There was lots going on at GoodGym Newcastle tonight. Former Area Activator Anji made a special guest appearance, only her third time returning since having screws inserted in her wrist after an accident. Possibly not ideal to be scraping paint off walls, but Anji scraped as much off as anyone else. Welcome back!

We also welcomed first time GoodGymer and student Muhannad. Not all of our tasks are quite so dusty. We hope to you again soon!

We also had a belated celebration of Aimee's 400th good deed, which involved meeting and stroking Ginny the horse. 400 good deeds is an awful lot of volunteering, with a lot of good done for the local community.

Before all of this, we went for a short run to show our support for This Girl Can's Let's Lift the Curfew campaign. Let's make sure that Newcastle is a safe place for women and girls to exercise outdoors all year round.

Next up for GoodGym Newcastle is a gardening task with Newcastle Parks on Saturday in Iris Brickfield Park. Please come and join us if you can!

I went along to the Bike Garden this morning to assist the Greening Wingrove project/Friends of Nunsmoor Park with a litter pick.

For anyone who hasn't been before, Nunsmoor Park is a beautiful outdoor space in Newcastle. Within the park, is a hidden treasure/Community space called the Bike Garden.

I had got there a little early so I went for a wander around the park. It was warm as the Sun was shining, and so quiet which made it a lovely Monday morning.

I soon met one of the volunteers called Alison. Alison explained that the litter pick takes place every Monday morning.

Together we took out the equipment (a vast array of litter pickers, bin bags and gardening gloves)

We were soon met by all the regular volunteers, mainly people who lived nearby, who had also brought their young children along, so it was definitely one big team effort. The Community spirit felt brilliant.

We all split up in different directions. In the end I picked up so much rubbish, in various places, around the tennis courts, grassed areas and the playground.

We had all definitely made a big difference once we had regrouped with our rubbish.

I then stayed at the end to sit and talk with the the volunteers as we enjoyed a cup of tea and biscuits. I will definitely be joining in again soon!

Two GoodGymers helped out at Apple day at the bike garden. Apple day is a celebration of all things Apple related which takes place at the end of October when they are in abundance. There were stalls selling cakes, lots of apple related games and a lovely family atmosphere.

Scott's job was cutting up many apples before they could be shredded, presses and made into apple jucice. My job was on the apple of a string stall, a waterless alternative to bobbing for apples. It involved cutting holes in apples or half apples to make it easer and tying them on strings. Most children, but some keen adults, then tried to take a bite out of the apples without using their hands. Which is harder than it sounds as the apples are hard and moving around. Any child who managed it was rewarded with the apple/half apple and a super cute apple day 2024 badge.

We also bumped into GoodGymers Debbie and Tanya who where enjoying apple day. It was a really nice event to be a part of!

I was the run director at Whitley bay junior parkrun this week. It didn't feel like such an early start as the clock when back last night.

It was a bright but chilly morning, that didn't put the young runners off with 130 finishers!

It's always lovely to see so many young runners enjoying being active on a sunny morning and to be part of such a wonderful volunteer team to help make it happen.

This morning’s visit to Magret’s allotment marked a small but satisfying milestone—we finally finished clearing her plot! And just in time, too, as the sun seemed determined to melt us. Thankfully, our trusty new wheelbarrow made light(er) work of hauling weeds and trimmings, even if we were dripping by the end.

It was lovely to see that Magret has already started planting in the areas we cleared on earlier visits. Check out the photos —it’s always rewarding to know the effort is paying off.

As we dug, pulled, and sweated it out, we uncovered a surprising shared memory: Debs and I discovered we’d spent time in Jack’s hometown. That gave us a lovely excuse to pause and reminisce about Chocfest, Miss B’s charming tea rooms, and the irresistible cakes at the community café in the country park. Nothing like a little nostalgia to take your mind off the heat!

Midway through the session, Magret dropped by with Sue to chat. It was heartwarming to hear how much she’s enjoying having access to the plot—it’s clear it means a lot to her, and that’s what makes these sessions so worthwhile.

After what must be six—or maybe seven—visits, we’ve finally cleared the full length of her plot. But the job’s not quite over yet. There are still more plots in need of attention and Sue has plans to strim and mow them in preparation… and so, spades at the ready—until next time!

Three intrepid GoodGymers made their way to Greenhill Allotments to help clear one of the allotments to make it more appealing and hopefully get someone in to take it over.

It was no small task and the roots seemed determined to defeat us. Forks, hoes and a weird twisty weeding thing were put to work.

A lot of effort and only one minor health and safety incident when a root gave way which led to a flying fist and an unlucky nose…. I forgive you!

Brilliant effort by all and we’ll definitely be making a return trip.