Harvey, Lena, and Iram braved the cold and rain to help the Hanwell Carnival team set up for their Winter Market and Grotto. With the aim of raising funds for next year’s carnival, there was plenty to prepare before the afternoon crowds arrived.

We got to work battening down the marquee hatches and securing the outdoor tent so the choir and visitors would have shelter if the weather didn't clear up. We shifted tables and benches to create space for craft stalls, a sheltered outdoor bar and a kids’ corner. A particularly spiky Spanish dagger (yucca) plant added unexpected jeopardy when it stabbed a volunteer’s finger, prompting a rapid table-based barricade to keep little hands safely away.

Find spots to hang the lights was a festive puzzle, but we managed to find various ways of securing lights onto the conservatory area.

There was even a guest appearance from Santa Claws (of the feline variety), who supervised proceedings from the warmth of inside the pub.