We needed a little improvisation for tonight's task.

Before we'd even met, Kim was doing good deeds by putting her strength training to good use and helping a local resident move a gate. GoodGymers are never off duty 🫡

We had a good chat, discussing Amina's amazing array of hobbies 🎯, the pros and cons of group vs solo sports, and the joys of swimming - universally agreed.

After a short while, we realised the task was not going to happen as planned, so we pivoted. Having walked from the station I noticed lots of areas that could do with a spruce up, so we decided to do a litter pick. Kim was very organised and brought gloves, which were thankfully small enough for Lukas to share, but we had to improvise and nip into co-op for some bags for the rest of us and the rubbish.

Fighting plastic (with plastic) we donned our bags (hand bags, if you will) and got clearing a particularly messy area. In just 30 minutes we'd cleared 10 bags of rubbish, lots of it fiddly bits of plastic, leaving it in a much better state than we found it. Most impressive was Kim's navigation of the steep slope, like a mountain goat.

Not the task we thought we were doing, but definitely satisfying to see the impact 4 people can have in a short time. Great work team 🙌

Sorting and organising? Yes please! There was a shed load of sorting for tonight's task as we helped Tina and the team at Eastbury nursery and pre-school to improve the storage spaces in their garden.

Meeting at Barking Station, Mason and I welcomed Kim to GoodGym 👋 Our warm up invited some confused glances from commuters, but that didn't deter us and we were soon jogging over to the nursery, just a mile away, where we were joined by Imran and Lukas to make our merry crew for the session.

Our task partner, Tina, was there to greet us with a smile (and I think some relief) and showed us to the shed we'd be working on. Long-forgotten and now home to an array of local wildlife, it was to be a big task. Tina had already made a start so we jumped in to empty it entirely, sweep it and organise all the toys.

The first step was to get everything out and we filled the space with building blocks, bicycles, garden games, cars, rackets, gardening tools, trolleys, balls, cones and trucks. You get the idea. Everything was muddled, so we sorted into similar categories, which was immensely satisfying. It was also surprisingly nostalgic to be back in a nursery and rediscovering childhood toys. There was of course some time for games and Kim didn't hesitate to adjudicate a tug of war between Imran and Lukas. There was a rematch, but Lukas came out victorious. We all had a little go on the tiny bikes, Mason and Kim showing their speed and agility around the track.

In just an hour the shed was repacked in a calm and organised way, with everything accessible. Big shout out to Mason who braved the job of sweeping the cobwebs away and clearing all the spiders - there were some juicy one's in there 🕷️

Tina and the team were delighted. The people power of GoodGym meant they were able to achieve a task that hadn't been possible when prioritising everyday running of the nursery. And that's what we're here to do 💪 Before we left, as well as having a very thorough hand wash, we were given a tour of the beautiful nursery and treated to an ice cream 🍦 Can all GoodGym sessions end like this?

A brilliant task that brought out the inner child in us all and it was a great reminder that GoodGym is meaningful, but also fun!

GoodGym Barking and Dagenham was a little overshadowed this week with the eclipse happening right at task time. Not wanting to miss out on good deeds, we amended the timings and found time for both. 🪏 🌒

Lukas, Amina and I joined Nabassa and Co. at Gale Street Organic Community Garden to clear a very overgrown section of the site ready for planting. Fully equipped, we weeded and turned over the soil to transform the area in just 40 minutes. We also had just enough time to give all existing plants a good drink. 🌿

We headed over to Parsloes park to find an area with a clear view of the sun. Equipped with eclipse glasses, we watched in awe as the light dimmed to twilight and the parakeets got a little spooked. All very eerie. A first eclipse for Lukas and Amina, who were amazed at what was visible through the glasses. We sat a while enjoying some eclipse-themed snacks (shades sweets) and took it all in with the lovely group of people who had gathered. ✨

Celestial events over for now, it will be back to normal next week!

It is always a highlight to head to Gale Street Organic Community Garden, and this evening's task was no exception.

We met the wonderful Nabassa, who gave us a briefing about health and safety (...and the tasks). We couldn't believe the transformation since our last visit. The jungle had been cleared showing just how huge the site is! Community can achieve great things when they come together.

Whilst clearing, they uncovered a pond and that was task 1 for our session. Splitting into two teams Mason and Martynas got stuck in (quite literally) clearing the pond, and Lukas and Imran made a start weeding the vegetable patch ready for more planting.

It was all excitement as Mason moved a rock by the pond and uncovered a slow worm 🪱 Not actually a worm, but a legless lizard, it shone golden in the sun and mesmerised us all ✨ The photo doesn't do it justice, but does perhaps capture how cross it was to be disturbed. We quickly replaced the rock and were careful in that area.

For the second week in a row, Martynas found himself perched precariously on the edge of a pond. That didn't deter, and he was even in luck, finding a vintage horseshoe buried deep in the mud. Half an hour later, Mason hit the bottom. They'd done it! We cleared the very squelchy mud into a pile, leaving the pond casing ready to be cleaned up and the area developed, supporting even more biodiversity in the garden. 🐸

Meanwhile, in the vegetable patch Imran and Lukas had cleared a whole section of weeds and started harvesting coriander seeds. Delicate work.

The group reconvened and moved onto the next job, shifting a whole load of discarded conveyor belt from the old Dagenham Ford Factory. Creating a human conveyor, the team got the job done, with Mason drawing the short straw, taking up position deep in the bushes and getting "attacked by Mother Nature". We appreciate you 💪 It was a proper workout as the rolls were heavy and awkward to fit together to store. Lukas started singing the Tetris theme and that says it all.

Tonight's post-task activity was bottle flipping. Surprisingly effective for holding attention and it was hard to pull everyone away for the group photo. Kudos to Daniel who showed expert skill 😎

A satisfying hour's work, and we came away a bit muddier and a lot lighter having spent time in nature, connecting with others. Everyone was eager to get back soon for more 💛

It was GG Barking and Dagenham's first visit to the White House (and thankfully, not a fake tan in sight).

First to arrive was Future Leader, Mason, shortly followed by Imran and Martynas, who were back for their second tasks, and lastly Lukas, all the way from Essex. What a team! 💪

Task partner, Michaela, showed us around the garden and to the pond area that needed clearing ready for a children's art workshop happening next week. The lilies were stunning, but the surrounding area was overrun by weeds and nettles. 🪾

Loving nothing better than a challenge, we immediately spread to make a star-t on the weeding ⭐

There were some precarious weeding positions on the edge of the pond, but thankfully / disappointingly we all left with dry feet 😅

We'd soon filled buckets of green waste and on taking them to the compost heap, we uncovered a wasps nest! Very much not on the agenda for the evening and they were not happy (a close zoom on the photo shows them all abuzz). We swiftly created a new compost heap at a safe distance. The garden was creepy crawling with life - as well as wasps, we came across a huge number of snails and firebugs. We'd never seen so many in one place 🐞

Within 45 minutes the area was transformed! Weed cleared around the pond and the growing beds, and under the fruit trees. As the session came to an end, we were left pond-ering when we'll be back again. 🤔

After taking a few pictures, which channelled 90s boy band, we made plans for next week's task. All agreed to meet for a jog around the park beforehand. It's written so now it must happen!

There was just enough time to exchange handstand press-up tips before heading our separate ways, buzzing for next week already! 🐝

Draft