Man on the Prune

A new Community Mission - and some familiar faces

A lovely large group of us got together for this marvellous Monday mission. And what a night it was.

We were greeted by Frances and Kate at St Hilda's who'd done the most amazing job prepping for our visit. Gloves, bags, pruning tools, brooms and space were all ready for our arrival, as we gathered to clear the pathway of bundles of rogue bamboo.

Frances had been in touch at the start of the year to request a hand clearing the garden, and now, GoodGymers were needed more than ever as St Hilda's have been rushed off their feet caring for residents and service users morning , noon and night over the last four months.

Runners pruned, cut, chopped and bagged bushes and bushes of overhanging plants that were posing a problem to staff and residents alike.

Borders were weeded, and litter was picked. It was a big operation, worthy of the large crew who assembled on a warm, bright Monday evening, delighted to be introduced to this new Community Mission, and back in one another's company.

Task owners Frances and Kate were proper hands-on, litter-picking, pruning and bagging with us, before assembling our rubbish and commencing the clean-up effort. Our Task Force regular, our wonderful Leo was leading the team perfectly, redirecting from one area of the garden to the other, assisted by all the runners, scurrying around to finish up in bundles of time.

We were lucky enough to have our own Sarah M helping to dispatch safely dispensed refreshments, which Frances and Kate had so thoughtfully provided.

Alfresco July fitness

And then we made our way to the Sonali Gardens for our fitness session, where we ran through some standing lower body and core work, with a little blast of cardio thrown in too. Becky made the best fitness instructor, taking the lead on the most exquisite reps to allow for my injured limbs!

And then we called it a night, but not before having a little natter.

The best team in the world

A great big shout-out to Team Tower Hamlets, who came together this evening, with care, concern and patience, navigating small pathways and as much distancing as possible while delighting in one another's company. Thank you being on TOP FORM, and for being there for one another.

Thanks to our brilliant Task Force, Isabelle, Becky J and G, and a huge shout-out to our Leo, for managing a magnificent night AND FOR HITTING 100 GOOD DEEDS LAST FRIDAY. And thank you to Chris for leading our round of applause and Leo-appreciation finale.

It's official Tower Hamlets: you still rock.

So keep an eye out for the other Community Missions popping up this week, and in the days ahead. Me, your Task Force, and your borough of doting Task Owners, are working morning and night to bring you together, as often as possible.

Have a great week everyone.