This is always a really good session, even if it is located at the top of a steep hill (that's where the gym element comes in!) Task number one was moving some wooden sleepers into position to make an area to grow ‘edibles’ , clearing away wood chip and then spreading compost in the bed. There were also a couple of shrubs to move and a couple to remove, some relocating of plants plus general tidying and watering. Maggie kept us busy and the refreshments manager (aka Maggie’s husband) kindly ensured we stayed hydrated and fuelled with ginger beer, pomegranate juice and ice creams! The unexpected spots of rain didn’t dampen our spirits and it was great to welcome Henry to his first task.

This session at Foodcycle Mitcham saw a higher-than-usual turnout, with approximately 30 guests in attendance. Despite receiving a limited delivery of fruit and vegetables, the team adapted quickly and efficiently. Our chefs prepared a hearty vegetable and rice curry, which was well received, and served cake for dessert.

A particularly heartwarming moment was when one guest brought along her emotional support puppies, which brought smiles and comfort to many of the guests and volunteers.

Overall, it was a successful and uplifting session that demonstrated flexibility, teamwork, and community spirit.

Merton's Community Fridge post-distribution clean-up session was just what was needed to end the day. The volunteers had fun learning about the recent changes and of course there was plenty of cleaning to be done and a huge amount of potatoes to shift.

A big welcome to Djuna, who joined for the first of hopefully many more sessions.

We are back on Wednesday 20th so sign up and get involved of your can.

The Merton posse turned up at the community garden armed with their gardening gloves, knee pads and trowels, all set for a session of weeding. But as it turned out, first on the list of tasks was relocating the numerous (but very well hidden) caterpillars from the cabbage patches into the wild flower area.

Some of us were better than others at spotting the tiny green creatures, but thankfully there was plenty of watering, dead heading and general tidying of this wonderful community resource to keep those of us with less than great eyesight busy. And a gardening task wouldn't be a gardening task without at least a little weeding.

Any calories burnt off over the hour were more than made up for by the Scottish delicacies kindly shared with the team by Rachael. So everyone left with a smile on their face and sugar on their tongues. Well, you've got to refuel, right?

After a morning run, I headed over to a mission for Mrs. R. She was already outside cutting lavender when I arrived and shared how inspired she felt to get up and get active today! I got stuck into the cutting and clearing and 5 bags were filled. Mrs R was very pleased at the difference we made even though there's plenty more to do on another visit, but it was a fantastic start!

When a catch up is in order there's always time for a litter pick. We donned our jackets and took on Canon Hill Common, collecting rubbish and debris as we wandered. Receiving positive responses from local residents along the way it was a reminder of the positive impact and to do more often.