgroup. Firstly clearing a path of several heavy telegraph poles,that are being reused in playground equipment , the commands of 'pivot' along with 'to me to you' were soon ringing out ! After moving the poles we had the space needed, a quick dismantle of the shelter which was relocated within the clearing in the wood ready for construction to follow. With the tasks completed we wished Ange a Merry Christmas and made arrangements to carry on the good work when they reopen in the New Year

A classic Goodgym task, maximum assistance making a big difference to Ange and her team , after a run back,plans were being made for new adventures for the group in the 2025 over a pint of OJ !

great effort all see you all soon