It was lovely to return to St Philip's Church in Chaddesden. They have been really busy since our last session there, and it was great to see that the area that Ashley and I had weeded has now been covered in gravel to keep the weeds down.

The First Half (Outside) Today's original task was to continue with the gardening work, and weed a flower bed parallel to the pedestrian pathway into the church. I managed to get about halfway down this, despite a bitterly cold wind, when I was invited in for a warming cup of tea.

The Second Half (Inside) Whilst chatting over tea, the church representatives decided that there was a more pressing need than the gardening, and they were happy for me to leaf the bed half-weeded, and to help with an indoor task instead. Their electrical equipment is due for PAT testing on Tuesday, so I helped gather up toasters, kettles, extension leads and fairy lights from various parts of the building and stack them on some tables for ready access when the electrician arrives. I also fitted in a quick whizz of the hoover around a newly decorated room, ready for the floor to be skimmed prior to the arrival of a new carpet.

Everyone at the church was really appreciative of me helping out, and we're all looking forward to the opening event of the community cafe. There may be some last-minute help needed in preparation for this - watch this space for opportunities!