6 of us helped out at Frenford Foodbank today. Eddie and Linda set up and got started with the picking and packing, followed by Peter and Natalie who got stuck straight in. 4 helpers from friends of Frenford also pitched in and the usual convivial, jostling and bantering took place in the hustle and bustle of the narrow shelving area.

Everyone there were old hands at the job and despite a few issues with incorrect shelf labeling we were done in no time. Addie had had problems with transport and Louise had intended to join us for the last hour so both turned up just as we were packing up. We wanted to take advantage of their fresh energy and eagerness to help so got them tidying up the shelves and sorting out the relabeling.

Amazing that people take time out of their busy lives to help out. Well done all of us.

As usual, a variety of methods brought 5 regulars down to the Cornerstone Church to meet Adam and get stuck into sorting the donations received - run + walk + bus were today's choices. Not long after we got started Linda also made it down, bringing Ed along with her for his first experience.

Lots of bags sorted out, ready for processing - job well done!

Three of us visited the tiny bit of no man's land, other wise known as Bernards Close corner. Now the Spring Bulbs have died off and we are in the throws of growing season the weeds had started to take hold. We designated ourselves a section each and started getting rid of the seedy dandelions and other bothersome weeds, we also got rid of the rubbish and food "donations" from the local Lidl customers then finished with a quick trim of the big bad grassy thingy. Linda and Eddie are old hands at this task and the addition of Addie was a breath of fresh air bringing new energy and bright conversation to what can be a tedious task.

Now the area is tidy we need to see if we can secure some little plants to pretty it up again.

Time for a post packing day tidy up, load up and reshuffle. Regulars at this job Eddie and Linda were lucky to be joined today by Addie.

There was a small delivery to up load and we needed to reorganise some shelves. Eddie and Linda set about their usual tasks whilst relative newcomer Addie fitted in well with the established team. Addie had an instinct for what needed doing and a willingness to apply herself to any task.

The atmosphere was relaxed and happy and there was even a little dancing in the aisles to the beats from the adjacent dance studio,

Super Team Work this morning at Frenford Food Bank. Sharon immediately got on with calling people that hadn't yet put in their orders in while Linda and Eddie started setting up.

Kathryn and Addie were soon on site and got stuck straight into picking and packing. We also had a few non GGers come in to help and the combine team effort meant we were done by teatime.

Kathryn, her Mum (one day we will get her to sign up), Eddie and Addie were helping out with some finishing off bits including making a very tidy job of the beans in homage to our extremely tidy but now Stateside AJ.

Our Peter and Natalie popped in with his parents and a food donation which Peter kindly shelved up himself, randomly placing Heinz Beans (known for not stacking nicely) on what was the tidy beans shelf. AJ has been told and she is not pleased but he meant well and it was nice to meet Mum and Dad.

Meanwhile there was some networking going on between those who stayed for tea and bickies,with offers to help on the job seeking front and finding mutual connections we didn't know we had. Addie kindly offered to help one of the Frenford volunteers with a delivery and was rewarded with a lift home.

Another successful group session completed with 57 (sorry AJ didnt mean to make another reference to Heinz) food packages prepared. Well done us.

Linda was feeling her age and a bit under the weather, regretting setting up a mission to celebrate her 200th parkrun when she had only done 199 so couldn't opt out today 😩.

Fortunately Valentines had more than enough volunteers leaving Peter and James free to offer their moral support trotting round with Linda at a much slower pace than they are used to. Ed and Sharon had been given Marshaling spots so were shouting support from their posts. Jaquie stayed behind after her run to encourage Linda over the finish line and take photos/video to prove the run got done (she also provided a commemorative "200" badge), Katherine double backed after her run to add to the support posse.

Not all were official volunteer roles but technically everyone was supporting a vulnerable older person 🤪 which is what goodgym is all about. 🤗

We then went on to "The Spoons" for a celebratory cuppa and a mini Wiggles The Caterpillar.

Husband and Wife Ed and Linda arrived at Frenford Food Bank, shortly followed by partners Natalie and Peter with Kathryn and her Mum (one day we will get her Mum to officially sign up to GG) making three GG family pairing connections.

Happy to see Simone made a welcome comeback for her second session here and sending a huge GG welcome message to Addie who completed her first GG mission today with style...I hope you found the shortcut out Addie and that we can look forward to seeing you again😁

Not sure if there were many more family connections but there was at least one Sister-in-law pairing in the other group of volunteers. Regardless of kinship the combined teams worked together like one big happy family. With so many of us working well together we got 60 packages prepared in record time. It ended up that what scheduled as a tea break ended up as a cuppa and chat which finished the session.

Peter...was there really any need to photograph Linda blowing her nose? ...every family has got one naughty character and you are definitely ours 🙄😂