#faithfriday Movement is motion but also the way we turn care into change, one small action by one small action! #thewanderinglondoner

This morning in Bow was to run and restore, to bring energy, attention, and compassion to the streets we share. A pair of gloves and a litter picker were enough for the pavements and green corners of the Bromley by Bow Centre neighbourhood, collecting discarded cans, wrappers, and forgotten fragments of city life.

What might seem like a simple act - picking up litter, is, in truth, a powerful way of reclaiming space, both for our communities and for our mental wellbeing. Each piece of rubbish removed isn’t just a cleaner path for someone else; it’s a small gesture of respect, a reminder that the health of our environment and our minds are deeply connected.

Community litter has an unspoken weight. It quietly tells us that neglect is normal, that no one cares. But when we take time to clear it, that narrative changes. Clean streets encourage connection. Tidy parks invite play and conversation. Seeing others act reminds us that we’re not powerless, that we can be part of a living, breathing effort to make things better.

Volunteering with GoodGym offers that rare blend of movement and meaning. It transforms exercise from a solitary act into a shared purpose. For me, today’s litter pick wasn’t about improving Bow, it was about belonging and using physical action as a form of kindness. Every bag of rubbish is a small victory for hope, visibility, and the idea that consistent, modest actions really can ripple outward.

Through regular GoodGym missions, we learn that community change is about persistence. Week after week, we run, walk, or cycle towards small acts that collectively add up to something profound. Cleaner streets. Stronger ties. Happier hearts.

Because when we move with purpose, we remind ourselves and others that every step counts and that caring, in motion, is a force of real transformation.

#goodgym #dogood #litterheroes #thewanderinglondoner

If darkness hadn't quite fallen by the time we arrived at Sivill House, it was certainly teetering over the edge. There was some illumination from the estate lights, and people brought head torches, but our main concern was the effect of the gloomy conditions on those all-important task photos!

Task owner and GoodGymer Ed directed us to a very large pile of woodchip which had been donated to Columbia TRA. It was happily sitting in the car park, but it really needed to be in the gardens, the other side of the estate. It didn’t look too large a pile, until we realised how far back it went…

Still, we had five wheelbarrows, plenty of shovels and bags, and most importantly a 17-strong squad of GoodGymers. It felt like a real workout as we persuaded the reluctant woodchip to separate from the security of its pile, to a new life – mulching! This technique suppresses weeds, conserves soil moisture, insulates plant roots and improves soil health and fertility. Yes, we’ve enabled all those things!

A special welcome to newcomers Angelique and Ryan, who really threw themselves into the task. Hope to see you back soon! And thanks to Fiona who took some good photos after all!

Despite the darkness, the night was still young as we headed off, with a suggestion that one of the task owners had invited us to the pub. We didn’t know where we were supposed to go, so after wandering around for a bit, four of us headed for the Royal Oak to congratulate ourselves on all our good work

There was a really good turn out and all amazing people....

The weather was good and I think it's fair to say everyone put in an awesome amount of effort and had a really good day.

There is an amazing feeling of well-being when such a great bunch of people come together for a good cause.

Kevin

Bright and breezy lots of fun... Was the agenda for everyone!

Rocky Park's a smashing place, just tucked away from the beaten track. I would never know it was there if not for today.

They are so well organized and it really goes to show how well things can be when people get together in such a positive way.

I enjoyed my time at this mission today and it was great to meet other GoodGym runners.

Looking forward to tomorrow guys.

Kevin.

Another mission which was exactly as described on the tin - the biggest challenge was finding enough floor space to lay out all the parts of Mr R's new table to be able to build it close to it's final resting position, and without having to contort too much during assembly (human, not table...).

Thankfully the instructions were in large(ish) font, there were more than enough bolts, and all were tightened using the same Allen key (supplied), so it was just a question of following the steps, and it all came together quite neatly with reasonably little contortion.

A quick lift and rotation from upside down to correct way up, and Mr R has a new table on which to eat his dinner

Bookbike pick up and drop offs this morning. Brian has been giving away books from his collection and today he reached the milestone of 800 books shared.

Brian's generosity has bought happiness, smiles and laughter yo so many people and from all walks of life