Having a rummage, didn't expect Worzel Gummidge

Tonight was our regular visit to the brilliant Elliott House, where we are lending a hand at least once a month to volunteers from Changing Lives to make the massive gardens a nicer place for residents to hang out. Elliott House does amazing work for vulnerable young men in our city, and this partnership has been with us from the very start of GoodGym Newcastle. It was great that we had two new runners tonight, welcome to Katie and Vicki who joined us for their first experience of GoodGym and what a cracking night they had!

Well done for getting stuck in!

There were many reasons to be cheerful as always, and we had a great recap on the previous week's running and doing good things including Newcastle's newest parkrun addition and the weekend missions Yesterday and on Saturday where the brilliant Liz earned her black tshirt! Give that woman a cheer! It was my turn to lead the walking group while Katy took care of the warm up which I am assured was brilliant and a true test of Rock/Paper/Scissors skill!

Meeting at the task in perfect timing, we had a quick briefing with Alice our brilliant task owner before setting off to work. It was more weeding, clearing and tidying up, and the first time for us to road-test our brand new gloves, kindly donated to us by everyone's favourite boxing couple Katy and Ross.

Thank you Team Watson-Dobson!

We had to start the night doing a photo shoot for Andrew who needed some photos for his story in the GoodGym book celebrating 10 years, coming soon. Evan was on hand to tell him some stories, and throw potatoes at him while we got the photos done. Back in the garden, pallets were moved, weeds were pulled and we even seen an aggressive side to Tom as he raked and dug in the long grass! We were treated to some brilliant herby smells and Ross and Aimee got some brilliant wildlife photos too.

Evan even unearthed the head of a scarecrow and did his very best Worzel Gummidge impression for a photo.

Job done and back down the hill we trotted to the fitness session. It was hill repeats tonight, focusing on three areas of technique to drive up the hill with a little more of a bang. It was so great to see everyone working hard and encouraging each other.. when they got their breath back! We did the session in the shadow of St James Park, and right under the flat where Andrew used to live.. if only he'd known the weird circumstances that would bring him back!

I have to give a special shout to Rachael who promised us last week she was going to conquer the hill of Westgate Road. Despite being unable to make it tonight, Rachael went along to Westgate Rd this afternoon and ran the route solo. It's hard enough to do that hill when you HAVE to, so doing it when you don't is even more impressive. We think you're awesome Rachael - you nailed it.

There are a few new Good things happening this week!

It's our first ever Training Session at the Quayside on Wednesday tonight - please note, this is for GoodGym Members only. Come along to learn and have fun by the beautiful Quayside!

You can also get involved in a fantastic Community Mission on Thursday night as part of the Star and Shadow's big build project.

It's Bank Holiday next Monday which means Guaranteed Sunshine so come along, we are still running and walking! It's another chance to help Moving on Tyne and Wear with a big leaflet drop bonanza We are also hosting a parkrun takeover at the new Leazes parkrun in a few weeks. Find out about that and get involved here

Have a great week running, walking and doing good things. Anji