Pauline Joan

When Jenny James and Linda were the only ones signed up for the food bank they thought they might be in for a long session but pretty soon a couple of very welcome late sign ups arrived in the shape of Pauline and Nargis.

First job was emptying task owner Irfan's car of some extra supplies he had brought with him, then we went straight into putting the food packages together. Once packaging was completed there was the usual assisting the drivers loading up their cars followed by more food packages to be compiled which will be picked up after the weekend.

Not sure what bit of joking resulted in our James being called a Caveman by Irfan but thats typical of Irfan's jokes they're not old they're ..."pre-hysterical"

The Energy Garden team asked if we could lend a hand checking up on the planters on the South Woodford tube platform.

So this evening the gang welcomed the lovely Pauline for her first group run and made our way from our little base down to the station, where Sharon was waiting with cuttings to add to the planters.

James joined Pauline & Sharon in looking after the planters and finding space for the new cuttings, while Linda was filling watering cans which got expertly emptied by Jenny and her two charming assistants.

Many hands make light work, let alone when there is Goodgym energy involved, so soon enough all the planters were watered and all the cuttings planted - time to make our way back to base after a job well done!

A fresh start at the foodbank this morning after last night's busy shift.

Linda, Matt & Pauline got stuck in with packing deliveries right away, where James & Peter mixed it up with (re)stocking shelves and unpacking the fresh delivery arriving just in time.

Foodbank chief Genevieve made a remark about Linda having her own circus following her... not sure whether she was referring to James & Peter being the strongmen of the circus, or was calling them clowns....

Either way, job well done all !!

Julia, James and Helen joined up with Climate Safe Street Ride hosted by Redbridge Cycle Campaign at Valentines Park. The weather was kind to us and the constant stream of people coming into the park from all directions to observe Eid prayers was fascinating. Our ride leader had been concerned if the cyclists would get through to the meeting point but there was plenty of room for us all, the group was soon assembled and made its way out of the park to the sound of gentle prayer chants.

Next stop was in Roding Valley Park and meeting up with the people who started at Wanstead Park including Pauline. Our ride leader was delighted with the numbers that turned up compared to the few they had last year. It was lovely to see the children some of whom were little more than toddlers. We were split into two groups and introduced to the Ride Marshals two of whom were our very own Julia and James. From here we continued on the path along the pretty blossom filled Roding Valley and the ride leader dashed off to pick up the next group from Ray Park. We then set off passed Redbridge Lakes up to Claybury Park. Feeding the bikes though the bike gap was getting tedious so the lighter ones were passed over the top, if only we had known the group behind had a working key for the big gates 😂 After picking up another few in Claybury we set off to Fairlop Waters for a well deserved break and sustenance. From here the ride went back to Valentines Park and round the route again, dropping off people at their chosen parks along the way. Hats off to James and Julia for agreeing to marshal hence doing the full circuit twice.