Last night we braved the chilly weather for a speedy task at Masbro Centre, where we received a lovely warm welcome from Camille — very much appreciated given how cold it was out there! 🥶✨ It was also great to have Mariella join us for her first session in the area — welcome to the neighbourhood! 👋

Our main mission was to sweep the leaves from the car park, and we wasted no time getting stuck in. Armed with brooms and determination 🧹💪, we worked fast to keep warm and managed to fill three whole bags of leaves in just 25 minutes — not bad at all! 🍂🍂🍂

Cold but productive, this was a brilliant quick-win task and a great start for Mariella in the area. Big thanks to everyone involved, and to Masbro Centre for having us — until next time! 🌟

What an afternoon! 😄 Today’s pack-down session at St Matthew’s Church Foodbank was the perfect mix of teamwork, community spirit, and just a little heavy lifting… okay, maybe a lot! 💪📦

As soon as I arrived, I was introduced to Sian, who runs the Friday session with warmth and total pro-level organisation. She walked me through how the foodbank works—from the friendly welcome guests receive, to the 1-2-1 conversations offered for all Foodbank visitors to offer them extra support. ❤️

Then came the tour of the good stuff 👀🍞—fresh produce and baked delights generously donated by Gail’s, Bread Ahead, and loads of other brilliant local food spots. Honestly, it took all of my willpower not to “accidentally” drop a croissant.

I was joined by Thomas, who arrived straight after teaching at a nearby school (what a hero). Together, we were swiftly put to work—no easing in, no warm-up, just full send! 😆

🧹 The Pack-Down Mission

First task: clearing the tables! We boxed up leftover food, folded down tables like event pros, and set out chairs ready for the church service. It was a flurry of movement and mild confusion—exactly what you’d expect from two enthusiastic volunteers trying to look like they know what they’re doing.

Then came Diana, our stacking guru and patience-of-a-saint supervisor. She showed us how to pack food and personal care products into the smallest cupboard known to humanity. This was not stacking. This was Tetris on expert mode. 🎮

Me and Tom? Let’s just say… we tried. 😅 Around 50 boxes later, back muscles screaming and pride slightly wounded, we finally understood: this is an art form. Big respect to the weekly volunteers who do this like it’s nothing!

💛 Final Thoughts

Despite the sore arms and questionable stacking skills, it was an absolutely lovely afternoon. This foodbank has such a warm, buzzing community—everyone helping everyone, all powered by generosity and genuine care.

Thank you for having us! 🙌 Can’t wait to come back… and maybe improve my cupboard-stacking score. 😄