Another three-hour stint at the Community Hospice shop, sorting through a steady stream of donated clothes, books, games, toys, and all manner of other bits and pieces. After a few sessions like this, Caroline and I are becoming old hands—practically experts at separating the 'keepers' from 'no way, José' pile. It’s also reassuring to see just how much of what’s donated is recycled and finds a new home, rather than simply being thrown away. It's good to know that these items are getting a second life. I'm surprised how often things come through with the shop labels still attached—absolute bargains for anyone happy to embrace second-hand finds. I’m definitely one of those people. I love to pick up a good charity shop bargain, and I do like having a browse even when I'm not looking for anything —you never quite know what you’ll stumble across.

Well it was another fun three hour session back at the Community Hospice shop sorting through the many bags of donated items and separating the 'gems' from the 'not bads' and the 'I don't think sos'.

iNormally we might spot some extraordinary items that delight and amuse but not so much today. Neither of us could bring ourselves to look at this passion fruit dressing gown, although we were mildly enchanted by cute soft toys that come through. This owl and gingerbread man for instance 🦉.

The day’s true conversation piece, though, was an ostrich - or perhaps an emu - wall light. The species remains under investigation! Its most striking feature is the electrical cable emerging boldly from its beak, dangling for all the world to see. One assumes this is a bold artistic statement and while I admire the creative vision, it’s not a look we’ll be rushing to install at home anytime soon!

If you'd like to lend a hand, look out for future sessions. Who knows what gems you might come across!

GoodGymers Caroline and Simon were back at the Community Hospice warehouse today, for another session of donation-sorting.

Working their way through bag after bag of pre-loved items, they also took time to wrestle a soft-toy snake 🐍 and model some seasonal headgear! Simon even ended up buying the bobble hat in the photo!

If you'd like to help out at the Hospice, look out for new dates coming soon.

Another sorting session at the Community Hospice shop in Welling, and today’s turnout was Ivar and Ann. 3 hours spent in the seemingly endless piles of donated items, and we dug out a few trinkets. A single baby Yoda slipper, a Christmas tree tie and a pink cowboy hat among the nice surprises, and less said about the (stained) bad surprises the better. An impressive amount of things went from the unsorted to the sorted pile during our time there, all cheered on by some enthusiastic pigeons bringing the noise from above! Until next (or nest) time, pigeons!

We have regular sessions sorting donations at the Community Hospice warehouse, and they're always a voyage of discovery - we never quite know what we''ll across in all those black bags. And, while we tackle the bags at random, there are often themes to what we find.

This morning's finds? Lots of cuddly soft toys, a magical mix of Disney and Harry Potter clothing and books 🪄, and a fine range of baseball caps 🧢. Plus a belt with (almost) the GG logo as its shiny gold buckle!

It's a fun way to spend a few hours, with plenty of chat, and a tasty selection of biscuits to go with hots drinks when we take a break.

Huge thanks to the lovely warehouse team, James and Andrew, for having us along and patiently helping us decide what's suitable to sell and what has to go to 'rags'. The Community Hospice is such a wonderful local charity and we love lending a hand.

Why not come along and join us at our next session? No experience needed, just curiosity, and enthusiasm! Who knows what you might discover...✨

Just two of us today - Ivar was doing his first hospice clothing mission.

Pretty unremarkable donations; though again we had lots of shoes… I personally had some glass slippers which some lucky shopper will no doubt snap up.

Ivar’s discovery of a massive kilt was a surprise - it nearly got put in the blankets. Typically Scotsmen did use their kilts as blankets when travelling.

Masses of winter clothes today, so that’s good. Not so much in the way of coats, maybe they’re due to arrive next week. It’s odd how donation types go in waves.

A good productive morning with lots of chat too.