Happy Second Birthday to Goodgym Redbridge

On a beautiful summer's evening eight of Goodgym's finest, met to do good, get fit and celebrate Goodgym Redbridge's second anniversary.

Where has the time gone? It's been two years since Goodgym Redbridge launched and over that time the group has worked hard to make Wanstead and Snaresbrook a nicer place to live. From working on the high street with Marian at Wanstead Community Gardeners, to mixing paint with Forest Recycling Project or sorting food for Ilford Foodbank, we've had masses of fun while getting fit in the process.

Fittingly, the evening's task saw a return to where it all began, Redbridge Lane West Allotments. The squad have been back here on a periodic basis but with the recent warm weather things have got out of hand and it desperately needs more help. With a number of Redbridge regulars joined by Chi from Goodgym Harringay we were soon up off the road on the mile run to the allotment.

Once there, the magnitude of the task was realised - there is a lot of work to do. Armed with hoes, trowels and gardening gloves Team Goodgym set to work pulling up the waist hight weeds - filling the compost bin to overflowing in the process. With sweat pouring from brows and muscles rippling a huge area was cleared and massive difference made in a mere 45 minutes.

With the task done all that was left was to do a fitness session. Led by Chi and his three (or five) minute abs session the group spread out on the recreation ground outside the allotment and worked those abdominals. Tough work but plenty of fun. All this left was an easy 4km run back to base and a quick sprint on the Strava Segment on George Green.

As is the tradition the team headed to The George Pub for a Curious Caterpillar cake, beers and some birthday song! Thanks to everyone who came last night and all those who have been involved in Goodgym Redbridge over the last two years. Here's to many more tasks and fitness sessions in future!