It was a bitterly cold evening, with frost clinging to the ground, but that didn’t dissuade 13 Tower Hamlets diehards, wrapped in many layers, gathering for our first group task of 2026. Breath hung in the air as we pulled on gloves and got to work, determined not to let the temperature dampen our spirits. The Cranbrook garden was still carpeted with wet, fallen leaves, somehow unhardened by the icy conditions

Despite numb fingers and stiff muscles, the group worked steadily, gathering leaves into large piles, bagging them, and Chris even repeating his Cranbrook party trick of jumping into the wheelie bin, to stamp the debris down and create more space for the seemingly never-ending flow of leaf piles. Periodic bursts of laughter and much conversation helped to break through the chill, and the physical effort brought a degree of warmth

By 19:45, the thick carpet of leaves had disappeared, just a few clinging on between blades of grass, and the lucky 13 felt proud, rosy-cheeked, and energised. There only remained the logistically difficult problem of getting everyone in a selfie, and the difficult negotiation of the frozen pavements outside

Nearly half way through December, so an injection of sparky Goodgym energy was called for, to keep the compost heaps of Hoxton Trust Community Garden, well, moving and grooving. Think: keeping the oxygen circulating in style, minus any inferno, which did inspire the 1976 disco classic from The Trammps, apparently.

Stepping forwards onto this garden dancefloor was a trio of Goodgymers who brought with them some helpful compost know-how, strength enough to move (little) mountains of earth, and a buoyant optimism in their chatter which matched the friendly squawks of sea gulls flying roundabout.

To begin, Gardening Manager, Max, introduced the task: four neatly boxed piles of garden debris, each requiring a fair few twists and turns, to keep up the transformation to rich soil-enhancing compost, which will replenish the gardens with goodness come Spring time.

Harvey and Dan began with spades to shovel the top layers from a couple of the compost heaps to new piles at the side, all the better to reach down and rotate the soil lying at the very bottom. Not far along in their digging, Goodgym newcomer Barbara bounded up to lend not only a hand but also a head of horticultural knowledge. A hearty Goodgym welcome to Barbara, whose vigour and care will be an asset to any further tasks she lends her support.

The fresh energy and insight Barbara brought to our composting team was immediately appreciated, when confronted with the unexpected surprise that revealed itself when removing the protective sacks laid over the third compost pile...

In contrast with the largely fine soils that could be merrily stirred with ease, here lay clusters of dry branches and leaves, barely begun along their path to decomposition. With an approving nod from Max, we proceeded to distribute some of this crispier material amongst the smoother earth in the neighbouring troughs, including the fourth at the end of the line, which the industrious Harvey had taken careful charge of. 

During this careful choreography, we learnt how Harvey has contributed to over 900 good deeds during his Goodgym volunteering, joining us directly from a training session run and a stint as marshall at Acton Junior parkrun, earlier the same morning! Not quite as prolific, yet, Dan was pleased to be another first-timer at GG Hackney, on the back of sessions with GG crews in Tower Hamlets and Liverpool over the course of 2025. So, together with Barbara, a team representing a range of GG experience; a reminder of how we all started and where we all may reach one day!

An hour or so into this Funday Sunday task, we agreed that the organic matter within those four heaps had felt the full invigoration of our steady and thorough mixing. We returned the sack covers to seal in some warmth, cosy enough to keep the composting process aglow, until another visit lined up here in January - Sunday 25th is the date for your diary!

Walking back through the gardens with a wheelbarrowful of tools to return to base, we passed by and almost under a giant clock... Perched on a (sturdy) stand, the clock is presented proudly to the gardens, showing it off like a special Tree of Time amidst the other, err, actual trees (of which twenty species can be found within the gardens). The timepiece dates from at least 1871, formerly part of the "Eastern Fever Hospital", one of the first state-funded which stood until it was demolished in 1982, making way for the Homerton University Hospital. A striking relic connecting the site to significant public amenities provided for Hoxton communities in times gone by.

Following this Alice in Wonderland interlude (in Dan's imagination), Max received the equipment back across at the Hoxton Trust courtyard, introducing us to a recently erected pond to complement the pots and plants that feature for sale there. The Trust was established in 1983, incorporating the garden from the site of what had been a row of derelict shops. In securing a new home for plantlife and wildlife alike, the Community Garden provides a backdrop for visitors seeking some green reprieve from the city, and a venue for lively community gatherings - the annual Christmas jamboree featuring a brass band had taken place just last night!

One more photo momento in front of a stupendous agave plant, each composter then headed off for further fun, leaving this spot of central east London greenery in Sunday tranquility. We trust the supplies of future compost are well set to give that extra verve to the new growth on the horizon, following a couple more months of Winter's restorative hibernation.