Subham rocked up first this morning, 09:44, with me hot on his heels, watching him go up the stairs to St Barnabus from the other side of the road. Then Paul rolled up on his bike out of nowhere a short while later, so we had a great little reunion over coffee in the foyer, bonding with some of the regulars about that classic North London competitive divide: Arsenal or Spurs?

Then the delivery arrived and we got stuck into unloading. This week saw: potatoes, carrots, onions, protein shakes, burgers, some kind of beef thing that didn't need fridging, soups, bananas, bread rolls, ciabbata rolls, and plenty more. We helped unload everything, then helped unpack things in fridges and store cupboards, then trotted off on our merry way.

Sadly, they've not had much fruit delivered to the Grocery this year, so we're going to try and work with Barnet Community Harvesters and others to get some fresh apples to them if we can, this month.

Also, Claire, Emily and Kenny are all away next week, so we're definitely needed - sign up soon if you're free!

I went solo on the community grocery delivery this week, what with people away on hols (or touring TinyForests!), which was great because I got to do more lifting and running by myself.

This week, the menu included bread rolls, ciabatta, lots of betacarotene veg (carrots, tomatoes, red peppers) and tubs of cherry jam spread (due to expire soon, so get down there if you like a cherry cake/doughtnut). Also tinned beans and other stuff. We made short work of the delivery, and I helped a bit more shifting some non-perishables into the store cupboard downstairs.

Sign up quick if you want a Monday morning work out - only two places available next week so we don't overcrowd them.

Our latest reprise of the regular Monday delivery saw Subham and I helping unload: peppers, bananas, carrots, butter, soup, more bananas, bottled and canned drinks, more carrots, mushrooms, some kind of breaded chicken things, flapjacks, acai puree (!!) and lots more. We ran trolleys up and down the ramp, helped the brilliant delivery team from Volunteers on Wheels unload the van, ran loaded trolleys up the ramp, helped sort things and we took things down in the lift to the store cupboards and fridge. All in, a great start to the week - jog, weights, walk and plenty of vitamin D.

Subham and I headed to Community Grocer in North Finchley to help with the weekly food delivery. Our job was simple: wait for the delivery lorry, carry the food into the shop, and help sort it into storage or onto the shelves ready for customers.

It’s a straightforward task and often over quite quickly, depending on how many volunteers are around, but it’s always worthwhile. A few extra pairs of hands help keep things running smoothly and support a really valuable community service for local people.

Afterwards, Subham and I took a walk over to Stephens House & Gardens to enjoy the sunshine and even had a bit of fun on the outdoor gym equipment before heading home.

GoodGymer Subham joined the St. Barnabus Community Grocery stalwart Kenny and shifted loads of veg and soups to storage downstairs and also helped with the arduous task of puttig trolleys away. The Community Grocery crew shared their gratitude as they prepared for the eager customers making use of the Community Grocery's stock.

Just a little old me helping out at the Community Grocer this week, but luckily it was a relatively small delivery. Good for me, perhaps not quite so good for the shop, as stocks were a bit lighter than usual!

There were sacks of potatoes, boxes of oranges and a few other essentials to move from the van into storage. The potatoes were definitely the toughest challenge, so I put my backward walking technique into action to pull the loaded trolley up the slope. It certainly worked—and was quite good fun too! Apparently walking backwards has benefits for balance, coordination and strengthening different muscles, so maybe I was getting a mini workout as well as helping the community.

A small delivery, but every bag unpacked helps keep the Community Grocer stocked and ready to support local people.