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!

A return trip to Chandos Road which had a lot less leaves than our last visit.

This time was a litter picking session.

Hilary led the team in their run from the Print House while Kevin and I took a walking option as we had the litter pickers and bags supplied by Newham council. We split up and headed to three areas of the play park to ensure the children have a clean litter free area to play.

So, Tuesday 19th Nov. And it’s cold. The blizzard earlier in the day is not going to cool the burning passion of these goodgymers to aid the community. Not only braving the cold, but also the unknown! A new task! Chandos road gardens. The community group that looks after the gardens asked for some help clearing the streets around the gardens from litter and leaves. Turned out the latter was in greater abundance!

It was in fact an absolute classic goodgym task, with about a 2 mile run to get there, no specialists skills required (just a willingness to graft), lots of bending, lifting, raking and sweeping, an enthusiastic host helping to steer us in the right direction, and best of all, an output at the end of it that could be neatly measured in bags! (The council even came out to collect them!).

Special mention also goes out to Mabel (the dog) for her first task, she wasn’t so hot at raking, but made up for it by giving all the leaves a good sniff.

Also big thanks to the Friends of Chandos Road Gardens community group who hosted and were also out in force leading by example and providing equipment and tips.

Random weekly question was “if you could keep any species of animal as a pet (that you wouldn’t normally keep as a pet … and danger was not a limiting factor) what would you choose?!”

I can’t say I got a complete set of answers, but some examples were polar bear, panda bear, silver back gorilla, badger, shark.. various bits of logic for those, big warm cuddles, protectiveness/protection, help with workouts, for scaring people (I’ll let you imagine which reason goes with which animal!). All good answers.

Next week’s Tue evening task still to be confirmed, likely to be flyering or furniture building, but if you’re free and fancy being an absolute local legend then sign up here!