Let’s have a big clap for new GoodGymer Rachel on her very first good deed!

It was a showery start to what turned out to be an excellent (and sunny!) evening with our friends at Ouseburn Trust, kicking off with a big well done to Louise on three good deeds in three days (unofficially four as she also volunteered at Saltwell Junior parkrun!) - love your commitment Louise!

The sun came out as we met task owner Dave who was prepped and ready for two tasks with us tonight. The first part of the session was clearing up after an illegal rave (we even practiced some dance moves that we imagined had taken place) before climbing the long stairs to the top of Ouseburn for part two.

Split into two smaller groups, group one of Charlotte, Angela and Louise carried on litter picking while group two: me, Neil and Rachel were on cutting and hacking duty. Hacking back cow parsley was not only extremely satisfying but also made an impact to the safety of the path. Clearing the path space to make it wider in this way helps users to feel more safe and really makes a difference.

Both groups got a full body work out as well as climbing the many steps of Ouseburn and we headed back feeling really satisfied. It was a great way to start the week.

The fourth and final Guide Dogs NE leaflet task was on the cards tonight and what a lovely night it was!

Paul took care of the first pup related task of the evening- cuddling Stepney Bank Stables resident doggo Scout, while we waited for the others to arrive. A quick catch up about the weekend's community missions with Greening Wingrove and Urban Green Newcastle, a few mobility exercises and we were off. Paul led the runners while Angela and I met at the meeting point Monkchester Community Centre.

This was the last leaflet drop for our four legged friends and their humans at Guide Dogs NE, as we shared opportunities to foster a guide dog with families in the area. Despite my highly dubious maths in "sharing" the leaflets out, we were all done in record time, 100 leaflets dropped in just 20 minutes!

Woof woof!

An easier downhill run made it a pleasant journey back and we enjoyed a stretch, loving the fact that it was still light. A really reBARKable start to the week.

There are two chances to do good things this weekend: a big gardening session with Ouseburn Trust on Saturday and volunteering at Saltwell junior parkrun on Sunday. We hope you can make it along for a cracking Easter weekend happening.