We headed off on a very cold and icy night for a litter pick on our most can-filled alleyway. We had hoped there might be a bit less rubbish as an old building had been demolished and cleared, but clearly no one made a new year resolution not to drop litter! We didn’t quite make our previous record of 100 cans, but we think we were pretty close. Hopefully the next time we visit there might not be so many!

We can’t believe it but it’s already time to pack down Santa’s grotto! After spreading much joy it was alas time for Santa to return to the North Pole to get ready for the big day. Don’t worry though as he left an ample bunch of elves away to get things clean and tidy for new year. He even left his newest recruit behind so welcome to Yoyo. We hope to see you back again soon. Merry Christmas everyone!

Five of us headed to Aldermoor Farm yesterday evening for a leafy challenge. The job was to clear up the leaves from the grassy area, load them into the wheelbarrow, and take them down to the chicken coops. We tipped the piles onto the muddy floor so they could soak up some of the mess and give the chickens something fun to scratch around in. We didn’t see the chickens—they were tucked up for the night—but we hope they woke up to a nice surprise this morning! There were a few laughs along the way, especially when Sarah got her hand stuck in the leaf grabbers (all good now!). Once the work was done, we admired the farm glowing with Christmas lights—a festive finish to a muddy but satisfying task.

After all the festivities at the Rose Road Association Christmas Fair it was time for a big tidy up! We set to work sorting out the bottle tombola, locating parts of elf costumes, tidying refreshments away and sorting through donations. We even started sorting things out that Santa might like to use for next year’s grotto presents. We had just enough time left over for a group shot with scary Santa. We won’t look forward to seeing him again next year!

Despite the relentless rain, our team brought festive cheer to the Solent Mind Elf Run, supporting a fantastic cause for mental health. Helen and Wilson kept runners on track as route marshals, while Steph greeted and assisted participants at the start. We jingled bells, wore elf hats, and cheered runners around the course— soaked but smiling. The Grinch led the way and we managed to get a photo with him before he set off. Wilson helped pack down at the end. A wet and wonderful morning for a great charity!

We were feeling very festive this evening as we got to help decorate Santa’s grotto. Some of the team counted out presents that Santa has had delivered early (well you know what the post is like come Christmas!). Others started off by assembling one of the Christmas trees which took a lot of fluffing! Abby was in charge of making sure we all kept to the aesthetic which was apparently red and gold. In the final moments though someone decided a purple bauble must also adorn the tree! We can’t wait for all the visitors to see the finished grotto soon. It’s Chrissssssssstmasssss!!