Three GoodGymers had a very merry Friday night in Newcastle. The task tonight was preceded by a long walk and talk. Thankfully it was dry and calm, if a bit cold.

Being the last Friday before Christmas, the pubs were exceptionally busy, so the Christmas card writing session took place in a coffee shop instead. We hope a local care home will appreciate some Christmas cards for their residents.

Thank you very much to everyone that has attended a GoodGym session in 2025. We hope to see you all again in 2026! The next Monday night group run will be on January 5th. In the meantime, please look out for some junior parkrun volunteering opportunities, as well as anything else that pops up. January will also bring GoodGym's annual January Challenge, where we will try to match or beat last year's good deed and distance covered totals, and see how we compare to other GoodGym areas.

On a mild Monday evening, three GoodGymers removed a large amount of litter from the streets of Byker. Everyone else seemed to be out for a run as numerous running groups whizzed past.

Tonight's task wasn't without its challenges. Two of our faithful litter pickers reached the end of their lives, breaking after many dozens of litter picks carried out. Squeezing the litter into the council's black bins was a bit more difficult than usual. We got covered in some sticky liquids trying to deposit the litter, but all of the litter ended up in the bins.

It was a beautiful morning at Whitley bay junior park run where two goodgymers helped the younge runner safety complete the 2km course.

I was runner director and Muhanned marshalled an early marshla point and then was funnel manager. Everything went smoothly and a great morning was had by all!

It was a busy evening for GoodGym Newcastle at Newcastle University Students’ Union.

After running from Stepney Bank Stables and being quite relieved not to get wet, Jen met us outside and took us upstairs to get started. The group split into two, with some of us packing boxes for Stu Brew, which is Europe’s first student-run microbrewery based at Newcastle University. They are a sustainable microbrewery, managed by students through Newcastle University Students’ Union.

Lucy and Muhannad had got started with the crafting task straight away, the rest of us joining after the box packing. Jen patiently explained what we were supposed to be doing, with some of us being very much out of our comfort zones.

Everyone from GoodGym said they enjoyed the evening. I'm sure that the cakes, doughnuts and hot drinks helped, but it was a genuinely delightful evening. Thank you to everyone who came along tonight for an extended session, excellent commitment from everyone!