Another three-hour stint at the Community Hospice shop, sorting through a steady stream of donated clothes, books, games, toys, and all manner of other bits and pieces.

After a few sessions like this, Caroline and I are becoming old hands—practically experts at separating the 'keepers' from 'no way, José' pile.

It’s also reassuring to see just how much of what’s donated is recycled and finds a new home, rather than simply being thrown away. It's good to know that these items are getting a second life.

I'm surprised how often things come through with the shop labels still attached—absolute bargains for anyone happy to embrace second-hand finds.

I’m definitely one of those people. I love to pick up a good charity shop bargain, and I do like having a browse even when I'm not looking for anything —you never quite know what you’ll stumble across!

Today’s mission took us to Crayford, where we joined the Thames21 team to help clear a stretch of the River Cray.

The task at hand was to tackle the overgrowth—cutting back encroaching sallow trees and clearing reeds that had begun to dominate parts of the river.

There were around 15 of us in total, but we split into smaller groups. Our team of five, freshly kitted out in waders, long gloves and armed with saws and loppers, set off in search of our designated patch. Before long, we were standing knee-deep in mud and river water, hard at work.

The job involved cutting back some impressively large branches—many well over 12 feet long—and stacking them neatly along the bank. It was physical work, no doubt, but incredibly satisfying.

Our team quickly found a rhythm, making great progress as we cleared fresh green shoots and heftier limbs that had sprung up along the river. Once the cutting was done, we turned our attention to tidying up. Several piles of branches had already been started along the bank, so we formed a human chain to consolidate everything into one large stack. Passing branches, some quite hefty, from one person to the next, we worked efficiently—and with plenty of good humour.

After a couple of hours, we paused for a well-earned coffee and a biscuit, which tasted all the better for the effort. Catching up with the other group, it was clear everyone was enjoying themselves and felt the work was both worthwhile and rewarding.

Refuelled, we got back to it for another hour and a half before wrapping up. We waded back out of the river, cleaned off our gear, and headed home—tired, muddy, but thoroughly satisfied.

It felt like a proper workout, and a genuinely productive one at that.

Well it was another fun three hour session back at the Community Hospice shop sorting through the many bags of donated items and separating the 'gems' from the 'not bads' and the 'I don't think sos'.

iNormally we might spot some extraordinary items that delight and amuse but not so much today. Neither of us could bring ourselves to look at this passion fruit dressing gown, although we were mildly enchanted by cute soft toys that come through. This owl and gingerbread man for instance 🦉.

The day’s true conversation piece, though, was an ostrich - or perhaps an emu - wall light. The species remains under investigation! Its most striking feature is the electrical cable emerging boldly from its beak, dangling for all the world to see. One assumes this is a bold artistic statement and while I admire the creative vision, it’s not a look we’ll be rushing to install at home anytime soon!

If you'd like to lend a hand, look out for future sessions. Who knows what gems you might come across!

We visit the Community Hospice once a month to support their head gardener, Jason, with gardening and general maintenance in the beautiful grounds. Today we were also joined by Denise, one of Jason’s dedicated midweek gardening volunteers.

After collecting tools from the shed, we got to work digging, planting and watering to settle five peony plants into their new home. With luck they'll bloom later in the year so we can enjoy the results of our work.

We moved on to some weeding, gently picking out the unloved plants without disturbing the soil too much.

Then we grabbed saws, loppers and secateurs to take out rampant lilac bushes and brambles in an area being prepared for future planting.

Before we knew it, our time was up. We returned the tools to the shed with the feeling of a great workout and an even better sense of achievement.

If you can spare a couple of hours on the fourth Saturday of the month, come and join us for an active session in great company. You’ll be helping to make a real difference while supporting a fantastic local charity.