Four fabulous runners braved the wild weather to make our first visit to the shiny new St Christopher's charity shop in Crystal Palace.

The threat of rain and wind, along with the Christmas party season being in full swing, made for a small but perfectly formed group. After a quick warm-up, Fiona, Tim and I headed up a slow burner of a hill to Crystal Palace's newest, and swankiest, charity shop, where we met David who was sheltering from the rain nearby.

Ginger was waiting to greet us in the shop and had a list of jobs for us to crack on with, before very kindly heading out to buy us some bottles of water. Fiona jumped at the colour-blocking task, making sure the clothes were grouped in matching colours, with the hangers hung in the same direction. Tim took Henry hoover for a spin around the shop, David sorted donations and I cleaned the table and shelves. Fiona found a real mix of fabulous and stand-out clothes, including a fluorescent pink velour ruched skirt, which would definitely turn heads.

I found some rather puzzling items hidden behind some shoes on a shelf, which baffled us all. What were they?! Being rather on the short side, I could only reach the lower shelves so David kindly took over to clean the higher ones, with the help of an elephants foot. Tim had soon finished the hoovering so took over the sorting from David, with the keep vs chuck criteria ("would you buy it?") being harder to apply than it sounds, particularly when the item is a sparkly dress! Suits you Tim!

Time flew by and it was soon time to head back down the hill. The heavens had opened so we made a dash for it, stopping to shelter and do a wall-sit under the railway bridge, before stretching our weary limbs.

Next week we are heading to Sydenham Community Library for the final task of the year. Sign up here and bring your santa hat and tinsel!