Five of us gathered on a rainy January evening at Old Spike—those brave enough to face the weather. We were delighted to welcome Charlotte, who was new to Southwark GG but already a seasoned GoodGymer. We set off on a 3k run through the rain to the Old Alleynian Rugby Club, where Ian was waiting for us.

Thoughtfully, he had found us a sheltered task: giving the clubhouse windows a much-needed clean. After our hard work, we were rewarded with delicious homemade brownies baked by Ian’s wife—a perfect treat!

Feeling accomplished and well-fed, we ran back to Old Spike, spirits high despite the rain.

Just a few of us met at Print House, we discussed "amazing and awe-inspiring things of the natural world" on route to Cody Dock - starling murmurings, life and the improbability of existence and an ibex's incredible cliff-side poise.

Billed as a midweek exercise in catharsis with the loose usage of demolition in the run listing. A more measured deconstruction happened on site, as the Princes joined us and Charlotte finally caught us up. Basia, our old mate at Cody Dock, was there to lead us to cladding removal glory. Tooled-up with drills and some hustle, we set about methodically taking off all the cladding. Once we limbered up and got up to full speed...we were literally unstoppable. If you wondered how effective your Wednesday eve was, see the before and after picture, evidence of your clout.

We nipped back and said our goodbyes to our Charlotte. We will miss your sarcastic retorts, openness and general lunacy. Good luck in Calais and beyond, see you soon mate.

Next week we head to Plaistow Primary, sign up here

Till then,

B

Good midweek vibes in Stratford supplemented by the fact it wasn't hammering it down. We discussed that burning question on everyone's mind "what conspiracy theory irks, baffles or makes you laugh most?". Some informative answers, namely the fifteen minute city conspiracy and the PM of Australia VANISHING in 1967 -need to look into this more, remarkable stuff. Plus some good solid conspiracy idiocy, like everything Russell Brand says, David Icke's lizard lunacy, Q-Anon's viral rise and Covid state-backed ideas. It's a confusing world, let's simplify it with barmy unfounded claims - it's alluring.

Anyway..back to topic, Up Garden side-project, led by the towering Dom. He's keen to grow food for the residents in a little plot gated off from the public-accessed Up Garden. We went to town on it, tearing and tugging out weed membrane. Managed to roll it off like sticky carpet, really satisfying stuff actually. We then spent the rest of the time violently attacking an unsuspecting stump. Expedited by onlooker Hilary, finding some pruning tool that sliced right through the roots. Some more jostling, digging, pulling ensued, but eventually we were stumped no more. Should allow for the project to continue towards the planting phase, bravo team.

Think next week is a certain Charlotte's last session before she dances towards foreign shores, come and give her another send-off, it might be the last time for a few weeks. And she's bringing a bloody good cake. Separately, I reshuffled the sessions, Plaistow Primary now in two weeks. Cody Dock exhibition hall demolition next week, should be a good one, sign up here

Have a gorgeous week and weekend, see you next week.

Till then,

B

The one where Dan signed up, Charlotte didn't, we missed Sharon, but welcomed Ivo. Was a really decent eve in E15, a chat about "your favourite gadgets?" pumped out some good material; cherry de-stoner, time machines, bespoke made Charlotte-friendly dating app, good coffee machine, shower-docked indestructible alarm clock and something to do with an automated refill mechanism for fridge water. We. Had. It. All.

Great to nip back down the canal, to a place we used to frequent monthly, it's now been circa four years since I've been there, that's mad. Anyway, Paul, the ex head teacher left some trusty disciples to instruct us. The old furniture moving session, we've done it a few times before, never gets easier though, I hope all your shins are radiant and unmarked today. Classical music fluttered through the halls as we worked over-time to finish the job, on a task where you're relieved to get good numbers. Well done for putting in a shift all.

Before I sign off - a massive doff of the cap for the weekend heroics; a hatrick of community missions and a Parkrun! All the best to the Bournemouth bunch, look forward to discussing the race/party report next week. Go hard! We're at Abbey Gardens next, sign up here and get stuck in.

*Title courtesy of CM

Till then,

B

Whittled down to a quintet, our quality over quantity group caught up at the Print House. After discussing some embarrassing work moments; mainly comprising hilarious examples of misspeaking: thanks to meet you, nice to see you both later, have a good wok. It's almost impossible to say or write these without cracking up. Superb.

Kieran was there in the flesh at Get Out, with new long surfing locks and instructions to clear logs. We knocked out the former in ten minutes, as Rosa sustained plant life with a comprehensive watering of the gardens. We then tucked into some weeding to conclude the eve, before shuffling back to base and rehydrating.

I hear next week we're blessed with the presence of another long-locked chap, whose name is an anagram of mine if you swap the B for a G. Who could it be!? Come next week for the grand reveal. Sign up here

Till then,

B