Special announcement: change to GoodGym rules - all tasks must now include an axe!.

That’s a joke of course, and we take health and safety very seriously, but it certainly felt good to release some energy with the axe on some very overgrown and stubborn ivy today!

We were back at the Home Group supported living centre today where we’ve recently done a couple of tasks cleaning windows for residents. Home Group is a charity linked to Gateshead Council that offers accommodation to people over 55 with health issues. As you can see from the photos, today we were in the garden clearing away lots of ivy.

We were well-equipped with various tools, but for most of the time it seemed like hands and brute force were most effective! The two hours flew by, aided by conversations including the safety of vaccines and different types of microorganisms! I think the topic was triggered by coughing caused by the spores coming off the ivy. Although I’m no botanist so feel free to correct me!

I think it’s fair to say we made quite a difference. We filled twelve bin bags (including about twelve years worth of cigarette butts - ugh) but the before and after pics tell the story! More work will be needed before the residents can sit in the garden - perhaps another task for GoodGym!

It was great to see Marie back for her second task - you’re a regular now Marie!

Another gardening task on Saturday when we’re back at the Greenhill allotment clearing Magret’s plot. See you then!