It was our first Monday evening task of 2025 and we got off to a bang being back at Aldemoor Community Farm with Richard.

Richard always has something new and interesting for us to try and tonight was no different. We were tasked with helping sift and break up compost which was ready to be sorted and bagged to help compost this years plants.

Chris was head of the production line filling all the trays with compost to be sorted. We then had to work through and breakup the compost sorting weeds and wood and BONES(!) into one tray, plastic into another and stones into another.

Once the consistency was about right we then had to use the large sieve machine which was very satisfying! Leszek and Serena expertly handled removing the sieve so we could then start placing the compost into bags.

It was a fun, therapeutic session and we created five bags of compost which we are told Pam the community outreach lady will be very grateful for!

We look forward to returning and helping Richars again soon

We held a small collection for the food bank at Lordshill church this evening - filling a bag of biscuits, teabags and other tinned goods to provide help for those who may need it.

The stylish Finnuala and I had a good session helping the Friends of Peartree Green Nature Reserve clear vegetation along the pathways. Making space for the wild flowers and plants otherwise smothered by the rampant, ever present brambles. A great workout of course and we even managed a quick hot drink and a biscuit. Very welcome as it was a cold, chilly morning. Thank you as always to Phil and all the friends who are always very welcoming and happy to see new faces. Back again later in the month for another session.

This afternoon a very stylish Tarek arrived with our trusty GG litterpickers. We discovered the back streets and alleys of Shirley high street. Upon embarking on our mission with our litter picks we were greeted a chorus of compliments and ‘thank yous’ from the locals crossing the road. Later on we had a shoutout from a car full of people who rolled their windows down to give heartfelt thanks for our mission. Chris kept our spirits high with stories of his travels in our kingdom which made us chuckle. We also had a man call out of his window and he sent his cheers and thanks. The Pick and Pub revolution finished at the Clockwork where the locals greeted us with mulled cider which we gratefully indulged in. Until next time!

To get out and about to cheer on post-Christmas runners I volunteered as a Marshall alongside regulars Alison, Lucy and Kim. Hands were red afterwards and many motivational comments were made to help push runners along. Only one close shave next to a runner with a double buggy! All good practice for next time as a human shield to guide runners along Southampton Common. A lovely crisp morning!