IT'S MONDAY, SO IT MUST BE...

...Community Fridge at Gorse Hill Baptist Church or GHBC - we were very busy this morning and of course, being half term, lots of mothers came in with their children, including one of the ladies I have been helping at the English Classes, so as well as being able to take their five items of food, there were books and toys for the children and for some of them, time to practice their English skills.

Of course, I never take photographs of those who visit the Community Fridge, but three of our volunteers had their backs to me and were happy for them to be included in this shot.   D in the middle bottom part of my collage, does sterling work and is very helpful to have around when there is any heavy lifting to be done and is always willing to help.  However, there probably won’t be quite so much lifting to be done in future, as we now have some new display units that can be filled with fruit and vegetables and wheeled into position - see bottom right in my collage.  H & H were doing some sorting and chatting about the fruit and veg and we all agreed that these units would make things so much easier.

H is very “community-minded” and in fact, will be driving a lorry over to Turkey, possibly this week, and we wish him well.  He is also another very willing member of our team of volunteers, many of whom “go the extra mile” in helping others.  

Above them in the collage is the room where the Bags of Hope are filled and sent out from regularly - and we know that all those who receive one of these bags are very grateful.  

I spent sometime chatting out in the café area today - and it is amazing how much people open up over a cup of coffee and a cake!  We often have newspapers on the tables, and I was pleased to be able to help someone today with the crossword - I’m not usually that good, but managed to help him with three clues - so was “on a roll” as another person said.  There are several who come in, not to get any of the food on offer, but just to support the café, which is so kind of them, and they also chat to those who come in.  

Someone was there this morning from Gamblers Anonymous and there were leaflets for people to take if they needed to, either for themselves or for someone they might know who is addicted to gambling.  It’s easy, if you are not that way inclined, to be judgmental about those who gamble, but we don’t know what drives people to gamble or how we would cope if we had to survive in their situation.  

Gorse Hill is a great community made up of many different nationalities with varying needs, and it is great to be a part, not only of Gorse Hill Baptist Church, but also of a team of volunteers in this community, who are working for the common good of those who visit the Community Fridge and distribute the Bags of Hope regularly.

“Team spirit is knowing and living 
     the belief that what a group of people 
          can accomplish together is much larger, 
               far greater, and will exceed that which
                    an individual can accomplish alone.” 
Diane Arias