We needed a little improvisation for tonight's task.

Before we'd even met, Kim was doing good deeds by putting her strength training to good use and helping a local resident move a gate. GoodGymers are never off duty 🫡

We had a good chat, discussing Amina's amazing array of hobbies 🎯, the pros and cons of group vs solo sports, and the joys of swimming - universally agreed.

After a short while, we realised the task was not going to happen as planned, so we pivoted. Having walked from the station I noticed lots of areas that could do with a spruce up, so we decided to do a litter pick. Kim was very organised and brought gloves, which were thankfully small enough for Lukas to share, but we had to improvise and nip into co-op for some bags for the rest of us and the rubbish.

Fighting plastic (with plastic) we donned our bags (hand bags, if you will) and got clearing a particularly messy area. In just 30 minutes we'd cleared 10 bags of rubbish, lots of it fiddly bits of plastic, leaving it in a much better state than we found it. Most impressive was Kim's navigation of the steep slope, like a mountain goat.

Not the task we thought we were doing, but definitely satisfying to see the impact 4 people can have in a short time. Great work team 🙌

GoodGym Barking and Dagenham was a little overshadowed this week with the eclipse happening right at task time. Not wanting to miss out on good deeds, we amended the timings and found time for both. 🪏 🌒

Lukas, Amina and I joined Nabassa and Co. at Gale Street Organic Community Garden to clear a very overgrown section of the site ready for planting. Fully equipped, we weeded and turned over the soil to transform the area in just 40 minutes. We also had just enough time to give all existing plants a good drink. 🌿

We headed over to Parsloes park to find an area with a clear view of the sun. Equipped with eclipse glasses, we watched in awe as the light dimmed to twilight and the parakeets got a little spooked. All very eerie. A first eclipse for Lukas and Amina, who were amazed at what was visible through the glasses. We sat a while enjoying some eclipse-themed snacks (shades sweets) and took it all in with the lovely group of people who had gathered. ✨

Celestial events over for now, it will be back to normal next week!