The call went out this time from Santa's elves at South Western Railways and we sprung into action! We filled shoeboxes with lots of presents and chocolates! 🎁

The rec received the GG treatment again this morning. Full bag of rubbish and the famous purple basket full of recycling was gathered to make the area much nicer. A very nice pair of heels had obviously caused enough ankle pains for one xmas party goer! And the Croc that we hoped would be reunited last time was still in the same spot. Now going to the great Croc resting place in the sky.

Jane took away the vapes we found for proper disposal.

Our super mini-GGer kept a keen eye on proceedings.

Some thank yous and polite nods from the Colas lads and we went on our way.

Over 27 families got food parcels with Christmas goody bags as well. The cafe was busy with Sheen’s cakes and soup going down a storm.

A busy bright morning, with Sheena’s home made cakes and soup going down a storm Lots of volunteers, goodgymers: Yvonne, Pat, Lucy, Fiona and Tracey all working hard to keep things flowing as well as back up from Rob.

Bravo to Dave for making 2 visits to the North End Street Garden today! He and Jen had an early morning visit to put up our wooden sign, beautifully made for us by Southbourne Men's Shed. Later, Dave joined Sinéad, Abby and me for a gardening session.

We weeded, litter-picked, planted daffodil and tulip bulbs and Abby gave some of the overgrown shrubs one of her infamous radical winter haircuts!

We had the bench audience to keep us entertained, and a few thank-yous from passers-by.

The battle was won, but the war will go on..

I helped Friends of Milton Common chop back the brambles to encourage grassland and small wildflowers to grow on the exposed ground.

This is part of the important work that takes place every year and it's working; pyramidal and bee orchids are now flourishing on the common.

oh and I have to add that the group was very welcoming and the hot chocolate and cakes provided delicious!