People arrived in dribs and drabs, all discipline having disappeared from the group, for some reason… But we all put in a good shift, until well after our allotted finish time

Lazar – a Tower Hamlets first-timer – came all the way from Serbia (been there!), via Hackney, where he now lives. Three of us were fresh (or not so fresh) from taking on the Big Half, where another two of tonight’s attendees had been cheering us hoarse from a balcony, to little or no response

Rohan, Lazar and myself set to work shaping a bush, though we resisted any urge to topiary, we just made it look a lot tidier. Ivo got mulching with large bits of cardboard, while Tom mixed paint. Anna and Lobo, from Southern Europe (been there!) via Wapping, roughened up a bench, making it look worse, before turning it into something beautiful with gleaming green paint

Lucinda and Ilana took on all sorts of tasks; they swept cigarette ends and rubbish from the floor into the huge bins, then made a big hole in some earth into which they planted a many-rooted bush. This relieved the frustration on a day when cycling to work proved stressful, with rather a lot of bikes on London’s roads (been there!)

I went with Tom to cover some nearby graffiti, a more artistic task than it sounds, as each brick was to be painted a different shade. Reinforcements – most of the rest of the team – came to help with a hugely satisfying job

Eventually, it was way past eight o’clock and time to return to the estate via a zebra crossing, Anna fulfilling a lifelong ambition to become a lollipop lady. All she needs is a big lollipop - I’d only brought gloves, this time

Meanwhile, oblivious to all this, Ilana and Lucinda were cutting back rose bushes, while trying to avoid falling into those huge bins. Thinking we’d sneaked off home and left them all alone, they already had their bike lights on, when we all appeared from round the corner, said “surprise surprise!” and joined them for the group photo

Join us for more fun next week at Ocean Youth Connexions https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-big-monday-night-task-september-visit-to-ocean-youth-connexions

Later in the month, we’re returning to the Coburn for their Sunday night quiz https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/quiz-night-at-the-coburn

and in October, it’s our last organised walk of the year: from Dover to Folkestone https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/walk-from-dover-to-folkestone

See you soon!

It was a fantastic evening last night at the Canal Club Community Garden.

With a brilliantly-sized team, the preparation started early as Paul, Dharmesh and John set about tonight’s big greeting effort. As GoodGymers arrived one by one the hall was filled with the sound of animated GoodGymers catching up after the weekend and welcoming new and not-seen-for-a-while faces. A big warm welcome to Beth, who joined for her first GoodGym!

Tonight’s task owners were the brilliant Sally, accompanied by Dominic, who were both unfazed by the size of tonight’s group.

With one team quickly dispatched to the rear garden to help clear the area around the shed and empty the pool, other teams were tasked with a big garden blitz ahead of the big Open House Festival on September 14th. Heading to the canal side garden, the front wildflower patch, the side borders and the rear of the building, it was 45 minutes of diligent, effective weed plucking and clearing.

Thanks to Sue for brilliant project-management at the front of the centre, who thankfully knows her hollyhocks from her hogweed and so the front patch blitz meant all the right plants remained in tact.

As is the case every week at GoodGym, the time flew. With the last bin bag full of soil, weeds and debris dispatched to the lock-up around the corner, we made our way out to the tree in front of the hall (thanks for the location direction, Emma J ;)) before making our way inside for some of Sally’s spectacular lemon drizzle cake and a cuppa.

With this being my final Monday night as your very lucky Area Activator, we enjoyed a real get together both in the hall and at the pub after. Thank you to our wonderful, wonderful Task Force, Ivo and our regular members for an absolutely cracking night to remember.

Next week, we’re back to the pretty gardens on the Parkview Estate to see what DIY and gardening tasks our Des has in store for us…

Until then.

Our mission at Gale Street Organic Community Garden was one to remember.

The energy was uplifting, the teamwork inspiring, and the sense of purpose undeniable.

Having Ivo (GoodGym's CEO) join us brought an extra spark of motivation, while Harry stepped up effortlessly into the skipper’s role, guiding the group with calm confidence and enthusiasm.

With Peter and Virginia coming back for their second session ( 🎉 ), along with Irina and Emdad - our group of 6 GoodGymmers rolled up their sleeves: weeding stubborn patches, watering thirsty plants, clearing paths, filling the water tanks, and even a spot of litter picking to keep the garden looking its best. Every small action added up, leaving the space more welcoming for everyone who visits.

But GoodGym is never just about the tasks.

It’s about why we do what we do. GoodGym connects fitness with kindness, whilst turning energy into positive action for the community. By supporting places like Gale Street Community Garden, we’re caring for our shared spaces and plants; we’re cultivating wellbeing, unity, and a greener, brighter environment for all.

Community gardens are powerful spaces. They bring people together, offer fresh air, encourage sustainable habits, and provide a safe, shared place where friendships can grow alongside the flowers and vegetables. Supporting them means supporting healthier, more connected neighbourhoods. Volunteering adds so much more than physical results. It lifts spirits, strengthens mental health, builds awareness of the challenges around us, and nurtures a sense of responsibility. The feel good factor is undeniable; moving, sweating, and smiling together gives a boost no gym session could match.

A heartfelt thank you to Breda and Nassaba, as always, for guiding us every step of the way. Your encouragement keeps us going, and your presence reminds us of the power of community spirit.

Gale Street Organic Community Garden is proof that when people come together to give their time, even for an hour, change happens.

We left not just with dirt on our gloves, but with lighter hearts, stronger bonds, and the knowledge that together, we made a difference.

A mission to clear the spikey leaves and branches of a Rose Acacia tree which was hanging low over the garden. So much so that it was stopping Ms A from getting out in her garden. Having been warned about the thorns they didn't disappoint. The branches and twigs have rows of razor sharp thorns that you wouldn't expect given it's lush green leaves. Chopping back the foliage and cutting it small enough to bag up , plus sweeping the fallen leaves took a good 90 mins. Thanks to Ms A for a glass of ice cool water , and to her neighbour for the loan of a dustpan, all went smoothly. Was also a nice short run back through balmy streets full of people feeling summery.