A welcome return to visit Sybil and the team at The Emmanuel Parish Church this evening, after what had felt like quite a long winter break - even the evening sun made a welcome appearance after our run across from Freaks and Geeks started under forbidding skies and passing rain showers.

It was also a very warm welcome to Kevin on his first mission in Newham. Regulars Hilary, Brad, Graham, and Nick made up the rest of tonight's gang.

Of course Sybil had much planned for us to do, and so with tools, gloves, bags, Iris plants and compost at the ready we were tasked with weeding a border bed at the far end of the Church garden, as well as removing Ivy from the wooden fence, and then preparing and planting the Irises and laying compost across the top surface. With much helpful assistance from other volunteers from the Church group we were soon down on our knees removing all the unwanted greenery from the bed and fencing, before trying to turn the soil in preparation for the planting. Helpfully a hose was at hand to make the soil a little more compliant, and with trowels in hand it was a case of dig and plant at roughly even spacing, followed by a thick layer of compost to feed the plants.

Before we knew it, the time was upon us to pack up, and as we walked back into the Church hall with tools in hand, the team produced plates of sandwiches and fruit to "replenish our energy" - always welcome after a hard day of bordering. Hilary led us on a chatting speed run back to Freaks and Geeks, where we decided to have an impromptu social in the pub to celebrate another successful Tuesday evening of weeding and planting.

We look forward to seeing these latest plants flourish in the garden, and we'll be back again in early July to do a closer inspection!

It was a bright evening along the Greenway as the GoodGym crew headed out to the orchard for a session that turned out to be equal parts gardening, community engagement, and bramble‑based acrobatics.

The orchard team had set us loose on a particularly tangled patch, and the brambles did not intend to go quietly. There were vines looping through branches, weaving into fences, and generally behaving like they’d signed a long‑term tenancy agreement. But the group got stuck in with enthusiasm — and only occasionally got stuck on the brambles. We also had a steady stream of curious passers‑by stopping to ask what we were up to. Several people showed real interest in the Orchard as well as GoodGym and idea of combining fitness with community action. If even a couple of them sign up, that orchard might have more helping hands very soon.

A special shout‑out goes to our visiting GoodGymer, Catherine from Cambridge — it was brilliant having you with us, and we’d love to welcome you back any time you’re in town.

Meanwhile, Adam took on one bramble root system with the determination of someone reenacting an epic battle scene. At one point it wasn't clear whether the root or the gardening fork was going to give way first. But victory was eventually claimed, and the root was defeated with honour.

By the end of the session, the orchard was looking clearer, the brambles were significantly less smug, and the team left with that satisfying post‑task glow that only comes from doing good together. Nice sunset too.