Ms G needed a folding bed with a yellow and white checked cover brought downstairs to her living room. The stairs proved quite a tight squeeze but some excellent teamwork form Sian and Paul carefully relocated the bed. Ms G was really grateful for the help.

The rain started during the afternoon, so it wasn't unreasonable to think it might have fizzled out by 7.

No such luck.

But a great-sized group of GoodGymers nonetheless donned waterproofs and head torches and headed out to Rocky Park, in the heart of the Hollybush Estate, to join Margaret and Ash in the big garden makeover.

Why were we here?

• Margaret and Ash are are part of the Teesdale and Hollybush TRA, an active, productive Tenants and Residents Association working across the two estates. Since 2008, the TRA have transformed 13 disused sites, with the help of volunteers, 'creating a mini Eden where local nature can thrive.'

• There's a big project underway at the moment: the redevelopment of the planters in the communal garden areas, park and allotments. Over the last few months, GG TH Task Force and Margaret and Ash have worked hard to redistribute a whopping 96 tonnes of soil!

• Tonight we were carrying on that tough task - emptying old planters of soil, redistributing the soil, and demolishing the planters (as fun as it sounds).

The teams were divided into four initially, which then became five, spread out all over Rocky Park emptying planter after planter with the rain not taking a break. The bags were filled, to be moved another day ("That's something to worry about another time.") and a lot was achieved in a mere 45 minutes.

With just a small corner of a planter remaining at 7:45, we called it a day, making our way back to the centre to grab bags and leave gloves to dry.

Posing for that all-important final pic, we said our cheerios to Margaret and Ash, tentatively making a plan for a December visit.

The shout-outs

A big shout-out to the whole team tonight, who showed up ready for a big physical task, despite the wet night. And a huge shout-out to Vanessa, who joined for her first ever GoodGym! Amazing work, and we hope to see you again soon.

Next week we're Limehouse-bound, ready to crack on with the painting and leaf-clearing with Kamal down at Ocean Youth HQ.

Until then.

5 Goodgymers made their way to the gardens of St Margaret's House on a clear November evening. Emily (Operations Manager) and John (Head Gardener) helpfully directed us to the tasks that needed doing, primarily giving the ivy bushes a haircut and loose leaf gathering.

Shout out to Jo who was the the first goodgymer on the scene and promptly got to shearing the ivy after a consultation and shampoo (or so I can only assume - I wasn't there).

John arrived stealthily and joined Jo on the job, which was at the very least a two-hander given that it had been a while since the ivy's last trip to the salon.

Soon enough, the darkness drew in (thanks to daylight saving) but it wasn't all doom and gloom - Ilana and Kareem arrived and happily got involved in the ivy/leaf sweeping business.

By the end of the session, the ivy bush was looking very sharp indeed, just in time for the weekend.

In the backdrop of the majestic mulberry tree (which keeps the leaf sweeping trade booming by raining leaves every time the wind sighs) we finished the task by taking a customary group photo.

Before leaving the premises we popped into the chapel which was holding a dazzling exhibition of film noir-inspired block prints, painted ceramic tiles and pots.

This mission was one of the best things I've ever taken part in! From the moment I have arrived, I have been surrounded by very friendly and supportive people who guided me as to what I needed to do so that I could make an impact, and you could see how committed and enthusiastic all volunteers are. Having spoken to a few active volunteers who have been involved in the Felix project for a while, I can see how the project makes a fantastic impact and how rewarding this experience is.

Will definitely be coming back for more missions!

A still, crisp, Monday night saw a great-sized group of GoodGymers gathering at the Cranbrook Community Centre tonight to help clear a big build-up of leaves.

(Leaves collecting - and staying - on the ground isn’t great for the soil. The leaves also make their way into the centre continuously at this time of year, creating an endless sweeping task for the centre’s regular users).

With the annual AGM taking place tonight, it was a question of us gathering equipment, donning gloves, dividing bin bags and getting on with it.

With teams spread out over all four corners of the little garden, the GoodGymers wasted no time in raking, bagging and binning most of the leaves.

When the AGM finished, Janet headed out to inspect the garden, delighted at what she found.

With our task completed shortly before 8, we headed out to the Mace Street wall to finish with a little bit of flexibility work to get the week off to a splendid start.

As we strolled down the street, the team concluded that The Angel and Crown would be a good bet for this evening’s post-task pint. A cracking end to a lovely evening.

Until next time.

Sorting food donations