Lewisham

Community mission

Don't get crabby in the creek!

12 GoodGymers made their way to help their local community in Lewisham.

  • Caireen McGinn
  • Jacqueline Francis
  • Alex Murtough
  • Steve Murtough
  • Lewisham runner
  • Vic
  • Emma
  • Greenwich runner
  • Linda Gatley
  • Darryl Chamberlain
  • Charlotte Bryce
  • Laura Grant
 
Wednesday, 9th of June 2021
 
Led by Adele Prince

What better to do on a muggy summer evening than go wading in the river? 12 intrepid GoodGymmers from Lewisham, Greenwich and Southwark did just that on Wednesday evening.

The task was to help clean up the River Ravensbourne through Brookmill Park in Deptford, a a mile or so down from where it flows into the Thames at Deptford Creek. Years back, the river was stuck in a concrete culvert, but when the Docklands Light Railway came here in the 1990s, the DLR paid for it to be brought back to life again. So these days it bubbles and gurgles through the park - you wouldn't think you were in Deptford. It's also remarkably clean - and that's where volunteers come in.

After donning our waders and grabbing litter-picking tools, we took to the water in pairs, spreading out along the river, removing bits of builders' junk, old clothes, plastics, drinks cans, and ripping out bits of Himalayan balsam that had appeared on the banks. There were lots of dead crabs, but nothing too gruesome. The water was surprisingly deep in places, but we managed to remain standing...

While the river looked clean, we still managed to fill plenty of bags with rubbish. And wandering through a fast-flowing river with heavy waders is a surprisingly good workout.

It was a terrific evening to catch up with old faces (and new ones too - time to welcome Victoria to GG Lewisham after switching from Lambeth) and spot a few minty-fresh 100 tops too. Plenty of passers-by stopped to say hello too. Thanks to Lawrence and Tim for leading us - we'll be back (if you let us!)

Report written by Darryl Chamberlain


Discuss this report

Jacqueline Francis
Jacqueline Francis
she/her
Thursday June 10th, 2021 11:46

Nicely done Darryl!

Darryl Chamberlain
Darryl Chamberlain
Thursday June 10th, 2021 12:11

I'm saving "messing about in the river" for another time!

Charlotte Bryce
Charlotte Bryce
Thursday June 10th, 2021 12:33

Thanks for the report write-up Darryl. I had a great time everyone, hopefully we can do it again soon!

Adele Prince
Adele Prince
Thursday June 10th, 2021 13:03

Fantastic report Darryl, so lovely to see everyone

Alex Murtough
Alex Murtough
he/him
Thursday June 10th, 2021 14:03

Wonderfully lovely report from the wordsmith himself - thanks Darryl!! And lovely to see everyone :)

Caireen McGinn
Caireen McGinn
Thursday June 10th, 2021 15:49

Lovely report Darryl. What a wonderful evening, really enjoyed it and so nice to see some familiar faces xx

Greenwich runner
Greenwich runner
Thursday June 10th, 2021 16:14

Lovely report and a fantastic task! :D

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Adele Prince
Led by Adele Prince

Area activator at GoodGym Lewisham and Bromley. Happiest when cycling towards a swim. Lover of Hilly Fields parkrun.

GoodGymers helping out
  • Report Writer

    Be in charge of writing the session report

    • Darryl Chamberlain

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Glass Mill Leisure Centre

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