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.

Monday night is Margaret night, quite often. She’s the cheery lady we help at Rocky Park, an urban growers project. This time we encountered a severely reduced number of planters, and instead, many larger-than-usual soil bags filling the area. Our task, simple but typical, was to fork (and shovel, and spade) the high-quality soil from the remaining planters to the bags, to facilitate a more methodical arrangement of planters to which the soil can eventually be returned.

As well as a strong workout, this provided the chance to catch up with everyone’s news. Danya is still recovering from a party to celebrate the “last year of her youth”, while Louise has moved house and is currently lodging in someone’s kitchen sink (or something like that). Dan has been mixing with celebrities – he was recently chatting to no less than Basil Brush! And welcome to his first Monday night task Alejandro, who, unlike Paddington, never returned to Peru after arriving in London five years ago.

Meanwhile, another Basil joined our group picture – he’s the one wearing orange. I don't think he'll join us at the Felix Project on Saturday (https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/saturday-morning-session-at-the-felix-project-s-poplar-depot-5b0a18c7-38fd-4390-b56d-ef4bef0243da or https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/saturday-afternoon-session-at-the-felix-project-s-poplar-depot-ad18c1d2-b2e1-4c22-aea3-371481b26272, but you can..

And we’ll be back at the Cranbrook Community Centre next Monday https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-big-monday-night-task-november-garden-clearing-at-cranbrook-community-food-garden.

Also - don’t forget to sign up for the BIG SOCIAL on Thursday 14th https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/celebrate-goodgym.

Happy Good Gymming and Keep Pets Indoors!

This evening, the GoodGym team met in Limehouse, ready to make a difference both indoors and outdoors with Ocean Youth Connexions at the Tower Hamlets Community Transport Hub.

After a short sharp workout in neighbouring Kings Wharf park, we headed over the road for tonight’s briefing.

Our tasks tonight were to clear the outside area of leaves, and start the painting inside the new offices.

We divided into two teams and got to work.

Team Paintbrush focused on the inside, adding a fresh coat of paint to brighten up the space for everyone who uses it. The team strategically navigated high walls and low skirting boards, aiming to cover as much in the short time we were there as possible.

Outside, Team Leaf tackled a thick layer of fallen leaves, raking and bagging to make the area safer and more welcoming. They covered the entire outdoor yard area, and the minibus area, but not for long: GoodGymers blitzed after bag and bag, pausing only to head upstairs for more bin liners.

We finished in two waves (apologies for the small group photo), with Team Paintbrush waiting until every last drop of emulsion was used before gathering dust sheets and brushes and ensuring the place was left as we found it.

We all left with a great sense of accomplishment, excited to be returning on the 25th November.

This task operated a staggered start system with 4 Goodgymers making their way to St Margaret’s house on a balmy Thursday afternoon.

After some confusion over entrances, the correct one was located (helpfully signed ‘Main Entrance’) where we were met by Operations Manager Emily.

The task was to remove all weeds in sight (but not touch the nice mossy bits) and sweep up any loose leaves and debris.

Emily helpfully provided us with everything we needed to complete the task and more – we were even spoilt with knee pads.

Ilana was second on the scene and got to work removing weeds like they’d gone out of fashion.

Around 5pm the Goodgym baton was passed from Ilana to John. John remarked on the outdoor seating area being the easiest sweeping surface he had ever experienced. High praise indeed from a man who must have swept countless surfaces through myriad Goodgym tasks.

Last but by no means least, we were joined by Sam, a longstanding Goodgymer who has recently moved from Richmond to Tower Hamlets. A very welcome addition to the Tower Hamlets contingent! Sam was eagle-eyed at picking out litter camouflaged amongst the natural debris.

We ended the session by tackling the front area by the café, surrounded by the soothing scent of lavender bushes and a lovely sunset.