We embarked on the archetypal GoodGym task - moving something, so it can be moved back later.

What's happened is that the planter beds at Rocky Park were laid, many years ago, in a diagonal formation. But if only they were squarely aligned with the park walls, there'd be room for eight more.

Which, of course, is where GoodGym came in. We were needed to shovel the earth out of the beds, so they could be re-aligned later, then re-filled with earth.

Like a grabber machine at an arcade, Emma's spade dug deep and occasionally came out with a prize - a small potato. Enough attempts, and she'd got enough spuds for a Sunday roast. When added to the aubergines and peppers provided by our hosts at the end, there was enough for a tasty curry!

After two hours, we'd shifted EIGHT TONNES of soil, and additionally Oliver and Lobo had pulled down an unwanted ropey/wooden roof. It only remained for us to check the progress made following our last visit (see pavement picture).

Hmmm, I wonder whether there's a fitness/volunteering organisation who could help at a later date with shovelling the earth back into the beds...

A fantastically mild October evening saw 12 GoodGymers huddled together in the productive, much-loved Globe Community Food Garden tucked away in the heart of Bethnal Green.

With task owners Lubna and Hannah well prepared, the first group was soon assigned to the mammoth task of turning the large vats of compost. Out it all came, with the containers being emptied and the heavy mound of compost turned. This was a workout-and-a-half.

With three other teams dispatched to other areas of the garden, reshaping a bay tree and pruning the roses, this was a busy time.

Secateurs were shared, ladders balanced and gloves donned.

At 7:45 we looked wide-eyed at the mound of compost that still needed to be returned to the huge cone composters, before the obligatory "all hands on deck" shout-out. And in just over 10 minutes, the team had accomplished the task. With small containers helping to form a large chain of compost-passing, the team blitzed the final big pile.

The pruning squad dragged in the last of the thorny rose cuttings, and we were soon standing in front of where the compost mound had stood, posing for our all-important final picture.

"A huge thanks to everyone for helping out - having the compost turned and all of the bushes trimmed is such a huge help, and it's not easy work."

Well done to everyone for a great night.

Particularly big shout-outs tonight to:

• Lucinda for a great pun!

• Nick for some great photos.

• ...And our Emma, who reached her 50th good deed tonight, and who is such a big part of GoodGym Tower Hamlets.

Until next time.

A fab-sized team gathered in Newell Street this evening for our task with Ocean Youth Connexions and Tower Hamlets Community Transport Hub.

Meeting outside King’s Wharf Park before 7, we caught up on the news from the weekend and discussed the night’s task.

Kamal, from Ocean Youth, came down to greet us as our group size was growing and we slowly made our way into the garage area to be briefed on tonight’s task.

Ocean Youth Connexions offer a range of youth provision across the borough, during term time and the school holidays.

The organisation has recently relocated its offices to Limehouse, to join the Tower Hamlets Community Transport team, a small charity ‘set up to provide transport to voluntary and community groups in Tower Hamlets’.

Gathering in the garage area, surrounded by equipment for tonight’s task, Kamal proceeded to run through the list of tonight’s activities, which included another big leaf-clearing in the outdoor area; a thorough cleaning of all the upstairs windows, and a sugar-soaping of the toilet walls, in preparation for next month’s big painting activity.

The GoodGymers worked fast, moving onto new tasks including radiator-cleaning and jasmine-pruning.

It was now well and truly dark, complete with an Autumn wind, but thankfully, the outside area at the Hub is beautifully (flood)lit.

As always, the time flew and just before 8, Emma, John and Lucinda were heading up the task wrap-up effort, finishing slickly and precisely at 8.

Another great night with Ocean Youth - we return on the 28th October... Save The Date!

Writes Emma,

"On a rather muggy Monday evening, a determined group of GoodGymers gathered at Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park ready to tackle a task that was nothing short of monumental: raking the cut grass from the meadow site near the Soanes Centre.

Ken from the Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park (an independent charity) kicked things off with a quick intro, sharing the park's vital role as an urban sanctuary for both nature lovers and local residents.

But this wasn’t just your average raking session. We were on a mission to create the ideal conditions for a wildflower meadow to thrive - working like ‘a swarm of locusts’ to clear the cut grass (as enthusiastic and methodical, but with better vibes).

Armed with rakes, wheelbarrows and a can-do attitude, we set to work. It was a lively, albeit dark, scene - grass flying, barrows wheeling and everyone chipping in to create a landscape where wildflowers can flourish.

Each sweep of the rake felt like an effective addition to a workout.

By the end of the hour, we were tired but satisfied by the HUGE mound of raked grass we had created. I would say that the meadow looked fantastic, but to be honest, we couldn’t really see it. We’ll take Ken’s word for it.

The night wrapped up with a big thank you from Ken, and a reminder of our celebration on Thursday for our work with Larry at the Yurt Cafe for the Foundation of St Katherine.

A huge thank you to the Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park for leading the charge. And to the fantastic GoodGymers, as always.

Here’s to more meadow missions and green adventures in the autumn months ahead."

On this sunny Saturday early afternoon, our small but mighty team (of 6) gathered at the Ellsworth Street roundabout, ready to tackle a rather earthy challenge. We were greeted by the ever-energetic Margaret and Ash from the Teesdale & Hollybush TRA, who directed us to our mission: moving tonnes of soil that came from old dismantled flower beds outside Ellsworth House to Rocky Park, a good 100+ metres away.

Some of the flower beds had been dismantled, and others had been rebuilt to help with upkeep, and it was up to us to ensure the surplus soil made its way to its new home. Armed with shovels and wheelbarrows, we plunged into the task. Under the blazing sun, it was all about mud, sweat, and- well, maybe not quite tears, but definitely some serious determination! The soil flew into the wheelbarrows as we pushed, pulled, and rolled our way through the distance, navigating around tight corners in Rocky Park and through the heat.

The dynamic duo, Oliver and John, also teamed up with Margaret at the beginning of the session to expertly fill the topsoil into the beds outside the house, making sure the area looked its best. We all then continued the relay to Rocky Park, with each trip feeling like a mini-marathon but made light-hearted by good humour, Margaret's 'sweat catcher' (a face mask around the ears, pulled up to the forehead - quite ingenious!) and a shared sense of purpose.

In just over an hour (much less time that we thought it would take!) we’d shifted what felt like mountains. Despite being a small group, our effort had a big impact, showing what can be achieved when some mighty GoodGymers pull together! Margaret and Ash were so grateful for our help.

A big shout-out to everyone who joined in and had faith in me to lead the task! It might have been hot, and the soil might have been heavy, but the sense of accomplishment made it all worthwhile. And hey, who knew moving soil could be such a workout?

Until the next muddy mission! 🌱💪🌞 Emma