6 of us helped out at Frenford Foodbank today. Eddie and Linda set up and got started with the picking and packing, followed by Peter and Natalie who got stuck straight in. 4 helpers from friends of Frenford also pitched in and the usual convivial, jostling and bantering took place in the hustle and bustle of the narrow shelving area.

Everyone there were old hands at the job and despite a few issues with incorrect shelf labeling we were done in no time. Addie had had problems with transport and Louise had intended to join us for the last hour so both turned up just as we were packing up. We wanted to take advantage of their fresh energy and eagerness to help so got them tidying up the shelves and sorting out the relabeling.

Amazing that people take time out of their busy lives to help out. Well done all of us.

Oh dear, where has the time gone! On the 7th November three of us did a massive revamp of some of the planters at hainault station - completely fresh compost, new plants and bark (which has been working a treat and helps to reduce people sticking cigarette butts in!)!

We also fully watered and filled reservours for all c. 15 planters - lots was done and great work all!

What a dry spring we're having! It's lovely to enjoy sunny and warm weather but when you're taking care of living plants, you notice that a bit of rain is actually not a bad thing! All the planters were in need of good watering so I spent 45mins lugging watering cans to give some water to all the perennial flowers and plants. They were looking immediately better!

Additional bonus - hardly any spillage from filling up watering cans! I'm becoming a pro lol

The evening started out nice, but there was a hint of something in the air as we gathered at base. Ambra confirmed the suspicion, her weather app predicted a chance of rain at 8ish...

So we got going with the aim to be back by 8.

With the light lasting longer, Leyton Flats was now an option for a plogging session. Pleasantly surprised we didnt fill more than a bag between the 5 of us. Sadly the bags did end up filling up once we crossed through the Green Man roundabout, right on schedule to drop the collected litter at the council bins we use more often as drop-off point.

James, Elegia & Linda took the short route back, while i kept Ambra company on a longer scenic route, arriving at base not long after the others.

Job done, right on time, because on the way home it started raining, just as Ambra predicted!

The idea was to take my trusty pull along shopper, get the bus to the foodbank, pickup Mrs P’s order and walk the groceries round to her. The tube strike seemed to have had a knock on effect on the buses so there was little more walking than planned but it was a lovely day and I arrived in plenty of time.

The food wasn’t pre packed so I called Mrs P to find out what she’d like and picked and packed her items, which just about fit in my shopper. On the way out I was offered some flowers for her and managed to stash a bunch in the back pouch.

Mrs P was a short walk away and luckily a Nephews of hers had come to visit so unpacked for her and I was soon off on my walk back.

Mrs P was very happy with her groceries and flowers.

As usual, a variety of methods brought 5 regulars down to the Cornerstone Church to meet Adam and get stuck into sorting the donations received - run + walk + bus were today's choices. Not long after we got started Linda also made it down, bringing Ed along with her for his first experience.

Lots of bags sorted out, ready for processing - job well done!