The evening started out nice, but there was a hint of something in the air as we gathered at base. Ambra confirmed the suspicion, her weather app predicted a chance of rain at 8ish...

So we got going with the aim to be back by 8.

With the light lasting longer, Leyton Flats was now an option for a plogging session. Pleasantly surprised we didnt fill more than a bag between the 5 of us. Sadly the bags did end up filling up once we crossed through the Green Man roundabout, right on schedule to drop the collected litter at the council bins we use more often as drop-off point.

James, Elegia & Linda took the short route back, while i kept Ambra company on a longer scenic route, arriving at base not long after the others.

Job done, right on time, because on the way home it started raining, just as Ambra predicted!

The idea was to take my trusty pull along shopper, get the bus to the foodbank, pickup Mrs P’s order and walk the groceries round to her. The tube strike seemed to have had a knock on effect on the buses so there was little more walking than planned but it was a lovely day and I arrived in plenty of time.

The food wasn’t pre packed so I called Mrs P to find out what she’d like and picked and packed her items, which just about fit in my shopper. On the way out I was offered some flowers for her and managed to stash a bunch in the back pouch.

Mrs P was a short walk away and luckily a Nephews of hers had come to visit so unpacked for her and I was soon off on my walk back.

Mrs P was very happy with her groceries and flowers.

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.

A simple mission with a big lesson yesterday, helping a local resident tame the garden and get the hedges back under control. A bit of trimming, a lot of good vibes, and another reminder that small jobs make a difference!

With Sam & James having to pull out for various reasons and no major task planned, the suggestion to check out the bluebells at Wanstead Park seemed exactly the right thing to do.

So we set off on our way, mentally keeping fingers crossed in the hope the sun would break through the clouds at the right time. It appeared we werent the only ones visiting the (famous?) bluebells, several others were walKing around as well. One even patiently waited standing on a tree trunk hoping she'd get the perfect picture with sunlight breaking through the tree canopy. Sadly the sun didn't cooperate, so we moved on exploring the rest of the park, giving us a few more picturesque moments.

Running session done, some nice news was waiting on our return - next week's Babybank session has been confirmed!