The team met at 2-prompt today to make our way over to the Rockingham Community Centre in Elephant and Castle.

This centrally-located community centre offers an increasing number of classes and sessions to locals.

The committed and productive TRA were in touch recently, needing a hand making a start on the painting of the skirting boards in the main hall.

Forming not one or two but three groups, all heading at a variety of speeds to the hall, the whole team was in full flow by 2:30.

Following a quick task briefing by Sarah, it was all hands on deck in no time: skirting boards were sanded, mopped, and painted at quite a rate. The work was fast and thorough, and unbelievably tidy.

About in hour in, it became clear that the team were going to finish the job – one undercoat less for the Rockingham team later in the week.

The clean-up effort commenced promptly: Brushes were cleaned, trays stacked and stored, and any remnants of paint wiped away.

With a final cheerio from Kenny, along with a little bit of background to the Centre, we made our way down the ramp and headed back to base in, yes, you guessed it, three groups.

A great afternoon’s work – well done all.

Until next time.

Meeting by the FGS HQ entrance, we ran through a few stretches this morning, before heading out to today’s task.

Working with Lambeth-and-Southwark-based Get Rid of and Donate, today saw us sorting donated toys and books for local schools and families.

But first the run.

Matt was tasked with route navigation again, and he led a brilliant run (barely any traffic, and some picturesque streets and squares en route).

On arrival at our task location, we were welcomed into a warm hall…

Draper Hall, located in the heart of Elephant and Castle, was very kindly hosting this activity, with task owner Jayne setting up trestle tables with clear signage for ages vs donated items ahead of our arrival.

The task at first glance seemed enormous, but the team nonetheless wasted no time grabbing spreadsheets, bags, labels, and bundles of book-and-toy know-how, left by Andrea from Get Rid of and Donate.

Moving from bag to bag, table to table, working across six schools and multiple families, we assessed who would like what, from the colourful, fun and interesting range of items of available.

From Harry Potter to Pokemon rucksacks; WiiFits to My Little Pony, we aimed to combine lively reading material with fun and exciting toys.

The time sped by – a little bit too speedily. Two hours in, with 5 of the 6 schools completed, the team started to pack away remaining donated items, bin any rubbish, and stack everything neatly and carefully for Andrea to collect.

With the runners expertly led back to base by Matt, we concluded it had been a productive and interesting morning. Well done to the whole team (and a big thank you to Southwark Area Activator Sam for co-ordinating this task).

Until next time.