This afternoon we went on a walk in the sunshine through Shirley and were met with thanks from the locals as we picked up an array of trinkets: an umbrella, pink underwear, a car battery, pizza boxes and several plastic bottles, tins and vapes. @tarek received compliments from some locals. The sun kept going and we went for a nice flat white. to be continued!

This blustery morning greeted me with sunshine and the glorious company of the friends of the old Southampton cemetery. We picked up 5 bags leaves & grass and tipped them onto the compost with tremendous strength of the volunteers. I was amazed by the volunteers here who were incredibly inspirational, I will definitely be back.

Ten brilliant volunteers turned up at Aldermoor this evening ready to tackle nature head-on—and tackle they did! Finn, Laura, and Derek gave the entrance hedge a sharp new look, while Sarah, Amanda, Beck, and Ronna took on the wild willow by the pond, cutting it back and hauling the branches to the chipper like absolute pros. Meanwhile, Ellie and Anna (with a cameo from Wilson) took on the compost bay transfer— never did we think the whole bay could be done, but Ellie and co were determined and they powered through until the task was complete! Laura and Amanda also got stuck into tearing cardboard for future composting. It was fantastic to see Anna, Beck, and Ronna back for round two, and even better to wrap up with a sliver of daylight—possibly our last light-filled task of the season! Great job everyone!

Tonight we helped get the event vehicle and equipment clean and organised for summer season. Sponges at the ready we got the gazebo cleaned off and hung out to dry. We are pros now when it comes to valeting so had the van ready in no time at all and then were left with just the small task of trying to fit a car cover to it! Hopefully that will keep it a bit cleaner while it’s parked under the tree. Great job everyone and an extra big well done to Sarah who completed her 100th good deed so donned the wings to celebrate :)