An impressive turnout of 19 GG Yorkies (and 1 GG Geordie) braved the less than impressive bank holiday weather to help St Nicks look after the green spaces on down by the river on New Walk. Before setting off we welcomed Issy along to her first GoodGym outing and Christine to her first task although she has been a regular at socials for some time. Give them both a massive cheer 🎉

We also had the honour of being joined by Aimee from GG Newcastle who came bearing the Golden Trowel, which is awarded to the most good GoodGym area during the January Challenge. So after a quick warm up featuring our favourite seasonings/sauces we posed for some photos with the trowel before heading on our way to the task 🏆

Tristan led a longer run, whilst Vicky led the more direct route with Ed and Rich making up the walking group. Upon arriving at New Walk were met by task owner Maeve who set the group to work armed with scythes, rakes and shovels in order to remove dock plants and cut back some of the nettles. GGer Martin also met us at the task and soon got to work digging up some of the bigger plants.

The team of GGers weren't the only ones foolish enough to be out in the rain by the river and we soon attracted the attention of lots of small bitey insects. Fortunately David was on hand with some bug spray to keep us all from getting too badly bitten.

Sheets of tarpaulin and sacks were soon getting full of weeds and getting shuttled back and forth to the dumping area which was a hood few hundred metres further down the path. Perfect for getting some more distance in those legs!

With time running out Maeve spotted a few larger docks which needed particular attention from our own Dock King, Martin who tackled them with ease before Michael and Hannah dragged the last tarp away. Whilst waiting for them to return we had plenty of time to celebrate Leanne's Birthday with some happy birthday squats, as is tradition. We may have also added an extra syllable to Leanne's name just to sneak a bonus squat in.

Happy birthday dear Le-a-anne

Then it was off to Vicky's fitness sesh which involved various exercises located at intervals on the slightly hilly Blue Bridge Lane. Poor Aimee had never come across a spotty dog before, and I'm still not entirely sure she knows what it is after being shown by GG's least rhythmic member, Tristan!

We then posed for a photo on Blue Bridge before all running back together, followed by walkers Ed and Rich

Great turnout for our social run at Kirkham Priory.

Pete led out a 12k route, Michael a 8k and Vicky a 5k. Thank you to the run leaders and to Rich for the route planning.

All the group had an enjoyable session in the lovely countryside and some of Michael's group even managed a quick dip in the river afterwards. Unfortunately I can't include the quote from him afterwards.

We then assembled at the Stone Trough pub for some grub before heading home