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!

London's community half marathon went red this year! 🔥

A huge congratulations to the oodles of GoodGym folk who caught well-earned happy mornings under a hot-hot-hot late summer sun ☺️

It was the biggest joy seeing you all!

Please send me your photos (!) and I will pop them up here (alexmurtough@goodgym.org) ❤️

The team of 15 GoodGymers arrived one by one at the Cranbrook Community Centre just off Roman Road.

It wasn’t long before our group had grown- we were delighted to welcome first-time GoodGymer Zeeshan.

The group promptly divided into three smaller teams to get stuck into the evening’s tasks under the watchful eye of task owners Janet and Eileen.

The first team got to grips with a furniture check... With the centre well-used by local groups and residents we wanted to check a stash of trestle tables were in good condition and safe to use. Each table was tested for wobble before returning them inside, after which the team put some energy into moving the bright and cheerful wendy house to a more suitable spot, before embarking on a thorough litter pick. A surprising amount to collect, the team kept at it, steadily clearing up the outdoor area, leaving it tidy for users of the community centre.

Outside the gates, another team turned their attention to the hedge that runs along the pavement. With branches starting to obstruct the pavement, the pruning team carefully trimmed them back, helping to keep the path safe and clear for pedestrians before heading around to the bin area with the many weeds and branches.

Meanwhile, the third group concentrated on leaf-picking around the garden borders. Over time, leaves tend to collect between the fences and the beds, so the team worked methodically to gather them up, leaving the edges looking neat and cared-for.

We worked quickly and productively for 45 minutes, then shortly before 8, we packed away the kit, gathered for that all-important group photo, and then headed out onto Mace Street. With the daylight fading, we enjoyed a top-to-toe stretching session to round things off.

Another great night in Tower Hamlets, thanks to Janet and Eileen and the wonderful Tower Hamlets GoodGymers.

We break for the Bank Holiday next week, but return to the fun Canal Club Community Garden on September 1st!

Until then.

On a humid Monday evening in Limehouse, 12 GoodGymers gathered at the Tower Hamlets Community Transport Hub, the base of Ocean Youth Connexions, to help continue to give this site a well-needed refresh.

Despite the heavy air and the threat of rain, spirits were high as we split into several smaller teams.

One team took on the painting of the metal shutters at the front of the hub.

Two leaf-clearing teams tackled the concrete yard and bus park. Bag after bag of leaves were swept, scooped and carried away to the collection area at the back of the yard.

(Removing leaves from these hard-surfaced areas isn’t just cosmetic — they can become slippery when wet and clog drains if left to build up, leading to puddles and flooding).

A third team took on the weeds sprouting from the corners and cracks of the yard. (This not only helps to improve the appearance of the area, it also helps to prevent further damage to the paving and brickwork).

By 8pm, with the final weeds uprooted and the yard swept clear we headed inside - just as well as the first drops of overdue rain began to fall.

We gathered by a large step ladder for a quick pic before heading out one by one onto Newell Street: some on foot, some on bike (and maybe one or two on the bus).

Next week we’re back with Janet and Eileen for the August garden clear-up at the Cranbrook Community Centre.

Until then.

One by one we arrived at the Canal Club Community Garden on Waterloo Gardens this evening.

The garden and surrounding areas of the community centre has become something of a local hub for growing, relaxing - and getting stuck into outdoor projects.

The centre itself is well-used hub that runs a wide range of local activities from youth projects to gardening and cookery workshops, with the garden being an important part of the centre.

After a quick hello and a look around, task owner Sally briefed us on tonight’s gardening tasks.

Dividing into three teams we made a start clearing the overgrown borders, weeding the paving stones and picking litter.

GoodGymers braved thistles, nettles, bugs and all manner of weeds in tidying up this pretty garden.

Our workout was completed with a few trips carrying full bags of nettles, weeds and soil to the bin lock-up around the corner.

To top it all off, we were treated to homemade lemon drizzle cake, fresh coffee and - for some – a brief dip in the small pool in the cherry tree garden...

Sally was the best task owner and host. What a lovely night.

Next week, we’re Limehouse-bound…

And just in – Rue’s speed session in Victoria Park this Thursday!

Have a good week!