An effective volunteering swoop into WHP yesterday. Rosa and I ran up, met the team and got stuck in.

As we all agreed, not quite as visually transformative as our last few tasks, but nonetheless, work was done and a positive change was made. We weeded about 6 -8 wheel barrows worth of stubborn unwanted growth. Not too shabby.

Next week we're at Get Out, sign up here

See you'll then,

B

Hils, as per now usual, intercepted me around 300m before the Tesco, if it's 100m I know she's running late, though that's a rarity.

We spoke cycling and Ride 100, then made our way over to West Ham Park. With Kev, Paul and Claudia all meeting us at destination.

We survived the infamous death alley on our run to the task, where many a GoodGymer hath never returned...

Tom met us in the gardens, a chap I've known better portion of a decade, as he used to work as part of City of London's track staff in hampstead heath. He directed us in his casual yet 'get it done ' style. Love that he chips in almost as much or more than us. We tore down a whole section of nettles and weeds, moved back some logs/'bug hotels' and trimmed back a hedge in double time.

Quality eve with you fine folks. Next week we're at Cody Dock, sign up here

Enjoy the long weekend courtesy of our generous royal leaders.

till next week,

• excuse typos, written on a fast moving train!

B

Better late than never, a quick recap of our relaxing dusk hour in an East London Park.

Double digits for a Community Mission, pleasantly surprised by that, perhaps a positive sign of things to come. We met Ricky, resident gardener/Ranger of West Ham Park. Couldn't have had a lovelier bloke, as the GG consensus quickly concluded after.

He took us to a small tucked away garden, with winding paths and a deep pond, a haven for local wildlife and not usually accessible. Simple instructions to cut back the weeds, revealing clean path lines, our range of tools was a match for the job. Fresh sharp shears, solid effective hoes/rakes and gloves christened by the GoodGym touch.

The hour flew by. The unquestionable highlight of the session was having Dan back, following Ruth's surprise attendance last week. The polite and affable man-machine is back with a vengeance. What more could you want from a Wednesday evening?! Nothing. However, as we left, there was a gorgeous backdrop of sunset hues melting around the trees, a warming end to our session.

B

Last night was quintessential GoodGym gold. With cooler temperatures and awe-inspiring hues above, 20 plus runners did a ridiculously efficient job assisting an educational wildlife garden.

We welcomed Newham first timers Lauren, Sally (my Archway neighbour), Amy and Dave (old pal of mine who's been threatening to come for almost four years).

Random Weekly Question courtesy of big JW, "what's your favourite sports book or film?" Chariots of Fire a classic late answer, Dodge Ball, Rocky, Blind Side, The Mighty Ducks, Cool Runnings and plenty other Hollywood Hits. Bend It Like Beckham for the noughties nostalgia, The Zidane film and Icarus- an incredible true story, must see (Netflix).

2.5k to West Ham Park, and you all wasted no time getting stuck into the task. Laying woodchip down on paths. creating borders with the various lengths of log and a bit of weeding around larger plants & saplings. Beautifully effective hustle, got a considerable amount done, some superb energy flowing the ranks this week. Our man in charge, Tom, blew a whistle to signal end of play at 8pm. By that time the mulch pile had dissolved to a mere shadow of its former self.

I could sense burning collective desire to conclude the task with some core work, got to give the people what they want. 5 exercises done - 5 minutes later a marginally stronger corset of muscles. Nicely nailed one and all.

I believe a hit team of crisp munchers and pint swiggers headed over to the pub for high level GoodGym strategy talk. I'm sure they've arranged this week's parkrun location?

Next week it's over to Manorfield Primary School, and it's been a while. Sign up here

Make your weekends count, looks to be a bit cooler so no reason not lace up and run free.

Till next week

B