Back to our friends at Southampton city farm tonight where they had an inside task for us. We were tasked with filling bags of hay to feed the goats ready for their open day this weekend and folding and stapling leaflets. We got to welcome Hannah back on a Monday night after her maternity leave, great to have you back!

Everyone dug into filling bags with hay and Chris and Helen were on crate cleaning duty to store the bags. We soon worked out that hay gets quite dusty and Wilson won the crown for most sneezes of the evening. Special mention to Ellie for most sneezes in a row. Some of us then moved onto leaflets while the rest continued with hay bagging.

After an hour of hay bagging, leaflet folding and stapling and crate cleaning and packing we were all grateful for a break for some maths where Hannah worked out we had packed 240 bags! A massive accomplishment.

On a mild evening we gathered for our first after-dark task session on the farm. We tackled a laurel of jobs—moving logs, cutting back dense laurel growth, clearing a goose enclosure by rolling up the electric fence and raking up the straw. We tore cardboard for compost and trimmed the hedge! It was a productive and satisfying evening, made even more special by welcoming a new member, Suzanne, to the team. We’re delighted she joined us and hope she had a great time getting stuck in with the GG team!

Today we started with a lovely tour around Rose Road to find out more about what they do to support disabled children and adults. It was great to hear all about the invaluable services they provide particularly as next month we have a brave team of GGers who will be taking on the Spinnaker Tower abseil to raise funds for Rose Road! After our tour it was time for some speed weeding in the Acorn respite garden. We had to decide the weeds from the plants but fortunately didn't have to make too many choices as it was mostly just weeds left and some slightly sad looking mint after a very dry summer. Not content with just weeding the team also tried to adjust the slightly saggy “sail” shades as they are hanging a bit low down following rain fall weighing them down. With many hands, minds and possible solutions it was decided it didn’t have quite enough stretch so alas it will have to sag another day!

My second GG event, and glad to be back in the fold

Met some really lovely volunteers, who were so easy to get on with, and was also supported by the indomitable host and manager Dani. Thank you everyone for a great time feeding the animals, and doing a bit of clear-up around the farm as well

Stock photo used as I didn't take any pictures then :)