A welcome return to Plaistow Primary School for this evening’s session in the sunshine, and an equally warm welcome to Nelson on his first ever GoodGym mission.

Hilary led the group from the Aquatic Centre through the streets of West Ham and upon our arrival at the school gates, we were guided through a classroom into an outdoor area where in one corner were all the pieces (we hoped) that would be needed to help build a wooden Wendy House that the children could then play in. Our first task was to try and find some instructions on how to construct the house, which proved more challenging than it should have as they were tucked away in a plastic bag wrapped inside some wooden strips wrapped inside some hard to open packing film, along with bags and bags of different sized screws.

Rosa took on the job of project manager whilst the rest of us gathered all the pieces to try and make sense of what we had and what needed to be done. The first task was to identity all the different sized screws, which was best done by pouring them all out onto the floor and painstakingly sorting by hand. In parallel Nick and Graham started to lay out the first pieces of the puzzle, whilst Nelson got to work unwrapping all the remaining parts. Guided professionally by Rosa, step 1 was to insert a window into the frame followed by fitting the front door taking note of the need to have all the spacers in the right place…judicious use of a handy battery operated screwdriver and we felt we were finally making progress, and quickly moved to step 2 which was attaching four joists to the floor panel - which required a bit more team co-ordination as the screws needed to be fitted from the top surface and, in spite of being at school, we didn’t have a ruler or tape measure to hand… - but somehow we got them all correctly attached…and then we ran out of time as the school needed to be shut for the evening, so we tidied up as best we could and closed the door behind us.

So in the end we didn’t build a house this evening, but we at least got some foundations in place - this particular mission could require a few return visits to get completed!

It was a very pleasant wander through the backstreets of Beckton in the sunshine to drop off Miss S's medicine once again. Miss S's mother met me at the door and was so very grateful for this morning's delivery.

We do love a visit to see Ange at Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground.

We welcomed Priscila to her first GG Newham group run.

Ange had a couple of tasks planned for tonight, a GoodGym classic moving wood chip and digging and hole ready for a wooden installation next to the pond.

Kevin and Priscila took on the task of digging a meter deep hole which was made more difficult due to the amount of rubble that is buried on the site, the joy of the playground be built on an old blitz dump.

Hilary and I took on the task of re-wood chipping one of the swing areas within the playground.

We finished the evening tadpole spotting in the playgrounds pond.

Rosa and Hilary led the team on the run from the Aquatics Center to the Up Garden.

Kevin and I took the shorter route from home and met Tim at the entrance on his first visit to the garden and Umar on his first GoodGym session.

Catherine from the UPGarden greeted us and gave us our instructions for tonight
* move chairs and tables in colour-coordinated groups
* sand chairs and tables removing loose old paint

We split up and had the groups sorted in now time and so onto the sanding.

Suz came to say hello and let us know about the fun packed weekend the garden had recently had holding a piano recital for the pupils of two local piano teachers and the 60th celebrations of the borough of Newham.

All items sanded and it was time to say our goodbyes.

Next week is a visit to see Sybil at Emmanuel Church where we'll be creating a new flower bed.

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On a balmy Tuesday evening, a squad of eight set off from the Aquatics Centre for a classic GoodGym combo: run, task, teamwork, impact.

This week’s destination? The ever-welcoming Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground, where we were met by the indomitable Ange — beaming with good news. The playground dates back to the 1970s, when a degree of risk taking and challenge was all part of the design philosophy. Lots of the structures at the playground that support this philosophy are in need of replacement and Ange has recently secured some funding that will support long-overdue redevelopment work.

Those who’ve been on previous tasks here may remember shifting a hefty stack of wooden piles to free up one area for works. This time, the redevelopment zone had moved to the entrance where we'd moved them, so naturally, it was time to move them again! (strategic rotation?)

Armed with gloves, grit, and GoodGym spirit, we made short work of not only the infamous wooden piles but a few other bits of timber, too. Classic GoodGym efficiency — in and out, job done.

Special shout-out to our trio of first-time GoodGymers: Bianca, Lise and Mark — great to have you along and hope this is the first of many! And a warm Newham welcome to Richard, joining us for the first time in the borough — strong debut energy all round.

This task is always a favourite. Ange’s commitment to the playground and her legendary organisation mean it’s a joy to return each time — even if the wood just keeps moving in circles. Thanks to everyone who came along and made light work of a weighty task. Until the next pile shift... ply on! 🪵

Next week, we’re making a long-awaited return to the brilliant UP Garden — an award-winning community hub that’s been transformed from a disused laundry yard into a urban oasis for local residents. It’s always a pleasure to visit, and our host Suze will no doubt have a good list of tasks! 💪

Graham and Brad took on the welcoming duties tonight at the Aquatics Center as Renata joined us for her first Goodgym group run.

Kevin and I did a run and DLR journey to Cody Dock

Leaflets had been left in a lock box for us and a new area for delivery tonight.

A pleasant surprise was seeing Simon (the Dad of Cody Dock) he let us have a look around the new visitor center and bar area...also got to see where the new cafe will be and the heritage center.

So many changes in the nearly nine years we have been helping at this wonderful hidden gem in Newham.

Pop along and see for you self this Saturday as they host their Summer Open Day