Another busy morning at the Baby Bank. Alain and Vikie helped out downstairs, packing away donations of toiletries etc, and then moving the buggies to make room for the pyjama appeal donations which are coming in thick and fast Meanwhile Sheila was upstairs doing a second check on the clothes donations, and putting some emergency referrals together. Our help was much appreciated

I rounded up the troops, called in the cavalry (Jess 😀) and plotted the route with military position so we were all set to parade through the streets posting leaflets for Homestart on the Army Estate.

The crack team of 4 took a regimented approach and blitzed the task in no time with Helen and Jen pairing up and Adam and Jess joining forces. We even avoided a 'Major' Incident with a few dogs and kept ourselves on the 'General' straight and narrow.

4 of us were walking to the task this evening so we parked in the (very dark) Butterfly Trail car park and walked through the creepy thicket to Burchetts green school to meet the others and clear leaves from the playground. We created huge piles (of leaves) and posted them over the fence, leaving the playground looking spick and span. After a very nifty fitness session we made our way home.

Welfare visit for Mrs D

Natures Haven wants to get as many plants into the ground as possible so they can establish over winter. A volunteer team from Centrica had built them some beautiful raised beds last week, so we filled these with ericaceous compost which will keep the acid-lovers happy. We then planted two blueberry bushes and a cranberry. We then planted a tayberry plant in the ground and gave it a supportive obelisk to climb up. Next summer should be fruitful!

The Craft Coop organised the poppy display on the Nicholsons Centre and needed help putting it up. Dozens of hand-knitted and crocheted poppies were tied to cargo netting and attached to a piece of metal fencing. 'Lest we forget' lettering was added, and voila, we had an eye-catching display