Half of us met on a fresh December eve, the penultimate session of the year. We spoke about "things that make you feel young?" Helping older people with technology, getting ID'd, bickering with a sibling and spending all day with kids. A selection of youth serums you can't buy in the shops.

With a snaking journey to Plaistow Primary, we never wavered in doubt with Hilary's navigation. A doubling of numbers at the school, with Hitesh, Rosa and Rosie meeting us there, well Rosie just stayed there. She took us through to the designated wrapping room and we got to work. A lovely gift from the parents to raise funds so all kids could have a xmas present. We wrapped solidly for forty five minutes, some better than others, but let's not get into that again, there's no I in team, and all that. EIGHTY TWO presents were wrapped, I had no idea how many we would do, but I'll take that. Stupendous work guys, that's a huge haul of gifts, and massively offloaded some work off the next batch of wrappers. Excellent session Rosie, in spite of your caretaker's lack pf enthusiasm, that was a refreshingly different task (and warm).

Next week we go indoors again and help feed those in need, sandwich making at Emanuel Church, sign up here. Followed by the traditional GGN XMAS Shin Dig, not to be missed. Details will be released asap.

Bank some cold miles and have a good week.

Till next week,

B

The stubborn folks of GoodGym Newham showed up in numbers defying the weather reports, as the one of the coldest days of winter 23/24 arrived.

We discussed the RWQ "There's an apocalypse, you're one of the few survivors recreating society, what one thing do you change?" Ban Billionaires, 3 day working week, Kevin's Dictatorship, complete accessibility and a 4 day working week for good measure. Not sure I answered, but maybe ban cars/roads and give the land to the public for growing/rewilding.

Moving from one utopian dream to another, Bow. We met Kieran, the boss man was there to explain the upcoming changes at Get Out, his baby arriving in Jan and of course the task details for the eve. All about gathering all the fallen nourishing plant material and directing back into the right place, for fertile spring soils. We swept, scooped and grabbed leaves off the paths, we removed and organised plant matter from the compost heaps and placed it into the beds in the polytunnel. There was also a heavy lifting option, moving large logs to a safer place.

With a healthy nine people we managed a lot, the return of Simon a great addition, plus The Princes back after some R&R off the coast of North Africa, positively bolstered. Great work one and all.

We've got two beautiful sessions incoming, both indoors too, I think you've earned it. Next week we go to Rosie's School to wrap presents (sign up here), and the week after we go to the church to help prep sandwiches to feed those in need (sign up here) - plus an xmas social after.

Get your miles in and stay warm people.

Till next week.

B