Laid the tables so they would be ready for all the people that come through the doors. Afterwards a cup of tea was enjoyed whilst chopping courgettes ready for the ratatouille.

With extra hands to help set up the tables we were soon done and moving onto chopping the vegetables. A great first task of the day and we were on our way to the next...

There was time to mix up the location of the tables again today when setting up and we even managed to get some Christmassy bits out with table runners and red serviettes - so much excitement for a Wednesday morning I overlooked taking a photo!

Getting stuck in to cleaning and putting away the tables was a great lunchtime workout. Henry was also there so we vacuumed around the stragglers who didn't seem to want to leave and also did a bit of drying up. It was great to meet the Minister, Paul and hopefully there will be some other tasks for Goodgym to support with in the spring including the community garden.

Another early morning set up at The Open Table and a brisk one it was. Having been here before after a few reminders we soon had everything set up and even gave the layout a little spruce up by moving the tables around 8)!

Next week we have been invited back to clean up after the lunchtime session and help put everything away as it's the last lunch before Christmas. Sign up to get involved: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/help-clean-up-after-the-open-table

Despite the early morning temperatures dropping below freezing we soon warmed up on meeting Jon and the other volunteers (Rebecca, Ann's and Nicola) who were busy simmering up today's lunch.

After a brief introduction we got stuck into setting up the tables/chairs and laying out the cutlery/glasses and other items ready for the lunchtime arrivals. There was time to spare to help with sorting the tomatoes and grab a cuppa before heading back out into the chilly day.

The Open Table at Martin Way Methodist Church is open to all and has become an important space in the local community. The volunteer team need regular help with the set up and cleaning up before and after the lunchtime service so keep an eye out for more sessions soon.