Monday 2nd September
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Report written by Anji Andrews (she/her)
It was the return of the leaflets tonight after a couple of weeks of doing other stuff. While digital media keeps on doing its thing you can’t ignore the value of the leaflet and tonight four GoodGymers set out in Byker to share the news of a bumper calendar of activities at Building Futures East for East End Women. The organisation was so happy about this one that they even gave us a mention on BBC radio Newcastle last week.
It was a male-heavy session tonight and I found myself outnumbered but definitely here for the girl power. I shared my dubious map-planning skills as the only walker, and the boys trooped off to run to a point in Byker and get cracking before meeting me (walking) there. Damu led the run for his 99th good deed and did it like a trooper despite a rubbish cold. He’s certainly earned those wings!
We had 250 leaflets and flyers to post tonight and with the maze-like streets ahead of us thanked the inventor of WhatsApp location share to make sure we met back up somewhere in the middle. Anyone who’s done a Byker drop knows it can get a little bit confusing.
Within just ten minutes I’d posted out my stash of leaflets and keen to help the boys I sent my request and found they were almost done too. I don’t know why after so many years of GoodGym I continue to underestimate the speed of our leaflet skills. Wandering back to the meeting point a member of the public kindly asked me if I was ok- I must have looked a bit lost! It’s moments of simple human kindness that I really love and I was really grateful for her checking.
Meeting back up it was time for the fitness session and return of the ladders. It’s been ages since I cracked the ladders out and it was as fun as ever seeing everyone display their ability and balance skills and give it a real go.
This Saturday we are celebrating a superb task owner in our Urban Green Newcastle task at St Lawrence Park. There will be cake! Come and say thanks to a legend as he retires and do good stuff at the same time. You can sign up here.
Building Futures East are soon to launch the Stitch Sisters Academy through their East End Women project. Stitch Sisters will offer training, education and support to women across Newcastle who are looking to learn practical skills for personal development and employment. Women will be offered a package of support including English and Maths tutoring, domestic abuse recovery and a range of social activities to reduce social isolation.
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