With Sam & James having to pull out for various reasons and no major task planned, the suggestion to check out the bluebells at Wanstead Park seemed exactly the right thing to do.

So we set off on our way, mentally keeping fingers crossed in the hope the sun would break through the clouds at the right time. It appeared we werent the only ones visiting the (famous?) bluebells, several others were walKing around as well. One even patiently waited standing on a tree trunk hoping she'd get the perfect picture with sunlight breaking through the tree canopy. Sadly the sun didn't cooperate, so we moved on exploring the rest of the park, giving us a few more picturesque moments.

Running session done, some nice news was waiting on our return - next week's Babybank session has been confirmed!

Time for a post packing day tidy up, load up and reshuffle. Regulars at this job Eddie and Linda were lucky to be joined today by Addie.

There was a small delivery to up load and we needed to reorganise some shelves. Eddie and Linda set about their usual tasks whilst relative newcomer Addie fitted in well with the established team. Addie had an instinct for what needed doing and a willingness to apply herself to any task.

The atmosphere was relaxed and happy and there was even a little dancing in the aisles to the beats from the adjacent dance studio,

a gloomy day but brightened up by an early productive session! Kathryn got a run in by travelling to Hainault! We were pleasantly surprised that the planters weren't looking too bad - not a lot of litter, planters under the bridge still had greenery! We topped up the planters with fresh compost and bark and then gave everything a good water, including filling up the water reservoirs. Simon the snail also made an appearance. Finished the morning with a nice hot drink at the nearby cafe!

Super Team Work this morning at Frenford Food Bank. Sharon immediately got on with calling people that hadn't yet put in their orders in while Linda and Eddie started setting up.

Kathryn and Addie were soon on site and got stuck straight into picking and packing. We also had a few non GGers come in to help and the combine team effort meant we were done by teatime.

Kathryn, her Mum (one day we will get her to sign up), Eddie and Addie were helping out with some finishing off bits including making a very tidy job of the beans in homage to our extremely tidy but now Stateside AJ.

Our Peter and Natalie popped in with his parents and a food donation which Peter kindly shelved up himself, randomly placing Heinz Beans (known for not stacking nicely) on what was the tidy beans shelf. AJ has been told and she is not pleased but he meant well and it was nice to meet Mum and Dad.

Meanwhile there was some networking going on between those who stayed for tea and bickies,with offers to help on the job seeking front and finding mutual connections we didn't know we had. Addie kindly offered to help one of the Frenford volunteers with a delivery and was rewarded with a lift home.

Another successful group session completed with 57 (sorry AJ didnt mean to make another reference to Heinz) food packages prepared. Well done us.

A stroll along the A12 once again highlighted the sheer amount of rubbish people just throw out... and how far some of the rubbish travels.

Previously a McD meal from near Newcastle, now a fairground style ticket from Southend.

4 bags of litter collected and awaiting pick-up by the council.

The lawn? Doable. Nothing that a persistent trim, a bit of patience and a rake couldn't handle.

The rain 🌧️? Sure, she can join for a while too.

As for the “friendly” cat 🐈…

Pancake 🥞 stared at me from afar like I’d invaded his personal kingdom. Unsure about friendly, but he’s definitely got attitude. Rawr 🐾