We arrived got our bibs and picked up our spade and looked for people to put us to work. They told us the correct way to plant a tree:
- find a suitable space and get rid of the grass.
- dig a hole and put in the tree.
- compact the soil but make sure there is no dip, to prevent rot from water logging.
- then put mulch around the tree, 3/4 of a wheelbarrow into a flat donut shape.

It turned out spading mulch into a wheelbarrow was a slow process, too many people needing mulch, I took over, got a good workout from it.

Lunch was provided as a chickpea curry with rice and salad, and refreshments as well. Work continued afterwards and we finished around 3pm

All Good Gymmers turned up, on time, bright eyed and bushy tailed only to find the two task owners were running late. Irfan was gathering supplies on his way in, Gen didn't give a reason but possibly a lie in being bit de-mob happy given it was her last session. The shelves had already been filled the night before so we took time to chill and catch up on gossip.

Once we did get underway it was the usual organised chaos with Irfan's delivery being put away as we started getting on with the packing lists. The gates to the car park were stuck closed causing problems for the drivers conversely the building doors seemed to be stuck open making it a chilly job today. Someone thought they were being helpful by numbering a spare trolley (you know who you are😂) but it was left out of sequence and the subsequent confusion meant a package was missed.

As ever these issues were all taken in our stride with everyone working as a team to resolve them and it all got done in time for lunch.

There were four good gymers at the session Linda was the session leader ( and is preparing to take on the role of food bank coordinator ) with James , Herman and myself. With the help of other volunteers, we packed about 40 orders for the drivers to collect and deliver as well as restocking the shelves with donations and store bought crates of everyday items. Today was special in that Linda has completed 500 missions !! , well done Linda who is a great inspiration to other good gymers and a fantastic example of what can be achieved on a personal level. The session was completed in a couple of hours with just the orders left to be picked up by the drivers during the evening.