It was a festive-feeling evening as we jogged over to Plaistow Primary, where Rosie – deputy head and top Newham GoodGymmer – had a stack of books waiting for us to turn into presents.

On the run over we caught up with Eugene, back from Morocco and full of stories (and presumably tagine). Once inside, we settled into a rhythm of fold–tape–repeat, with plenty of interesting chat including a deep dive into unusual world champions. My favourite has to be Rock–Paper–Scissors world champion who, unbelievably, was prevented from defending their title due to an arm injury. The cruel fate of niche elite sport.

We wrapped a solid pile of books before our scheduled finishing time, but we were pleased to hear that the dinner ladies would be finishing the rest later in the week. Apparently they are clinically efficient in their execution of these sorts of tasks, so the presents are in very safe hands.

One last task for 2025 is lined up for next week at Hackney Marshes Adventure Playground, and then we’re onto lining up a whole load of sessions for January. Perfect timing to catch everyone with fresh New Year’s resolutions to get fit, do good, and support their local community.

Good wrapping, good running, good company. GoodGym. 🎁🏃‍♂️✨

A visit to Emmanuel church for the team on Tuesday.

We started on the preparation for 2 new flower beds in the church ground.

They have a grassed area between some of the tress and the church members decided they need more flowers,which would help the pollinators.

Grass was removed and taken to the compost pile,the ground was a little dry but Adam made light work of loosing it up,a great way to celebrate his 25th good deed

Two new beds are now ready for the bulbs to be planted.

We look forward to seeing them bloom next year.

And again the ladies did us a wonderful post task feast......I didn't get a photo of the chicken...which disappeared very quickly

We are off to St Marys Allotment next week for some fence dismantling....Head torches are a must

A very delayed report due to technical issues.......computer said no and then on a tech free holiday

Another wonderful visit to see Ang at Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground and a classic GG task for the night.

A very large pile of mulch to be shifted.

Lots of shoveling,walking and spreading and we had the area under the zip line full of mulch ready for the children the following morning. We even had time to put a good layer under the large swing area.

We will return to see Ang again in October.

On Tuesday evening last week (apologies for the delay), a brave band of GoodGymmers took on a task that was part DIY makeover, part arachnid diplomacy, and entirely brilliant.

Our mission: transform a small room in a local church into something a little less “spider sanctuary” and a little more “welcoming space.” Armed with rollers, masking tape, and nerves of steel, we got to work.

First up—taping. The edges of doors and skirting boards were treated to a precision masking job worthy of a crime scene investigator. No paint was going rogue on our watch. Special mention and welcome to Steven who worked wonders with the tape!

Then came the floor protection phase, where we laid down cardboard and paper like we were preparing for a Jackson Pollock session. The room looked like it was about to host a very cautious picnic.

But before any painting could begin, we had to face our eight-legged co-tenants. Cobwebs clung to corners, and spiders the size of small dogs (okay, maybe not that big) peered down from the rafters. We were assured they wouldn’t bite, but that didn’t stop a few squeals and some impressive ladder acrobatics as we cleared the high-up hideouts.

With the room de-spidered and the floor safely swaddled, we got rolling—literally. About half the room got a fresh coat of paint, and while we didn’t quite finish the job, we left it looking brighter and cleaner.

Big thanks to everyone who came along and brought their best brushwork, bravery, and banter. Same time next week—unless the spiders file a complaint.