The sun was setting and the mercury was falling as Hilary and the team headed down the canal paths to the childrens adventure playground to lend some Goodgym Muscle to Angela

The adventure playground are installing a pond created for amphibians part of a sequence of ponds being installed along the Lee Valley to create a pathway for frogs and toads to breed. Help was need to level the ground ready for a viewing platform and used the removed earth to fill planters that will be planted with potatoes shortly. Splitting into two teams to take on the dual tasks whilst discussing the plans for the upcoming weekend, we are heading to Wales, were several of the team are taking on the Nant Arian silver trail half marathon and 10 k, After finishing up and stacking the tools we said farewell to Angela and head back to base.

Next week we are putting our posting skill back to work as we drop of leaflets for Cody Dock to advertise their up coming Spring Forward event sign up

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!

The mercury was dropping as the five hardy souls set out from the toasty warm meeting point to head over to the Hackney Adventure playground, A bracing run along the canal before meeting up with Ange to get instructions on todays task,helping to prepare a new shelter in the wooded area for the children's playgroup. Firstly clearing a path of several heavy telegraph poles,that are being reused in playground equipment , the commands of 'pivot' along with 'to me to you' were soon ringing out ! After moving the poles we had the space needed, a quick dismantle of the shelter which was relocated within the clearing in the wood ready for construction to follow. With the tasks completed we wished Ange a Merry Christmas and made arrangements to carry on the good work when they reopen in the New Year

A classic Goodgym task, maximum assistance making a big difference to Ange and her team , after a run back,plans were being made for new adventures for the group in the 2025 over a pint of OJ !

great effort all see you all soon

This week 10 intrepid GoodGymers in Newham returned to Hackney Adventure Playground. For 6 of us meeting at Jim & Tonic, we enjoyed a nice run through the Olympic Park and up the River Lea,

On arrival we found our remaining 4 GoodGymers to complete the team, along with two big tasks ahead of us - a mountain of crushed bark to move, and a forest of weeds to clear. The crushed bark was headed for a play area to help make it safer for the children using it, while the team clearing weeds were on a mission to find out what was underneath - with the hope that there might be a suitable (and flat) area for a future shed. It was clear in no time and the results were promising, once some large logs can be cleared.... watch this space, I sense a future GoodGym mission on the horizon.

We finished just as the drizzle started, perfect timing, and headed back towards Stratford, with a few of the group making a tactical social stop along Here East. Great work everyone, and special mention to Jess who joined us for her first mission - great to have you and we look forward to seeing you back again soon!

Next week we'll potentially have a fitness session as no tasks available currently, but normal service should resume from the week after, with a potential return to Cody Dock on the cards. Keep an eye out for the listings and see you there!

GoodGym Newham assembled at the Print House on what might be the last warm session for a while if next week’s weather forecast is anything to go by.

This week’s Random Weekly Question: “What instrument do you play, or would you like to play?” Guitar is a popular choice – Paul and Eugene would like to play, Adam does play and the harmonica at the same time. We’d like to see that… Similarly saxophone – Paige plays and Brad would like to. I think Eugene said he plays the drums, so perhaps we have the formations of a band? I play the cello, and should confess that the question was essentially an opportunity to shamelessly plug my next concert with South East London Orchestra – 12th October in Dulwich, which is a bit of a trek from Stratford, but it is lovely.

The run up to Hackney Marshes Adventure Playground might be one of my favourites – almost entirely traffic free, and along the canalside. We were met by Ange, who had forewarned us of the task in hand – to move 4 tonnes of sand to replenish the sandpit ahead of their playground inspection tomorrow. Oh to be a playground inspector - I wonder how you’d get into that line of work?

As we began, the mythological Sisyphus sprang to mind (not that I could remember that it was Sisyphus who was condemned to roll a ball up a hill for all eternity – had to google that one later), but thanks to the efforts of the team – Adam heroically distributing the sand around the slide on receipt of delivery, whilst Brad, Eugene, Paul, Paige and I filled up the wheelbarrows, heroically taking turns on the one with the flat tyre – we managed to shift the lot. So we’re all heroes and it turns out sand is a bit more dense than mulch, well done everyone!

We wished Ange good luck with the inspection and set off back down the canal, stopping off for a drink and a chat at Here East, ever so convenient for this task.

Next week we’re at Abbey Gardens, so hope to see you all there 😊

And finally as mentioned on the WhatsApp, we’re planning to start listing sessions on a Tuesday evening from October onwards because this will really help with Taskforce availability – but do let us know if you’d like to see sessions on other days, we’ll certainly try to be flexible.

Wednesday tonic in the shape of a sunny jog and swing in the playground with your mates. But first, we spoke about "your favourite tv game-shows?" Certainly tickled my memory, with some old faves; Wheel of Fortune and Get Your Own Back. One in Fifteen was a new one to me, bit more cerebral, and The Incredible Games, bit niche. This week's winner has got to be Takeshi's Castle. Absolutely rigged carnage.

At the playground it was a classic wood-chip shifting slot, to soften the area surrounding the zip-wire swing. Tens of wheel-barrows full of organic matter were scattered on the area, an unmissable aroma of evergreen scent wafting through the evening air. We did such a good job that we were allowed to have a go on the swing, with a newly padded safety zone below we were invincible. Although, Chris came close to piling into a wooden beam, a risk worth taking.

Next week I'm trying to line up Abbey Gardens, followed by Emanuel Church, plus the folks at Newham Hospital are desperate for a hand too. Will load up and share.

Have a glorious weekend sipping cold-drinks under the sun, our one weekend of summer is incoming, no complaints, eh?!

Till next week,

B