Drop Bed Gorgeous

It was a good sized team that congregated in the lively little spot on Commercial Road this lunchtime to make our way to the Tarling East Community Centre in Shadwell.

After our short intro, we made our way through vibrant Watney Market and down bustling Martha Street to the Centre where Andy and Sheema awaited us with instructions, brushes and wood gloss.

What brought us to this task?

Well, these vegetable beds are precious to residents and community members, but as the summer season draws to a close and Autumn temperatures kick in (yes, downpours, we're looking at you), the frames need a little TLC to protect them from the elements.

Enter the LIS squad. Armed with bundles of humour, care,precision and painting skills, the team set about painting the seven large beds in no time. Even with minor hiccups ("So there are snails on the wood?"; "Chris, I've poured paint on your water bottle!"), the activity went like a dream: speedy, tidy, completed.

Any chance of getting hold of a basketball, instead?

And so to the fitness. "I'm thinking some nice fitness moves: bit of single leg squatting... Other workout-y stuff?" Emily wasn't so sure: "Any chance of getting hold of a basketball?" And there was. Andy found one from the Centre's youth worker, and so headed up by Alex, two teams made their way to the basketball court for a slightly more fun workout than what I'd had in mind.

That Friday feeling

It was a brilliant way to spend a Friday lunchtime: the sun came out literally and metaphorically, as our new local residents combined productivity and purpose, leaving everyone who came into contact with them with the ultimate Friday feeling.

Huge shout-outs to the whole team, but especially to Emily for brilliant planning and facilitation, and to Andy and Sheema from Tower Hamlets Community Housing for a brilliant pre-task recce last week; meticulous planning and great, great care with our activity today.

I hope to see everyone again very, very soon.