Five jolly Goodgym-ers (Katrina, Rachel, Rowena, Sarah and Tony) braved the cold temperatures and hit the streets of Walthamstow to deliver community news magazines for William Morris Big Local, a fabulous, resident-led community initiative that supports, runs and funds projects in the William Morris ward to make a positive difference to the area and its people.

We pounded the pavements for an hour or so, going door to door until our fingers went numb, and we covered some good ground. We all gained a bit of extra respect for our local posties, and the community news looked so interesting that we each took a copy home for a bit of bedtime reading!

Special kudos and a huge welcome go to the amazing Rachel, who moved to London a mere FOUR days ago and joined Goodgym immediately as a way to get to know people in her new community. That’s the spirit, Rachel! We sincerely hope that tonight’s chilly mission didn’t put you off, and that we’ll see you again very soon!

Well done to everyone who joined – together we made light work of our task. This was our last Wednesday group run of the year, so Merry Christmas all, and let’s hope 2023 brings some more brilliant missions our way!

Managed to arrive at base in time, jostling and skimming by the hoards of footy fans, Gooners at the beginning of the journey, Hammers at the end. Was happy to escape the masses and have a quick run through our RWQ; "If you could stay in a hotel anywhere for one night only - where would you go?" Rotterdam, to do a Parkrun. Highlands, for the scenery. Ljubljana, because it's supposed to be nice. I think Graham and Rosa were unsure, as the question was mainly a brainstorming exercise for their next trip, be interested to hear where they go.

Proper graft awaited us at Get Out garden, in the form of moving tens of sleepers. Rotten ones, medium ones, jagged ones and massive ones. All the sleepers. We bundled most in the skip but some around the garden. These ones were legitimately heavy. With three plus people needed on the long sleeper variety. Maybe some sore wrists and backs today, but hopefully that won't last long.

Next week we have a brand new task courtesy of Graham. We're painting a fence at a local Primary School. As with all new tasks be great if we had a full squad to get lots done. I've had a super busy morning, but I'll list it and share it later today.

Till next week peeps!

B

Yesterday marked the end of a short lived era at Print House, it was also the beginning of our relationship with new tenants, Jim & Tonic. An ambitious distillery, bar, cafe and more. Much potential in store going forward, engaging with them on sustainability and community events. Exciting.

We managed a decent seven of us despite the unrelenting lashings of rain earlier. A quick random question, "what's the most disgusting thing you've recently eaten?" A dry orange and rotten apple, back to back, you'd probably call it a day after that. Taco Bell with a half an hour wait time, taste-time relationship not up to scratch. Cadbury's Milk Chocolate with a hidden taste of...parma violet. That's just not on. Or how about a mac & cheese not enjoyed by a mac & cheese's official number one fan? Must've been pretty miserable. If you're really hungry after a physical day, you know what you want to come home to? A couple of bits of dry semi-breaded fennel with some light embellishments around it. Lovely. Winning answer of the day? Tory Lies. No context needed. Ever.

Right, now to the good deed stuff. Xuan greeted us down at the gardens and got us to work. Weeding was the prescription, mainly mallow, a deep rooted pink flower that apparently has some medicinal qualities. We took two beds and had a good deep dig, removing all the plants as instructed. Brad got into a fight with one Mallow, it was personal, a long lasting bout, it could of gone either way, but our boy Purnell dug in under pressure and got it done.

Next week we head back to Up Garden, our favourite new project, let's be honest. Sign up here and you will not regret it.

Also, if anyone is inclined this Saturday, Kieran is uber keen for help at Get Out, sign up here if you can assist this permaculture oasis.

Till next week

B

The humidity of the day continued into the eve, a few of us met at base willing to perspire freely. We discussed our favourite documentaries; The Staircase, a murder mystery series based on a true story. The Alpinist, following the life of a fearless and reserved young ice climber. Alex Scott's documentary delve into women's football. And I'm not sure what Paul said, or if he did indeed give us an answer. We'll confirm next week.

The jobs were abundant at Up Garden, where Kev, Shaz and Tony met us. From moving water butts, rearranging the shed, shifting large trunks, rearranging the palates, clearing and weeding a sizeable plot, laying iron railings against the weeds, moving several planters, shifting a large batch of timber and repositioning some hefty stones.....and breathe.

Pretty hard to fathom that we completed all of that, but we did. Suzanne's can do attitude and meticulous organisation certainly helps. Massive pat on the back for that preposterously effective session.

Next week, Sharon or Kev will officially lead, as I'm away on hols in France. Old favourite Cody Dock is in store, sign up here

Have a cracker and see you'll in a fortnight.

Till then,

B

Grey skies yesterday compensated for by bright smiles, the kind of smiles you get from helping completely transform a small public space in just under an hour. To top it off we welcomed Tony, usually found in Waltham Forest and Dimple, who Paul expertly guided to our community embrace. Hope you both had a decent eve with us, was great to meet you both.

Chit chat was had first in the form of our Random Weekly Question, it wasn't that random as my brain has dried up, however it was insightful: "what was the highlight of your weekend?" Playing with your cat. Going to a music festival. Constructing a massive shed for one of our GoodGym partners. Having a drink with old uni pals. Attending a wedding in Hayes Marina. Looks like we had a bit of everything, Small joys to the bigger life events, and everything in between.

We made the jog over as one unit, then realised we didn't actually know where we going... I had one job. It was quickly rectified as we nipped around the corner to find the group. We established our roles and began weeding, digging, planting and watering. The large delivery of plants was the priority, get them in the ground and give them water. The ground was rock solid, but we dug hard and persevered. A lovely selection of succulents, long ornamental grasses, vegetables and more were planted in. Circa an hour later, we took another look at our efforts, enjoyed some kind words from the locals and jogged back in a few different directions.

Next week we head back to the amazing Up Garden, sign up here. This wonderful upcycled garden is where the team built a shed last week, they've got loads to do so any help much needed.

See you fine folk there,

Till then

B