Leading up to today, residents on Parkview and Cranbrook entered a bid into the new National Lottery Climate Action Fund to support deep community engagement in climate action in our small corner of London. Over 600 applications were received, and theirs is one of 40 that have been invited to submit a full proposal by 27th March.

They organised a Climate Conversation Cafe at the marvelous Glasshouse in Parkview and asked for our help in setting up the event, serving refreshments and tidying and cleaning up afterwards.

The aim of the session was to unite the local community, bolstering their proposal so that it could be one of just 15 across the UK who will be funded to make their vision of a more sustainable and resilient future a reality.

As such we were on hand in the hour leading up to the event to get everything sorted to make the event run as smoothly as possible. Isabelle and Helena straight away got to tackling the drawing and cutting out of a number of green cardboard feet, to be used later as part of the recording of actionable ideas within the community in their four topic areas.

Each area was assigned a table, with a set of chairs which we helped assemble in typically swift fashion. I also spent a bit of time putting up Catherine's beautiful homemade bunting which really brought even more life to the event.

Sarah, Anna and Sarah did a wonderful job of adorning a table at the front with all the delicious goodies that has been donated for the event, and were on hand to serve hot drinks as the residents started to pour in.

There was a magnificent turnout and some really vibrant and interesting discussion as to what they can all do in their communities. It was especially delightful to see Tower Hamlets hero Johnny attending the event and being a pivotal part of the discussions!

As the event wrapped up we swiftly helped tidy and clear up, capping off a massively successful event for the most appreciative Catherine and Lizzie.

Helena has to duck out a little early to attend her surprise birthday party (!!!) so so unfortunately missed out of the group photo - hope you had a wonderful celebration Helena!