Despite the billing today being “big beginners session” we had no beginners and instead a group of five very experienced GoodGymers! Between us we have amassed 718 good deeds as of today so it was definitely not our first rodeo. It was a GoodGym Newcastle favourite on the cards today too- a brilliant link up with the lovely Ouseburn Trust. And today, something new, weeding and tree planting by Blenkinsop Coulson’s monument opposite Hotel Du Vin.

We arrived to a group of Ouseburn Trust volunteers already on it and clearing weeds with gusto. Brilliant task owner Dave started the session by telling us about Coulson’s monument and the work he had done for animal rights- what a good man! - you always take away interesting facts at these sessions, and I’m sure every time I pass the monument now I’ll remember that fact.

It was a beautiful blue sky day, perfect for the workout that was waiting- Debbie walked over a mile in wheelbarrow trips while I swept and litter picked til my arms ached and Tanya, Paul and Lucy got their back into weeding and planting some trees. We couldn’t believe how quickly the time passed and feeling our cups were full up with vitamin D we headed back to base, discussing our milestone GoodGym task moments over the years.

I’ll let Tanya reveal if she wishes how she made the end of this session dramatic one. For now, what happens at GoodGym stays at GoodGym.