almost like a carbon copy of last week:

• Ed marshaling the main carpark for the 201st time
• Linda doing unofficial assisted/VI guiding (think she lost count how often)
• Peter doing tokens for 2nd week in a row

Will there be a hatrick next week?

Time will tell.

P.S. cudos to James C for helping to pack up after - better luck next time in the 'who rolls up the funnel tape fastest' contest

P.P.S. anyone know what the record is for volunteering at the same parkrun doing the same task?

As usual it was a great session at Frenford Foodbank. Good Gymmers and non members as working together as one big convivial team. Ed, Linda and Peter were there early busily setting up, before getting stuck into packing. AJ did a great job packing and mentoring some young-uns. Vicky cycled in and, despite being flustered from getting a little lost on the way, threw herself straight in to packing. Sharon did a sterling job calling some of the users to find out what they needed.

We were all finished and tidied up by lunchtime, well done to all of us 🥳. Sorry not many photos. I really must start nominating a photographer when I set these things up 🤦‍♀️

With Frenford getting last minute deliveries which needed to be sorted before Thursdays session we sprung into action to sort it out.

After much counting, sorting, lifting and shifting everything got put away. We finished with a quick tidy up and 5 minutes putting the world to rights.

Using one of Ed's legendary Marshalling phrases for the report title to celebrate his 200th parkrun volunteer session. 🥳

Originally reluctantly dragged to his first parkrun in July 2019 (by Linda in the hope he might take up running) Ed opted to volunteer and was immediately hooked. Soon his enthusiasm and witty encouraging phrases became legendary among not only the parkrun community but spread to other local running groups.

With Ed proudly taking up his usual post as car park marshal the rest of us were scattered around the course taking on a variety of jobs, marshaling, VI walker, timekeeping, token giver and bar-code scanning. The Run Director bigged up Eds achievement during the briefing instructing runners to cheer him back as he cheered them on the way round- which I am reliably informed they did.

We came together at the end, with some of us assisting with the close down before settling in a corner of the children's playground for a cup of something and a bite to eat. Sadly Colin couldn't make it this week but sent his stand in Wiggles instead 🐛

Five of GGR's finest arrived to help out at Frenford Foodbank.

Linda and Ed arrived early to set up. They were soon joined by last minute and very welcomed sign up Kathryn who helpfully brought along her Mum to assist us. We also welcomed back our Helena who can't always get to food bank but is always a valuable member of the team when she does. Last but not least AJ came to celebrate her 200th good deed with us. In keeping with tradition (which began with her 100th) she started with a spillage 🙄😂.

Along with the Frenford volunteers we all worked alongside each other helping one another out and getting the job done by lunchtime so 50 local households will be a little better off for it. We even had time to have a little tea break with the usual party guest Colin🐛.

Husband and Wife team Eddie and Linda were the only two official GGrs signed up for Frenford FoodBank today but our Kathryn sent her Mum along in her stead and she was a great help. The three of us together with other Friends of Frenford soon sorted out over 50 food parcels for local people.

Three of us went to Frenford Food Bank to off load some supermarket deliveries and restock the shelves. It was one of the hottest days of the year but we got through it by taking it slow and having a little cool down sit down and chat before making our way home again.

Its always a bit tricky organising a task during a midweek working day but it is rare to only have two signed up for Frenford Food bank picking and packing day. Ed and Linda arrived early to help set up and, as they were the only two there when due to start, they steeled themselves for a long session. Fortunately one of the food bank recipients put themselves forward to help and was quickly snapped up and trained up. A little later a Frenford helper arrived, took one look round and called in two of her family in to help out, including dragging her Daughter out of bed.

Once again this little community worked together and managed to get 55 food packages out to the less fortunate in our borough. We even finished on time 😊