Solid squad out yesterday to help the folks at Abbey Gardens. We started by discussing which Head of State, past or present, that you would date. Most marks for Jacinda Ardern, followed by Obama, Trudeau and Merkel. Some might say slim-pickings.

Over at the gardens we were greeted by Alice and Makasi, and a fresh batch of green tea to invigorate us for the digging ahead. We continued what some of you fine folks started a fortnight back, and dug vigorously to empty a big bed, soon to be replaced with a lovely south facing* greenhouse.

Haven't had north of ten people in a while, always love to see it. So nice work all for getting stuck in, putting some miles in and giving back. Enjoyed that drink to boot too.

Next week we hit Cody Dock for our smoothest most picturesque run, sign up here

Till then,

B

Dank evening with the squad to see out February. Discussions spiralled on the RWQ; which was basically "what's good on the telly?" Hoof trimming seemed to crop up again, along with a jury show/come social experiment, Netflix dramas, Happy Valley (yes Sharon!) and some lad that turned Jeff Bezos into a rowing boat(which is obviously this week's winner).

Down the Greenway we went with sewage gases caressing our nasal passages along route. We spent our power-hour sowing seeds and making another wildflower meadow. Under the cover of night vision wasn't optimal, but we did a rather good job on the meadow front. Filled the whole thing. Abbey Gardens aristocracy did a spiffingly good job too, in the warmth of their palace, sowing various seeds for the months to come and discussing the racket from riff-raff outside digging. On a serious note, can't wait to get in here come April, bring on the evening light.

Hope you guys had a good drink post-graft, see you next week. We've got fences to move at the allotments next to Plaistow Primary, sign up here to continue being a community hero.

Till then,

ps. Title pun for the gardeners!

B

Over to Hackney Adventure Playground, been a while since I said that. A huge hearty welcome to Alice for her first session in Newham, slotting seamlessly into the task, hope you enjoyed it. Our old pal Chris is back in Stratford too, after a few years away it was great to have the man back. We broached the topic of guilt once more, this time in a musical sense. Whilst some of you claimed to have no guilt re music, you understood the assignment nonetheless; Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, S-Club 7, Lil Wayne, Peter Andre and Dolly Parton all providing us some auditory pleasure, but at what social cost?!

Rambling over we jooged through the QEOP and down the canal towards the playground and a well overdue reunion with Ange. She explained how Sport England money is supposed to be paying for a new ground, ten years in the making. Our job was to clear some materials Ange had hoarded for future use (makes you rethink how bad it is keeping that sentimental mug ). Namely these huge wooden poles and fire doors, these things had serious mass, we needed the full GoodGym gun-show yesterday to make it happen. There's no doubt you've made a very useful difference to a marvelous local service, for that I salute you.

Next week we head to Park Village Oasis, sign up here. We're going to finish blitzing a tiny green area to prepare it for some fruit trees.

Till then,

B