Stepney Straw Poll

Decked out in our now ubiquitous blue G.O.O.D. bibs we set out at a leisurely pace on a pleasantly warm evening to Stepney City Farm. We were a small group, but size isn't everything where doing good is concerned and we were intent on doing the work of twice as many people. On arrival at the farm everyone was impressed with the transformation they've gone through - not only do the sheds look great, but new decking and pathways (and the imminemt arrival of a new cafe!) give the farm a fresh new welcoming look.

However, as usual we were there to shovel compost, not take in the sights, so we split in two - one group collecting up straw and bringing it to 'compost corner' while the rest of us transferred compost from the large piles into newly constructed 'poo pens'. It was hard work, with the usual heat and smell originating from the pile, but we managed to move an Olympic amount in just half an hour and made a significant dent in the dung.

"we managed to move an Olympic amount in just half an hour and made a significant dent in the dung."

Before the run back a quick 'straw poll' saw democracy in action as the majority of runners opted for the longer, slower run back along the canal - which was much quieter than we'd imagined and made for a great return run. A quick detour via the Mile End Mount and enjoyable sprint up the stepped hill in the middle of the park and we'd achieved an impressive 6.49km total at an avg pace of 5.36. Not bad for a bunch of smelly muck-covered farm hands!

by Richard Foster