No fitness session this week, so everyone had plenty of time to get there by the stated time of 19:00. But when the nearby church clock struck seven, there were only three of us! Could it be that when teacher's away, her pupils lose all discipline and roll in late?

Actually everyone did arrive quite soon afterwards, and made sure they didn't get put in detention, by working very hard. Louise arrived to find the youth centre deserted, but soon realised we were busy in the back yard. She'd kindly offered to take on the painting task ("baggsie painting"!), but tonight we were concentrating on the leaves.

The cold weather last weekend had us wrapping up warm, but in contrast the trees decided to shed the last of their covering - and the yard was in parts calf-deep in leaves. We hadn't got leaf-grabbers, but we did have rakes and brooms, black bags, a bin, a huge yellow rubble sack, a wheelbarrow and most importantly, the hands of ten GoodGymers!

This time, we had not just to sweep up the leaves, but remove them to a nearby grass area where we made a huge pile for the council to pick up. Kitty caught up with an old friend (one of two sisters), and it was hard to get everyone to finish, when there were still a few leaves on the ground.

But we'll be back before Christmas - when there'll be a social! Sign up for the drink at https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/tower-hamlets-christmas-drink .

And of course there'll be more fun next week when we return to Hollybush (https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-big-monday-night-task-back-to-hollybush-estat-for-the-planter-makeover-with-the-teesdale-hollybush-tra).

See you then!

The rain started during the afternoon, so it wasn't unreasonable to think it might have fizzled out by 7.

No such luck.

But a great-sized group of GoodGymers nonetheless donned waterproofs and head torches and headed out to Rocky Park, in the heart of the Hollybush Estate, to join Margaret and Ash in the big garden makeover.

Why were we here?

• Margaret and Ash are are part of the Teesdale and Hollybush TRA, an active, productive Tenants and Residents Association working across the two estates. Since 2008, the TRA have transformed 13 disused sites, with the help of volunteers, 'creating a mini Eden where local nature can thrive.'

• There's a big project underway at the moment: the redevelopment of the planters in the communal garden areas, park and allotments. Over the last few months, GG TH Task Force and Margaret and Ash have worked hard to redistribute a whopping 96 tonnes of soil!

• Tonight we were carrying on that tough task - emptying old planters of soil, redistributing the soil, and demolishing the planters (as fun as it sounds).

The teams were divided into four initially, which then became five, spread out all over Rocky Park emptying planter after planter with the rain not taking a break. The bags were filled, to be moved another day ("That's something to worry about another time.") and a lot was achieved in a mere 45 minutes.

With just a small corner of a planter remaining at 7:45, we called it a day, making our way back to the centre to grab bags and leave gloves to dry.

Posing for that all-important final pic, we said our cheerios to Margaret and Ash, tentatively making a plan for a December visit.

The shout-outs

A big shout-out to the whole team tonight, who showed up ready for a big physical task, despite the wet night. And a huge shout-out to Vanessa, who joined for her first ever GoodGym! Amazing work, and we hope to see you again soon.

Next week we're Limehouse-bound, ready to crack on with the painting and leaf-clearing with Kamal down at Ocean Youth HQ.

Until then.

This evening, the GoodGym team met in Limehouse, ready to make a difference both indoors and outdoors with Ocean Youth Connexions at the Tower Hamlets Community Transport Hub.

After a short sharp workout in neighbouring Kings Wharf park, we headed over the road for tonight’s briefing.

Our tasks tonight were to clear the outside area of leaves, and start the painting inside the new offices.

We divided into two teams and got to work.

Team Paintbrush focused on the inside, adding a fresh coat of paint to brighten up the space for everyone who uses it. The team strategically navigated high walls and low skirting boards, aiming to cover as much in the short time we were there as possible.

Outside, Team Leaf tackled a thick layer of fallen leaves, raking and bagging to make the area safer and more welcoming. They covered the entire outdoor yard area, and the minibus area, but not for long: GoodGymers blitzed after bag and bag, pausing only to head upstairs for more bin liners.

We finished in two waves (apologies for the small group photo), with Team Paintbrush waiting until every last drop of emulsion was used before gathering dust sheets and brushes and ensuring the place was left as we found it.

We all left with a great sense of accomplishment, excited to be returning on the 25th November.

Four intrepid GoodGymers joined Mags and Ash for two hours in the Rocky Park garden and made impressive work in emptying two raised beds and freeing lots of potatoes. Spades in hand, we made short work of filling numerous enormous sacks with earth. Most impressive of all was Kitty, Lucinda and Oliver managing to empty a whole bed. Well done, guys!

We were delighted to be joined by Wicket and Basil who helped keep us all entertained. We’ll be joining Mags and Ash on the Hollybush Estate on Monday, 4th November.