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!

Always a lovely evening volunteering at the annual Rose Road Association Christmas Carols Service in Winchester. Started on parking duty outside in my hi-vis and then serving mince pies and mulled wine after the service. What a beautiful evening in a fantastic setting.

After a festive visit to Fordingbridge Recreation Ground parkrun and a very cold dip it was time to head to AFC Totton to support Rose Road fundraising. There were lots of steps doing laps of the football pitch with the charity bucket. Everyone was digging deep and in good spirits when Totton won the match! We look forward to hearing the total raised soon.

We started out directing in the car park, then marshalled for a while before trying out a new task of barcode scanning. Turns out it's really easy and a great way to chat to lots of people

Up early on a misty Saturday to help out at Southampton parkrun, scanning barcodes. Was very atmospheric seeing the runners appear through the mist. Met a few familiar and new faces along the way.

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.