The title of the report was kindly gifted by Emily.

Welcome Robert to your first Goodgym session. Definite commitment with traveling over 13 miles by public transport.

We were joined by some little helpers, who took a keen interest in the world of worms.

We definitely had to put some welly into this task.

Our tasks today was to dig some flower beds to make them wider. We had to be careful to not remove the beautiful French lavender or any of the wild rose bushes (which may have happened one or twice before).

The roar of laughter of being asked, "have you made any progress" with the first dig was warmly welcomed.

Lots of warmth on this mission (both literally and metaphorically). Some roars of laughter and some nicely received compliments.

Next Goodgym session is on Monday 29th May. Meet at Stepney bank stables at 18:15.

The title of the report is reference to the Eagles mascot Swoop who we will meet one day, as well as us all swooping into action.

It was so light this evening, with a little breeze.

Expect to see wildflowers shooting up over the hill, as wild flowers will be planted in the next coming weeks.

It was my first time at the Newcastle Eagles new venue (well not so new now).

Our task this evening was to do some weeding in one of the flower beds. Trying to decide what to keep and what to remove was the trickiest part.

It was good to get stuck in and try and focus directly on the task of weeding and not trying to listen to the internal critic.

The time went so quickly and in the blink of an eye it was time to put our tools away.

There is lots going on at the arena, including weekly volleyball sessions and of course lots of basketball sessions.

If you know of anybody who might be interested in Goodgym please let them know about it all. All are welcome.

Next session is a community mission on Saturday 27th May meeting at 10:30 at the greening Wingrove Bike Garden in Nuns Moor Park.

Next group run is on Monday 29th May (bank holiday Monday) meeting at 18:15 at Stepney Bank Stables.

The word of the weekend is Railing! Louise did an epic report yesterday using as many words that rhymed with railing as possible. To keep the theme going she raised the challenge that I use all the rhyming words she did as I tell you about our morning in Hodgkin Park.

Well Louise, challenge accepted.....

Ode to the Railings

In the realm of painting, a vibrant tale,
Where colours entwine and dreams set sail,
With brush in hand, we begin, no complaining,
Always willing, never failing.

Through paint, the pictures find their healing,
A balm for the steel that's been worn and ailing,
Assailing life's storms, they stand, prevailing.
Always steady, never bailing.

By the vibrant tapestries, the stories unfold,
With yarns of today and memories of old,
Sex Ed anecdotes Mike is regaling,
Always laughing, never wailing.

Engrossed the in task, the hours are sailing,
Time for a break, our coffee inhaling,
Resting in the shadow of the rails we’re nailing.
Always together, never trailing.

Once more of the brushes we are availing,
To the rails we go, one or two top and tailing,
Our photo op Aimee is surveilling,
Always planning, never flailing.

“The end of our task is nigh”, we are hailing,
It’s time for our monumental unveiling,
From the Blaydon Race to Paradise gate,
Always on pace, never late!

Apologies to Michael & Krishti my poetic skills were not good enough to fit you in by name.

Liked this? We'll be back in Hodgkin Park in three weeks to complete the painting. Need something sooner, there's a beginners session tomorrow at the Ouseburn.

It was a cold, damp saturday morning and Charlotte and I headed down to Nunsmoor Park to assist with some gardening activities. There were lots of different tasks to do, we were asked to help clear the paths around the basketball court! It was pretty strenuous work but we grabbed a spade and started hacking at the overgrown grass around the edges of the path. Occasionally we had to stop and ask ourselves the eternal question- "Where is the edge?!" Finally we managed to clear up three quarters of the area around the basketball court! We patted ourselves on the back after a good morning of hard work and headed home!