You got a roll with it

Our lucky number today was 13, cos that's how many showed up for the Southbank Centre Winter Festival run and task. We welcomed Silvi, Barbara, Junko, Maggie and Hetty, all of whom were doing their first ever run. And we had a couple of tourists in the form of Gary and Matt all the way from Bristol and still carrying fancy dress outfits from last night's party.

We had a nice briefing and Madeleine from the Centre explained what we were up to today: as part of their Winter Festival, the Southbank Centre are exploring the theme of giving and sharing over the festive period and we were lending a hand by shifting food donated to the Southbank Centre to Oasis Farm ready for Waterloo Foodbank on Monday. Oh, and Simon did a bit of juggling with tins of tuna and sardines. How many GG trainers can do that?!

Noticing that it was a bit chilly outside, we decided a decent warm up was in order and we played a little bit of the ol' "Follow my Leader" and then partook in a spot of "Cups and Cones". First time it's ever been played inside the Southbank Centre. Just think: you were there! I think cups won, but it's all a bit of a blur now.

Feeling very warm, we loaded our backpacks with as many tins, packets and jars as we could and ventured into the chilly December morning. We took the scenic route there and met a load of Santas who were undertaking a charity bike ride. We congratulated each other for doing good things and carried on. Wonderful.

At Oasis Farm we were greeted by Nathan who let us in, and showed us where to dump the food. We said hello to a chick and told him (Nathan, not the chick) we'd be back soon with more goodies. Oh yeah, we only took half the food cos we couldn't fit it all in our bags. Should have mentioned that earlier really. Must work on this narrative business.

Following our second drop off it was competition time and what better way to find out who's the best than with a four-team three-person continuous relay? None, I believe. Team Beth-Matt-Gary won the first round, but then we did my favourite elbow drill and had another attempt. This time prizes would be awarded for the best elbow driver. Lisa shone through and was awarded with a close-up photo, which she was very happy about.

A jog back, a wee stretch, a Mexican wave and we went our separate ways, with Beth, Patrick and Lisa speeding off to do a mission and Simon joining Matt and Gary for a post-run pub lunch before they got the coach back to Bristol.

A great outing for a great cause and it's wonderful knowing that the food we carried today will help Londoners who may be struggling over Christmas.

There's another Southbank run next week. Sign up here,

Simon