Sorting summer stock at Scope in the spring

Last night was an inspired choice, unusually for a warmer weather/light night we were indoors but boy were we grateful. The heavens had opened despite all the promises of better weather from now on and we were snugly in the dry.

The task was also unusual in that for the first time in 36 weeks this was one where we had been asked to do the task rather than he other way round.

Hot off the back of pacing at ParkRun last Saturday we welcomed back Conrad to the group and also our task force member Nicola who is now back after a short break.

Jim led the out run, across the Soar Bridge and through the beautiful Castle Gardens and past the Cathedral and in no time at all we were at the Scope Charity shop in Rutland St where our host Liam was ready and waiting. The shop normally shuts at 5:30 but he and one of their volunteers had stayed open late to accomodate us - and why not? If only more of the people we offer our services to would be as forward thinking rather than the oft said response "sorry, there wont be anyone here"

The task was to sort the summer stock into like with like bags eg ladies tops, dresses, shorts, menswear, kids, accessories etc etc.

As is usually the case with this sort of thing the GG Leicester Team take just seconds to work out what to do. A dozen people in a confined space, you would think it would be chaos, but no, everyone fell into a role. Jim was chief labeller upper (makes a change from breaking and entering), Nicola and Frank made some space in an adjoining area to do a fine sort of some of the ladies stuff, Rachel found a quiet corner to sit down and get organised as did Leigh and Lindsay. The rest appeared to be runners passing stuff between the various labelled bags that had begun to get filled.

Liam appeared briefly - took a quick look and concluded that we seemed to know what we were doing so he went back upstairs to the shop.

Mass hilarity ensued when Frank attempted to put my own jacket into one of the bags - fortunately it was intercepted.

In view of the short hop to the shop we had more time than usual on task and by the time we wrapped up we had filled 30 bags with ordered stock - unquestionably this will make a difference. Liam was very impressed and thanked us several times - I am sure we will be back to this one again sometime.

Several photos later, courtesy of Mel as ever, Conrad, Stu and Jim led us by the shortest route to Bede Park taking in the impressive DMU Campus which looked stunning in the improving weather.

At the urban gym it was a choice, wet bum or more running? Majority favoured a bit of urban gym so we did 10 reps of 1 minute on the various pieces of equipment. On the trunk twist machine Jim and Conrad broke into spontaneous song "lets twist again" and at a later point I think it was Stu who led with "Twist and shout"

I took some video footage on the phone which I will attempt to load at some point - I think I got most of the singing but I dont think I will be sending it to BGT requesting an audition just yet.

Great to see you all getting stuck into the task and the fitness but having a whole lot of fun at the same time.

Until next week.....

D