Regular readers of this blog (should any exist) might recall that your usual correspondent was last time deficient in the working knee department to the tune of one. Sad to say that deficiency remains, and the resources of the NHS are being mobilised to explore the reason. Therefore, a doctor’s note was again required, and so once again Team Leader Julie has stepped into the blogging breach and supplied the following words and pictures; no mean feat considering how busy she was cracking the whip over the remaining volunteers.
“We were flying without Team Leader Margaret today. A good
start was made by Julie attempting to gain access to the container with her
shed key (must put that on a different coloured key ring!). Anyway, Kevin had
brought the correct key so we were able to load the trolley and wheelbarrows.
As we were running two sites today we had to drop equipment at the Bradfield
Road spur first and then move on to the central area.
We feared people had heard of Margaret’s absence and opted to steer clear…but soon our trusty volunteers began to arrive. Kevin was very pleased to see Noel arrive to man the winch and soon had him striding over to take up his post…
The central area was soon up and running…
Next, a group of volunteers went over to the Bradfield Road Spur to clear the cut reed and grass which will allow the snowdrops to thrive later on.
We were also cutting back scrub next to the boardwalk and there appeared to be some discussion about what was going to be done initially…or are they saying ‘you must be joking’?
It wasn’t long before we were joined by the group from the central area who cleared the remaining area there in super quick time!
It was a glorious morning - look at this beautiful blue sky.
Luckily the central team remembered to bring the refreshments with them too. Our tea/coffee break is always welcome - and we were treated to choccie biscuits today!
After our break we continued clearing the Bradfield Road area - apart from Noel who persuaded one of our newer volunteers to go hunting for ‘Santa's grotto’ with him…
This was an area we uncovered a while ago on a winter work party - and in our pre-Christmas excitement all agreed would make a great Santa’s Grotto …. Having looked out the old photo it looks a little underwhelming now ….
…. I think you had to be there! More worryingly it was December 2021 Noel…which may explain why you couldn’t find it!! Where does the time go? Frightening!
Anyway, 12.00 arrived and we called a halt to proceedings and loaded the equipment on the trolley.
Well, apart from Andrew who was not to be defeated by a single bit of uncut grass or nettle…
True dedication to the task..
It is thanks to our wonderful team of dedicated volunteers that the Bradfield Road spur is now clear and ready to welcome the snowdrops
The boardwalk edges in that area are clear..
…and the central area clear of reed..
Well done to all of our volunteers - and a big pat on the back to the 13 hard working souls who enjoyed the sunshine as they worked today.”
Here is Team Leader Kevin’s message of thanks:
On a glorious autumn morning with the sun shining, 13
volunteers turned out to clear the last of area G and the Bradfield Road spur.
The working party was initially split into three groups with a couple of
volunteers going off to cut back branches protruding onto the boardwalk. Area G
was cleared and the volunteers moved to join the others on Bradfield Road which
had been cut earlier in the week by new Grillo operator Michelle, and Kevin.
The cleared site now awaits the first signs of spring which are the snowdrops
showing themselves.
Thank you for your efforts. I’m sure it will look lovely
in spring.
Kevin on behalf of the Team Leaders
Meanwhile, the clocks have gone back, the trees are becoming colourful and dropping their leaves – mainly in my garden it seems - and this is also the time for fungus fruiting bodies to emerge. This impressive lot was adorning a cut tree stump on Clipped Hedge Lane. OK, it wasn’t on the Common, but then nor was I.