I’m often an avid forecast-watcher but today I was in overdrive waiting for the wind to drop.. it never did. High winds and our longest group run in a while was one thing but combining that with a task where stuff can (and often does!) blow away adds another level.

Nevertheless, myself and two hardy GoodGymers Aimee and Damu met ready to rock and do battle with the elements in order to help our friends at FoodCycle Walker. This brilliant organisation offers a hot meal to anyone who needs it, and we’d been asked to spread the word in the area with a big 250 leaflet drop. Armed with Google Maps and little confidence of the route, with the wind stinging our eyes and faces, we headed out from Stepney Bank Stables towards Byker and across to Walker where the plan was to get leaflet dropping as soon as we could so as not to get cold. It’s an uphill route all the way!

The streets in this area are something of a maze but with some prior knowledge of where was likely to get confusing we covered a number of streets pretty quickly, only slowed down by the sheer number of gates and some disproportionately long driveways! Despite a solid effort we ended up calling it a night with a handful of leaflets left. I still think 220 between three of us in 45 minutes is pretty good going though! Thankfully the run was all downhill on the way back as we’d well and truly got our steps in tonight.

There are two community missions this weekend with Urban Green Newcastle. Kenton Park on Saturday and Hodgkin Park on Sunday hope to see you there.

Tonight, amongst the ever changing forms of rainfall, Dan, Louise and I walked the streets of Walker to deliver leaflets for FoodCycle.

FoodCycle is a wonderful charity who provide hot meals (and so much more) for anybody. FoodCycle is located at various locations across Newcastle and Gateshead.

Trying not to let the rainfall dampen our spirits (and the leaflets) we tried our best to get through our stacks.

Doing this task got me thinking about the weather and some call the midwife words of wisdom came to mind:

The seasons will always turn.

The clouds will gather and the cold will come.

We will survive them.

We will grow regardless of the weather.

We’ll know wonder, where there’s been despair.

There will be happiness, and we will remember it.

There will be friendships that we won't forget.

Love is the constant.

Whereby we endure all winters and all storms.

It is the climate in which all things can thrive (Call the midwife, 2020).

We were not unfulfilled with our task, this evening, (with not quite delivering all of the leaflets) however I think another hour will be needed to finish off the rest.

Reflecting a lot about what Goodgym really means and what it is all about.

Please come and find out what Goodgym is all about. You're always welcome to a session.

Next session is on Monday 7th August. This is a social event. All are welcome for a walk along the quayside.

Keep looking for the rainbow.

Cats and letterboxes were the order of the day as we started off on a 1000-leaflet-5-part-mission for our friends at FoodCycle.

FoodCycle was so impressed with the impact of our last set of leafleting missions that they called us in again, this time spreading the word to get more people into their fab communities for free meals and chats, as well as asking locals to volunteer.

We met at Monkchester Community Centre, FoodCycle's Walker base, and got cracking in two pairs, weaving between the streets and amazingly not getting lost or separated even once! There were so many cats out tonight keeping an eye on us- Michael and I counted 14 between us! So a cat related pun was absolutely necessary.

200 leaflets between four of us were done quickly and we were heading back to base after just 35 minutes!

Kudos

Join Charlotte for part two on Thursday in a new area: Felling.

Wow, what a night. So many volunteers meant there wasn't mushroom in that kitchen. ha ha ha

We have cleaned for FoodCycle, we have delivered leaflets for FoodCycle and now we have cooked for FoodCycle.

We probably couldn't have picked a worse night to do this mission. The wind made travelling impossible, the metros were off and, against all odds, tonight was the night we were picked to have our surprise health inspection.

This inspection was thorough and long, both I and the other leader Jude we required to answer questions for nearly half an hour just before service. This meant the team of newbie goodgymers were on their own to decide upon a menu, cook a meal, and serve with very little help.

Dan can be seen modeling the menu. We made a Chinese style cabbage soup for starter, served with bread. For main we made a mushroom stir fry, which included vegetables chopped by the whole team. The stir frying was overseen by Miranda and Liz before Liz dished all the left overs into takeaway boxes for people to enjoy at home! We kept is simple with dessert and served ready made cake and custard. (and whatever Tom felt like banging in the microwave.)

Evan had to nip out to the shops to get a few pieces to help complete the meal while Tom and Sam had the arduous task of organising our long life food storage due to a request from the health inspectors. Amy spent a lot of time talking to the guests and making everyone feel at home. She is also a wizard at floor sweeping. Dan and Louise were an excellent washing and drying team - that hard work really help us tidy up and get out the door on time.

In total, we saved 67kg of food from being wasted! We served 17 guests a 3 course meal, meaning we sent out 51 meals in total. We also made many takeaway boxes. The team was excellent! I am so thankful to have this team of amazing people there to feed the people of Walker.

We got a 5/5 on the health inspection.

I love you all, A x