TRAID are pioneers in selling second-hand clothes, putting pre-loved vestments back on racks so they get another shot at being seen out and about (rather than rotting away in a wardrobe somewhere). But while TRAID might not approve of fast fashion, they still have to move with the seasons, and that means boxing up their current stock so new recruits can have their moment to shine. And there was quite a lot of that stock at the Kilburn TRAID! So Beatriz, Chris, Emily, Faz, Lee and Tabitha rolled up their sleeves so they could roll up some sleeves - as well as the other parts of the clothes they were packing away. That was only half the battle though, with no time for hangers on, as our six got to grips with endless, endless hangers that needed storing too. They really pulled their trousers up though (as well as the many second-hand trousers that needed dealing with), sorting the job in double-quick time. In fact, it looked like they might be ready to (cat)walk away ahead of schedule – until disaster struck. Faz’s jacket…had gone missing.
It’s the one thing we didn't want to happen. But no clothing left behind, so we ripped those taped up boxes back open, sending garments flying as we desperately attempted to find it. A real needle in the haystack operation, if the needle was something you could wear, and the hay was also stuff you could wear. Thankfully Tabitha emerged triumphant, clutching the missing coat above her head. The evening was saved, the circular economy was back on track, and we could be on our way again. See you again in January, TRAID!

On Monday evening, we met up and extended a huge, warm welcome to Abolfazal for his very first GoodGym session—and he dove straight into the action! We powered through a 2km run to collect a huge stack of concert leaflets for the fantastic Queens Park Singers. Splitting the load efficiently between the four of us, we hit the streets and managed to get the leaflets delivered to the community in a phenomenal 30 minutes, avoiding any rain! We then regrouped and ran happily back to Willesden for a well-deserved, refreshing drink.

Excellent work team! Next week, our mission continues as we pivot to support our local area by delivering leaflets for the Queens Park Community Council. Come join us and make a difference!

At Clitterhouse Farm, the approaching cold weather means the greenhouse has never been more important (or appreciated). But while it keeps all the incubating veggies inside nice and toasty, who’s looking out for it? The answer, of course, is GoodGym.

To make sure the sturdy wooden frame was ready for whatever the elements might chuck at it, Tabitha, Josh, Samina, Pete, and Chris headed over to give it a good oiling — specifically with linseed oil, which is perfect not only for protecting wood from rot and moisture, and enhancing its natural grain and colour (what a glow-up!), but also for bringing back nostalgic memories of preparing cricket bats as a child. (That might just have been Pete, though.)

Before we could start, we had to make sure that any existing residents wouldn’t be harmed, so several volunteers used feather dusters to sweep away cobwebs and safely deposit quite a few huge spiders into the nearby bushes.

Then it was just a question of grabbing our brushes and sponges and giving the greenhouse a nice, solid coat of oil - all set for the months ahead!

Samina and Pete jogged to Abbey community centre where we met Lee. Jason gave us the tools and showed us what to do. We cleaned table tops, chairs, fridges and mopped the floor. We walked back and had a drink Well done everyone.

With the rose being my long pink gardening gloves. These were an absolute life saver tackling the very overgrown brambles along the side of the front garden. I hacked and bagged solidly for 90 mins and managed to mostly clear it.

Beatriz, Emily Tabitha Pete and Lee worked hard to help pack up all the stock for Traid charity shop in Kilburn