We had a TREEmendous time

It seems today was a day of transport issues:

• Stefania had undergound issues, but made it

• James had train issues (no he didn't run back from Bristol) and did not make it

• Beth had car trouble but got rescued by Georgie (give her a cheer - first group run & helping out experienced regulars already)

But as they say in theatre, the show must go on - Goodgym finds a way! Welcoming first time Goodgymmers Georgie, Tom & Lauren there was a democratic vote on what task we should do tonight - James' suggestion of #plogging vs an outstanding job for the Wanstead Community Gardeners (Marians team) - guerilla gardening at its best. An overwhelming majority voted for the guerilla gardening, not sure whether the idea of chopping down some little trees was of influence there. Health & Safety briefing done, it was time to move.

With a bag full of tools slung over a shoulder we made our way to a cycle & foot path along the A12, where one of Marians team had noticed some little trees growing in small cut-outs along the wall. To prevent the tree roots doing damage to the wall and pathways, we were asked to take care of them (read: remove) to allow Marian's team to replace them with less expansive plants & flowers.

Full of energy the group set to work in two teams attacking trees of various sizes, racing through the job of clearing all 8 cut-outs of anything bigger than an inch or so, except a few tree stumps. A few obligatory victory poses with the biggest of the branches cut down followed, before cleaning the loose debris & returning the tools back to base. There was definitely time & energy left, so off we went for a little spin around the block, with conversations ranging from xmas plans to tree planting projects (maybe a community mission coming up!) to discussing revisiting the Nutter Lane relay one of these Mondays (playfull fitness session, James?) A few kilometres later, some stretches followed and another job well done!

Thanks to Tom for the title/pun, good luck to Dharmesh with the tree planting project, fingers crossed for Beth that the car trouble isn't too serious, hope Tom, Lauren & Georgie enjoyed their first Goodgym adventure.

Last but not least, an update from Social Secretary Stefania:

• next monthly GG party is on Thursday 8th of November, cant find the link at the moment - Star of Bethnal Green is the location?

• the Goodgym Xmas Party has been confirmed! check out the details here

Looking forward to seeing you on another run soon!