Strong showing from the Newhamites last night, more hands on deck, and just as well because the tasks were lined up aplenty at Manorfield Primary School.

We rejoiced in awe and wonder at Alice's remarkable 200 good deeds, a template for consistency - the backbone/Queen of GGN keeps inspiring. Just another 300 tasks till you get a new t-shirt. On the other end of GoodGym experience spectrum, Brian joined for session numero uno, Christiaan came back for a second session as did Amanda. Newham's next generation - lovely stuff.

Our Random Weekly Question was based on wishy-washy non science based hunches "what superstitions do you have?" You guys are all quite fact based creatures, so no proper peculiar answers. A few of you ensure you have an even step count up stairs, Amanda has a penchant for uneven numbers, Eugene likes equalising his cycling with some backstrokes for good measure, James follows a left side first dressing routine pre-footy and me and Al have lucky shorts. There you have it - we're almost certifiably logical.

We shook a leg down to the school, Paul then split us into about 5 groups, each with a different job. Dismantling cupboards, constructing shelves, moving (massive) bits of furniture and sorting through a store room. Lucky we multiplied by 80% on last week's turnout (in spite of our comrades at the central line striking), as we just managed to get it all done in the nick of time, and it was a hefty old workload too. Bravo!

Once back at base, we elongated some of those running muscles, then loitered around and pretended not to be waiting for Hilary's baking delights. Vegan brownies with pecan infused perfection - bloody lovely. Kev, you better watch Great British Bake Off through from series one mate - the bar has been set high. Having said that you could just bring sugar cubes and we'll all mob you for them, brown ones though, we ain't philistines.

We've got a fitness boosting session to top off next week's task, sign up here - not one to miss.

Have a solid Thursday and a nourishing weekend.

B

A lovely batch of runners assembled at 7pm yesterday, primed for some unknown volunteering work at Cody Dock.

New runner Amanda joined the ranks, with Gill and Helen coming back for their 2nd and 3rd sessions too. Fresh faces with new energy always a welcome addition.

We did our run through of weekend warrior activity, mainly focusing on the mileage munchers in York. With Charlotte, Justin and Graham popping out for a wee 42km in the pouring rain, Sharon and Kev nailed the classic 10mile distance too. It's great when a plan comes together, eh? When it involves a large group of us sharing endorphines, all the better. Even had the Parkrun tribe out early doors on Saturday, the 5k go-getters making it happen at Victoria Dock.

"What new fangled invention gets under your skin"? Was our random weekly question. Plenty of gadgetry to get on our high horse about, from electric scooters, Segways, eves-dropping Alexias, infinite software-updates, Apple watches and those pesky wireless headphones. What happened to immersing oneself into Victorian novels asides a crackling fireplace, with a warm brew in hand? Bring on Brexit.

Kidding.

Once we had danced along our navigating waterway to Cody Dock, we met the man on the ground, Simon. Who gave us some brushes and black paint, to finish off a job we started a month ago. Painting railings. What a calming and a therapeutic 45mins that was, in fact, I didn't do my normal time check, screeching "5mins left", I zoned into the zen of the stroke. Sharon had a pop at James and Tim's 2 dimensional painting, a few patches were missed to be fair, though equally, art just can't be rushed.

Si let us on board the now water dwelling boat that we sanded, cleaned (and basically built). It looks proper. Little bar in the back, plush red booths and a nice wooden floor finish. They're going to take local schools out for ecology trips, do free boat licensing training and also hire it out for partys (got your attention, Brad?). We'll be doing a social on here at some point soon, that's for sure.

Nice one for all your painting hands yesterday, bit by bit you've helped turn Cody Dock into an even lovelier place, that's not easy. Long live the community.

Next week it's our Canal Task, sign up here

I'm going to leave you all with a Halloween invitation from Cody Dock, have a great weekend all:

You are warmly invited to join us for a FREE, family-friendly Halloween evening of fun and mischief, Saturday 27 th October 5 -9 pm at Cody Dock.

Activities for all ages include spooky shadow puppets, candle rolling with Simon our beekeeper, monster disco, face painting, fortune telling, live music and much more besides. See attached flyer for more information.

Enter your carved pumpkin into our annual competition and don’t forget your fancy dress - prizes to be won! There will be stalls and warming food and drink, with the Cody Dock cafe and bar open throughout.

All welcome! Bring your friends.

We look forward to seeing you soon

Sally and Belle