Breaking out of habit with #LadyWimbledon

Having spent weeks of pining, planning and trying to find my own furry friend, yesterday we picked up our very own blue eyed, chocolate brown baby Cockapoo. After a sleepless night cuddling a confused little pup, I've realised that the newest member of our family is certainly going to have a significant impact on our lives. Already on my third cup of coffee, it is a painful morning but my boys are off the Xbox and in the garden playing with their new best friend.

It is such a good time to embrace new things that before would never seem possible. Habits are hard to break, but we have been forced out of so many that the old automated life was perhaps not the healthiest. Supermarket vans would pull up outside our home twice a week and my kids would just think food automatically appeared in the fridge, whilst plastic packaging from the supermarket would spill over the recycling bins. There are new companies springing up from the ground delivering fresh British produce from local markets to the door which I have embraced and would never go back from. My car feels like an alien spacecraft on my drive which I have no desire to navigate. Never would I have dreamt that the kids and I would prefer to walk or cycle to the shops or even Richmond Park for ice cream, but it is now part of our everyday life.

Rightly so, the most significant change which is here to stay is awareness of our own community's struggle with food poverty. Xavier Wiggins; Co-Founder of the Dons Local Action Group informed me "We are transitioning from Covid to a permanent entity." They are keen to recruit as many volunteers as possible to help cope with the growing demand. "We have quickly realised that our volunteer army needs a long term approach. Already we are busy creating a powerful and sustainable support network for our community." From a few hours at a food donation point outside a supermarket, to joining the phone, fundraising or marketing team; "We are delighted and grateful for any volunteering time given," explained Xavier. This week, I've been told that drivers are desperately needed to join their army. Three hours a week using your own vehicle to take food from the stores to the DLAG's hubs would really support their almighty mission to support locals struggling to feed their family. "From an occasional shift to many hours a week, it is all brilliant!" Declares Xavier.

Incredible really, how walking, cycling, plastic reduction and volunteering have quickly become part of our new daily lives. However, there are still gaping voids to remind us that some parts of the old world will take a long time to recover, some may vanish forever. Many shops still have their shutters down and those that are open have masked assistants waiting for masked customers to walk in. I can't pretend it’s rosy, it isn't. However, our lives are less automated and thus we have all gained more awareness about those who are struggling to make ends meet. It is now more convenient to shop in smaller independent retailers, easier to make more sustainable food choices and we choose more carefully how we spend our time.

One part of our British souls that can be shaken but not stirred is enjoying our long awaited summer time with friends in pubs, bars or restaurants. Wimbledon and Wandsworth are blessed with a large scattering of Young’s Pubs whose landlords/lady's we know as warm friendly neighbours. Only this week did they open their doors and passers-by took a table to enjoy a cold pint and warm cooked food. Instead of walking into my local, the Dog & Fox on the corner of Wimbledon Village, I downloaded the app and booked a table for 11am Monday morning. My friends soon joined me and we quickly learned an easier way to order food and drink. Sitting outside on their new sunny terrace was utter bliss. Their cappuccino and smashed avocado with poached eggs, which I always took for granted, was now an utter treat. The new app and generous outdoor comfy seating created a more relaxed atmosphere. With the sun beating down on our shoulders and waving at Bond Wimbledon on his shiny glittering bicycle, it felt like we were all on holiday. With endorphins running wild and keen to see my girlfriends - the following day I booked a table on the outside terrace of 601 Queen’s Rd overlooking Wimbledon Town. Greeted with another hot sunny day, it felt like LA. We spent hours eating, drinking cocktails, laughing and appreciating each other's faces and smiles. Like never before, work was not mentioned once. More personal stories were shared as we restrained the hugs and kisses normally adorned upon all of us. Thank goodness our much loved bars, pubs and restaurants have taken the time and energy to allow us to spend quality time with our friends safely. We need these places to stay open as much as they need us to visit. A wonderful new duty to relish.

It certainly is a month of awareness, appreciation and time to adapt to new ways of spending time together safely. Appreciate it all while it lasts, for like summer and boys off their Xbox - moments of joy are fleeting. We have all had a sharp lesson not to take anything for granted. For me, the most precious thing I need right now is more poop bags and sleep.

Wishing you some safe fun in the sun. (and rain)

@LadyWimbledon

To enquire about offering some time to the Dons Local Action Group, phone 02033014511 or email DLAGvolunteer@afcwimbledonfoundation.org.uk