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.

GoodGym Newcastle is five years old this week and what a brilliant way to celebrate with a huge Stepney Bank Stables task tonight.

It was great to welcome new GoodGymer Mina and he really got stuck in! It was great having you along Mina and we can't wait to get to know you.

A big group gathered to do three brush-related jobs for Stepney Bank Stables, but when we arrived at the top yard there was an extra job waiting for us as a delivery of hay was waiting to be shifted into the barn. Sleeves were quickly rolled up to get that job done first. Following that, we broke into three groups: painting in stable walls, sweeping and cobble clearing- something Tom got really stuck into and will undoubtedly leave him with a few aching muscles tomorrow!

This task really showed the difference we can make in a short space of time and task owner Sara was really grateful, so grateful in fact that she brought us a horse to star in our birthday group photo!

Session done and it was off to the pub for home made tiffin and asda made muffins with The Ship Inn's finest pints. I was given a lovely surprise of flowers and a fancy bottle of gin. Thank you! I will stay another five years for treats like these!

Our session next week is on as normal despite the Bank Holiday, so we hope to see you then.

Another lovely morning at Hodgkin Park with Urban Green Newcastle today with a truly satisfying task. The gates at the top park were in real need of some TLC and Krishti, Tanya and Paul came to the rescue to brush, clean and paint them back to their former glory.

Look at the brilliant before and after photos!