I was on finish token support at Pitshanger Junior parkrun this morning. 51 youngsters came through the finish funnel - judging by the state of their clothes they had a lot of fun running round a very muddy park!

I thought this morning’s tea session was busy and it carried on over lunchtime! The clients enjoyed pumpkin and lentil soup with bread, chicken casserole with pasta and vegetables or vegetarian option. Followed by apple strudel and custard. I was helping to serve and it was pretty rushed for the first hour. The clients loved the meal and there were lots of compliments to the chef. I really enjoy being in the dining area, chatting to the regular clients and meeting the new ones.

It was very busy at this morning’s tea/coffee station. A lot of the clients were happy to be in a warm space with a hot cup of tea or coffee - and cake or biscuits. It seemed we were constantly running to the kitchen for refills. But things quietened down eventually - just before lunchtime!
Afshin joined Doreen and the clothes team to help set up the clothes donations and was also kept busy this morning.

After the busy lunch session today, I stayed on to help with the clean up. There was a huge amount of washing up - including some enormous pots -then the entire kitchen had to be left clean and tidy. Tables and chairs had to be taken down and stacked away but I left that to the younger and fitter volunteers! One of my tasks was to clean the cooker then fit all the large oven trays back in the oven - it was a bit like a three-dimensional jigsaw. I managed - with a bit of help!

I’m not sure why but today’s Friday Hub at Ealing Soup Kitchen seemed extra busy. Lots of regular faces and quite a few new ones. I was serving in the dining room for the lunch session - minced beef ragu with rice and vegetables or vegetable pasty with vegetables. Dessert was apple strudel and ice cream. It all went down a storm and this waitress was in need of a brief sit down afterwards!