On a very pleasant Sunday, three GoodGymers cleared most of a plot at Greenhill Allotments. The upcoming end of the financial year, and the allotment rental year, has seen plots vacated. GoodGym Newcastle was asked to help make the plots look a bit more desirable for potential new tenants.

As ever, gregarious task owner Sue met us at the allotments to describe what needed doing. We had some challenging visits to Greenhill Allotments last summer when it had been very dry, meaning the ground was extremely hard. This time the garden tools broke the ground much more easily and allowed us to get quite a lot done.

We'll be back at Greenhill Allotments in three weeks, please join us if you can!

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.

Another successful Saturday at Greenhill Allotments, as two GoodGymers set to work clearing a plot of weeds and other random things like glass jars and bits of garden tools. The mattock was put to good use on the hard ground. One thing Greenhill Allotments has is a good variety of tools. Today's other tool of the day was a nameless one has lots of pointy bits that you stick in the ground and twist, wrapping the weeds around the end.

Check out the before and after photographs. It'll probably take one more visit to clear the rest of the plot, hopefully after it has rained a bit to soften the ground.

Three GoodGymmers made their way to the Greenhill Zone today to make their communal area a bit more welcoming!

Many weeds were pulled, many spiders disturbed and many great ideas coming out of a discussion about future missions.

We also found what looked initially like a carrot but then like some sort of wizard wand and a rotten old belt buckle!

Lovely to catch up with Aimee and Lucy and discuss hobbies and interests while making a real difference in the community.

Special mention to Aimee as this was her 400th mission!! what an absolute superstar!

It was visit number five to Magret's plot at the Greenhill View Allotments. Those of you who have been to a session here before or have been following the reports will know that this is quite a big plot which was completely overgrown before our first visit two months ago. You may also remember that it's been warm with no rain since we started so it's been getting harder and harder to dig the weeds out and keep them down. Progress has definitely been slow over the last two sessions. Last night though, the long awaited rain came and what a difference it made! We were finally able to get to the far end of the plot. We also re-positioned some pieces of wood around the edges, so the plot looks complete! Task owner Sue seemed delighted when she returned and we hope Magret will be too. She's already begun planting some veg with the help of a friend. Hopefully the plot will now flourish!

Unfortunately my GoodGym IT gremlins persist so I have only been able to upload one photo. I'll share the rest in our WhatsApp and Facebook groups so hop over there to marvel at the difference we've made!