Once a month, St Philip and St James Church puts on a meal for people in the area who would otherwise be eating on their own. They also cook for regulars who have become housebound but still love a roast dinner.

Only one GoodGymer signed up to deliver this time but we had unexpected help. GoodGym Tanya's husband Simon stepped in to take a Sunday lunch to the home the furthest afield - much appreciated!

I delivered six more across Odd Down, returning to base halfway through to ensure they arrived as hot as possible. I learned from last month to bring a carrier bag in case it rained... next time it might be wise to invest in an insulated one!

Everyone was very happy with their takeaway - and I did a serious amount of steps!

St Philip’s Church in Odd Down holds a community meal every month for people that would otherwise be eating on their own. The church also tries to make sure that those who can’t make it get their roast dinner delivered to them.

That’s where GoodGym comes in and Ruth, Mary and Tanya turned up on a very rainy Sunday to take seven meals to residents across Odd Down. There were a few tricky destinations and the wet weather took its toll on the takeaway bags but we completed the mission safe in the knowledge that we had brightened the Sundays of some lovely people.

It’s Wimbledon finals day at the height of summer and you might think the last thing you’d want is a roast meal but actually members of the One to One group at St Philip and St James Church welcomed their turkey dinner and apple crumble. The sessions were set up many years ago to try to combat loneliness on Odd Down but went on the road during lockdown because of Covid restrictions. Now back at the church, there are some who are unable to get out any more and that’s where GoodGym comes in - delivering their lunches on foot. It was certainly hot work and hopefully I did it fast enough that they didn’t need reheating.

I asked one woman what it meant to get a meal delivered to their door. She said “ When something different is done to lift your solitude it just means a lot. It was really special that people would give up their time for you. Nobody that I spoke to had a service like that during lockdown and it hit home to me.”

When we do a task for GoodGym we are asked how much of a difference we are making and it is great to know that we do have an impact.

On a sunny Sunday, I arrived at the church in Odd Down and was greeted by Ruth. I received 3 meals to deliver. The first two went smoothly and the 2 recipients were very grateful however the 3rd left me lost. I ran around the road a couple of times before calling Ruth to the rescue. Thankfully she was able to walk over and point me in the right direction. Thank you Ruth for saving me and for the fab photos.

This afternoon Ellie and I set out in the roasting sunshine to deliver warm dinners to several vulnerable individuals in Odd Down. Everyone was incredibly appreciative of the food that they otherwise wouldn't have been able to enjoy! It was a simply lovely day to be outside doing good, and we're both looking forward to returning to help St. Phillips church in future.

Good thing I took my trusty red GoodGym t-shirt to church with me as it turns out no one had signed up to help the monthly delivery of roast dinners to people in the community. Fortunately I was able to do a quick change and help out. Church members also lent a hand - the photo shows me with organiser and head chef Andy Stammers. St Philip’s puts on a meal once a month for people who’d otherwise be on their own and those who are housebound get theirs delivered. Today they got roast pork, fruit salad and a palm cross in celebration of Palm Sunday. Yum!