Tonight brought about the last cooking session for the Roma trust and the friends of the temple at the Shri Guru Ravidass Sangat Gudwara in town. We at Luton Goodgym have supported for 12 sessions which has helped the temple deliver a project that has brought together communities that otherwise may not cross paths and all through sharing the delights of Indian cooking. As this was the last session, our team turned out 11 volunteers to help with, prep, cooking and tidying up afterwards, as well as chatting and continuing to forge relationships with everyone on the room. 5 of us were a little late to the task as we were finishing up at another volunteerinng session in the town, but that didn't hold back the other 6 from getting stuck in. Making chapatis and putting all the ingredients together to make the tarka for the daal. Everyone took their turn tonight and the atmosphere was electric. The chai was flowing and the conversation was fantastic. Everyone had a great time this evening and we look forward to supporting the temple in the future as they always make us feel so welcome. Well done everyone and thanks for continuing to show what a fantastic bunch you all are.

Turn out for tonights task at the Shri Guru Ravidass Sangat Gudwara was great as 11 Luton goodgymers came to the penultimate cooking class as part of the temples near neighbours project, helping to integrate communities. The whole team got stuck in with cooking, washing pots and chatting to the guests from the Roma trust and the Irish forum. Mayra was especially pleased tonight as she got to wear her Red GoodGym shirt for the first time, Adrian also looked splendid as he wore his for the first time too. We look forward to seeing you guys out in those shirts again soon. After helping the aunties cook up some delicious treats, Sanjeev from the temple thanked everyone for their support over the 12 sessions and presented a cooking book with all the recipes we've helped to cook. I really feel like our support with this project has made a difference and I appreciate the opportunity afforded to us to be able to help. Well done team. you were great tonight

4 Goodgymers helped the Sri Guru Ravidass Sangat Gudwara to host another cooking class with the Friends of the temple. The team helped prep, cook and tidy up. The Aunties were cooking Muttor Paneer, with rice and chapatis. Adrian has become the Chapati king, its like he's been making them for years and Mayra was butter girl for the evening, covering the lovely flatbreads in a cheeky bit of buttery sweetness. Kamal gave the eating area a good clean down before everyone sat down to sample the delicious food made. The temple were really appreciative of all the teams help. Well done guys

That was a mammoth task at Farley Community Centre but what a hoot.

Vera from Farley Big Local had asked Gill and Mayra to arrive at 10:30 and she soon had them making about 80 or more stuffing balls, carving the turkey and gammon and getting the vegetables ready to cook. At 11:30 Yasin, Musa , and Kamal arrived and soon got busy making sure everything was ready in the hall. Musa and Yasin were given the onerous task of mashing the potatoes, which they did with aplomb. At around 12.00 the guests started to arrive, and the whole team was busy serving drinks and making them feel welcome. Then it was on to waiting service to make sue that everyone was served with a steaming bowl of vegetable soup. The main course followed, a sumptous roast dinner and we were kept busy either dishing up or waiting. Fortunately between the main course and the pudding the guests had a game of bingo so we had a slight break - but then Vera asked if we could start the washing up - well Yasin took to his Marigolds like a duck to water. When the bingo was done we then served up the desserts and made sure everyone had top ups to their drinks. By the time dessert was over many of the guests were in a party moood and the dancing soon started. Little did we know that we were expected to join in and make some shapes. But being dilligent GoodGymers and not wanting to disappoint, we left Mayra with the washing up while Kamal, Gill and Mus joined the throng on the dance floor. Fortunately before we got too exhausted there was another break for more bingo and we were able to take a breather. After the last couple of dances the guests left with many of them stopping to say how well looked after they had been and how much they appreciated our help. Vera gave us all a bag of chocolates, but I think that was to bribe us to stay longer to help with the washing up and clearing up.

By about 4.30 the hall was empty and pristine, some of us were given our own dinner to enjoy in the peace and quiet before saying goodbye and heading home for a well deserved rest.

Well done team, you worked so hard for so long, but really made the event an absolute success.

Another great session tonight at the Shri Guru Ravidass Sangat Gudwara, supporting the temple with their near neighbours project and welcoming members of the Roma trust and friends of the temple. Tonight we made Aloo Paratha. We were all keen to get stuck in and learn the new skill, making and cookingbthese delicious, stuffed flatbreads 🫓. We welcomed Sheetal to the temple this evening this was her 3rd GG task and i'm sure she enjoyed being with the team. It was also great to see Kamal after a short break from tasks recently hope he can make it along again soon. After sampling our tasty treats, Gill and I had to head off tho join this weeks group run, but the rest of the team stayed and helped with the clean down and tidy up. Great effort guys and girls.