I went from one community mission to another as it began to rain. So by the time I ran a half mile to join up with Handsworth Helping Hands, I was already wet and ready to work on clearing this alleyway in the downpour. I had been meaning to join in with one of their clear up tasks as they do so much for people in my local area.

Their volunteers had already been working for an hour and had cleared lots of topsoil, weeds and rubbish from the alley for the resident of one of the adjoining houses. At the point I arrived, tea and shelter was being offered but Simon was persevering with the dumped rubbish at the very back, so I supported him by taking large items out to their van to go to the tip, including the very deceased remains of a Garden Gnome. I then helped to clear some more weeds and topsoil from the paths.

It felt like too soon that I had to go and get my children from the babysitter. As I said my goodbyes, Simon asked whether I had come along to reduce the average age, which he said was still probably over 80! He also asked for my surname, which the homeowners’ daughter recognised as she was a neighbour of mine from many years ago. What a chance and lovely encounter!