If darkness hadn't quite fallen by the time we arrived at Sivill House, it was certainly teetering over the edge. There was some illumination from the estate lights, and people brought head torches, but our main concern was the effect of the gloomy conditions on those all-important task photos!

Task owner and GoodGymer Ed directed us to a very large pile of woodchip which had been donated to Columbia TRA. It was happily sitting in the car park, but it really needed to be in the gardens, the other side of the estate. It didn’t look too large a pile, until we realised how far back it went…

Still, we had five wheelbarrows, plenty of shovels and bags, and most importantly a 17-strong squad of GoodGymers. It felt like a real workout as we persuaded the reluctant woodchip to separate from the security of its pile, to a new life – mulching! This technique suppresses weeds, conserves soil moisture, insulates plant roots and improves soil health and fertility. Yes, we’ve enabled all those things!

A special welcome to newcomers Angelique and Ryan, who really threw themselves into the task. Hope to see you back soon! And thanks to Fiona who took some good photos after all!

Despite the darkness, the night was still young as we headed off, with a suggestion that one of the task owners had invited us to the pub. We didn’t know where we were supposed to go, so after wandering around for a bit, four of us headed for the Royal Oak to congratulate ourselves on all our good work

It was a good turn-out at Cranbrook Community Centre tonight, with a lot of “Fiona-style” late sign-ups. Which was a nice surprise actually, after initially low numbers. Anna arrived ultra-punctually (i.e. early), and was soon planning the cutting back of hedges overlooking the public areas, though we weren’t entirely sure whether we were supposed to be cutting down a tree somewhere

We were dazzled by Lucinda’s arrival on time, or maybe it was her bike lights. Kat came pretty much straight off the plane from Canada. Having found the country rather large and spaced out, she was relieved to get into the close confines of Cranbrook garden

Laura turned up full of enthusiasm, and immediately started organising things. I’m sure I’ve seen her before somewhere…

Fiona, who’d run from Clapton, thought she’d left her bag at the station, but it was at home all the time. That’s what happens when you get a year older

Ciarán and Kareem swept and swept, until the main area was completely clear of leaves – for now. Chris was a whirlwind of energy, keeping everyone stocked with bags for both foliage and branches from the other side of the fence

It was a productive hour filled with good conversation, collective effort, and a significant improvement to the area’s appearance

Next week we’re at Columbia Road gardens. Sign up here, sooner or later: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-big-monday-night-task-planting-weeding-and-topping-up-woodchip-in-columbia-road-gardens

Before that, on Saturday, you can help with a water station in Chingford, feeding hungry and thirsty 50km runners https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/camino-ultra-epping-forest-50km-and-25km-eco-trail-aid-station-superstars-2025

On Sunday, you can take part in a GoodGym advert, filmed at Hollybush, Bethnal Green, which will appear on Sky TV https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/filming-a-goodgym-tv-ad-at-hollybush

And looking ahead, we’re getting a train to Dover later in the month, to do a 15km coastal walk https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/walk-from-dover-to-folkestone

8 of us headed down to Ocean Youth Connexions on a blustery evening (still arriving in light). We were met by the task owner, Kamal, who provided us with all the equipment we needed, including some giant bags. These were very useful as it turns out leaves are prone to blowing away without some sort of receptacle to contain them.

Rohan worked out front, tree trimming whilst perched on the railing, reminding me of a scene from Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. He made light work of this and soon joined the rest of the gang out back who worked tirelessly to round up all the loose leaves they could see.

Special shout out to Dnyaneshwari for completing her first task!

A amazing effort by all, no cap! (Correction - there were actually two caps left by previous goodgymers, one modelled by Lobo in the group picture).

It was a fantastic evening last night at the Canal Club Community Garden.

With a brilliantly-sized team, the preparation started early as Paul, Dharmesh and John set about tonight’s big greeting effort. As GoodGymers arrived one by one the hall was filled with the sound of animated GoodGymers catching up after the weekend and welcoming new and not-seen-for-a-while faces. A big warm welcome to Beth, who joined for her first GoodGym!

Tonight’s task owners were the brilliant Sally, accompanied by Dominic, who were both unfazed by the size of tonight’s group.

With one team quickly dispatched to the rear garden to help clear the area around the shed and empty the pool, other teams were tasked with a big garden blitz ahead of the big Open House Festival on September 14th. Heading to the canal side garden, the front wildflower patch, the side borders and the rear of the building, it was 45 minutes of diligent, effective weed plucking and clearing.

Thanks to Sue for brilliant project-management at the front of the centre, who thankfully knows her hollyhocks from her hogweed and so the front patch blitz meant all the right plants remained in tact.

As is the case every week at GoodGym, the time flew. With the last bin bag full of soil, weeds and debris dispatched to the lock-up around the corner, we made our way out to the tree in front of the hall (thanks for the location direction, Emma J ;)) before making our way inside for some of Sally’s spectacular lemon drizzle cake and a cuppa.

With this being my final Monday night as your very lucky Area Activator, we enjoyed a real get together both in the hall and at the pub after. Thank you to our wonderful, wonderful Task Force, Ivo and our regular members for an absolutely cracking night to remember.

Next week, we’re back to the pretty gardens on the Parkview Estate to see what DIY and gardening tasks our Des has in store for us…

Until then.