Top-tier, elite GG force were out in the May evening sun yesterday. We discussed weddings, beer garden drinks, Ofsted and the merits of alcohol on route.

The Princes, infamous around these parts, met us at the church. Sybil, who we haven't seen for a long time, welcomed us warmly with refreshments and a run-down on our task; weeding a flower patch, to let her peonies and tulips dance freely under the Stratford sun.

She's keen for us to help at the allotments, with a 'heavy task' come June. I've messaged Elaine, and will do a little internal cajoling so we can get extra hands on deck.

Before I sign off, big congrats to Rosie, she reached the huge half century milestone, it was touch and go whether she was going to make it before the sun explodes - in 8 trillion years - but she did it. It's been a proper treat to have you back these last few months or so, since your big comeback. You've earned that t-shirt.

Next week it's off the Romford road and down the canal, to Cody Dock, sign up here.

Till then,

B

Sun's out guns out, and all that. No traditional gun-show type folk with arms like WMD's, but we had plenty of firepower to assist the good folk at The Up Garden. Four of us discussed "your favourite sport's book or film?" I kicked off with The Best There Never Was, a book that unravels a complex story about politics, history and the human condition. The Challenger is a new highly recommended tennis film, by Rebecca...and Brad, must be good. We also had the superb Michael Jordan series, plus the Barkley Marathon documentary, which was recently completed for the first time by a woman, the force that is Jasmin Paris.

A hot jog to the task, we covered the eurovision song contest, Trump hush-money and Get Out leaving their Bow residence. Kieran is keen for a social send off, make note. National telly regulars and RHS winners greeted us, as we returned back to the vibrant gardens for the first time in light this year, looking magnificent, I'm sure you agree. With Dan, Kev, Shaz and Matt working on the herb garden clearance, the rest of us went and cleared the second zone. Armed with forks and a hotly sought after rotator, we cleared a small zone ready for a sand pit.

Was a good gentle workout in the evening sun, everyone completed their tasks, to Catherine and Suze's approval. I've just had a message re The Pride event their hosting, they're keen for help, will list that when we have details. Nice one for the salty goods Dan, nice to mix up the post session snacks, as long as no one brings a soup or something next time. We all wish you the trip of a lifetime, you'll be missed, be well.

Next week, we help the folk at Emanuel Church, sign up here

An unwell Brahma meant a Prince led evening.

A welcome return of Rosa after a very busy work schedule and few days in the sun and Simon for his first GG of the year following and injury.

A gentle run along the greenway to Abbey Garden where Xuan greeted us for a mix of weeding,watering and detangling some bunting.

We split into two groups with Brad and Simon clearing near the fence by the coffee and Hilary and Rebecca clearing between the trees.

Kevin was on hose watering while Rosa and I had the water cans to water the raised beds.

We finished off with the bunting.....it had become so tangled but as Xuan was happy for piece to cut to make coloured piece to tie to the fence.

Hopefully Brahma will be back to led is to Up Garden next week following their second appearance on The One Show

A nice gentle 3k for Kevin and I today as we headed to help a local resident clear an overgrowing Ivy bush.

We were warmly greeted and shown through to the back garden.

Gloved on and shears in hand we set about removing the ivy,it was mixed in with some brambles which we also removed.

A cup of tea and five bags later the ivy had well and truly been cut back.

We said our goodbyes and took a leisurely walk home via West Ham park in the sunshine.

Good for the soul type session yesterday in Hackney. Hils, a holiday box-fresh Paul and I rolled over to our destination, discussing how age provides extra allowances for being grumpy in our society - and is that right? Might need another delve into this, was good food for thought. The GoodGym hatrick of two Princes and a tonne-reaching Dan met us at the playground.

Ange has a new Forest School coming on site, she tasked us with creating their new education zone. Clearing out the litter to provide a clean area, trimming back the growth to create a bigger 'school area' and laying loads of fresh bark down to provide a healthy and soft soil for play and bug inspection.

I know we've been back at Hackney Adventure Playground three times now, but I do love it there, and I enjoy being back. Quality to get a drink in pots-sesh, and salute Dan on his century of tasks. A physical force of nature - a man you want on the arduous, heavy tasks. He also brings an abundance of cheer and warmth along, it's almost rubbed off on some of us - but a veritable pleasure doing good with him.

Next week, we commence May at Abbey Gardens, and I'm really hoping it's at least t-shirt weather for the run there, summer has got to be close now. Sign up here

Have a good week peeps, get your miles in for Hackney - remember: more is more.

Till next week,

B

This week's RWQ could've been gone either way, but as it happens, it nose-dived into a fast-flowing mountain river, strewn with jagged rocks. I mean "what's your favourite pair of shoes ever?" isn't that inspired, but I know strange people that could've talked about their best running shoes, for like an hour. I know too many runners. Anyway, we still had some solid responses; old converses, NFL shoes, vegetarian shoes, track racing spikes, some fluffy slippers and a pair of swanky boots.

We completed a couple of types of post related jobs at the Get Out Garden. Dismantling and decanting a com-post-er, and supporting posts to divide the garden. Like a postman, you guys delivered the goods. We cleared the old structure of palettes and dropped the compost onto some beds, while discussing insects, jobs, and comedy. Kev and Hils, ably knocked in some posts with no tools but enough ingenuity to make it happen.

And Kev, before i forget, cloud seeding; releasing of silver iodide into the atmosphere, which has a similar structure to ice, hence attracts it, and forms rain.

Next week, it's Hackney Adventure Playground. Sign up here.

Have a corking weekend, some LM spectating perhaps.

Till next week,

B