With the extra helpers (half-termers) today setting up for The Open Table was done in half the time!

The next Goodgym Merton group run and session will be cleaning the kitchen for The Open Table team and other groups that use the space including the Merton Night Shelter, so join us if you can: https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/kitchen-spring-clean-tidy

Everything went well we served and cleaned and packed down on time.

After sorting the potatoes and planting some lettuce it was time for a weeding workout - clearing grass to make way for the sprouting daffs and to allow the little tree some breathing space.

We aim to support Phipps Bridge community garden once a month but the volunteering team is there every week on a Wednesday and Sunday so get in touch if this is something you would like to be involved with more regularly, or keep an eye out for the next session and sign up/join us.

After loading the bags for transportation the main challenge was moving the numerous chairs that needed to be returned to their rightful places in the church. Eventually, every last chair was back in its designated spot, leaving the hall ready for the next service.

We arrived ahead of the evening shift team to help Tony with various set up tasks. After transforming the church hall into a temporary sleeping area with fresh bedding we helped with laying the dining area, creating a welcoming safe space for the shelter guests. Back in the morning to help pack things away and load the belongings for transportation to the next location.

I went along to Wimbledon Foodbank for today’s session and helped to process vouchers, hand out parcels and pet food, and offer clients a warming cup of tea or coffee. On such a chilly day, that was certainly appreciated.