Back again so soon?

 

A mere seven days since the last session, 18 hardy volunteers returned to the Common this morning, at 9.00 am no less, in part to avoid the worst of the anticipated heat, but also to enable the viewing figures for the women’s World Cup Final to be boosted even more. The Met Office had not been wrong in their predictions (about the weather that is – I don’t know what they had thought the footy result would be), so on that basis alone the early start was well merited.

Those of us who like to turn up at these events at the appointed hour often find that others have arrived on site considerably earlier. My first intimation of this today was the sight of Noel’s splendid bicycle, before I found any actual people.

Then I spotted Team Leader Julie, single-handedly raking up the material from the “pre-cut” done a few days earlier (so that those of use who come later, or on time as we like to call it, have something to be getting on with).

Next to hove into view was Grillo the mower, operated by John, wearing a camouflaged hat, which is why I hadn’t seen him sooner – lucky not to be mown down!

As more people arrived, heaps of vegetation began to build. Being so light and hay-like, it was relatively easy to work with, which was a relief in view of the growing warmth. Speaking of hay, it did rather put your usual correspondent in mind of ahem, a Haywain…

By pitchfork or by hand, those heaps kept growing…

… and growing 

At the start of each session we count the tools out, and at the end we count them back in – at which point today we couldn’t account for one of the rakes. An extensive search was made, and here is a distant shot of Team Leader Kevin proudly brandishing the missing implement…

It had clearly moved from where it had last been left; a striking example of the rake’s progress (boom boom!)

Not only did the heaps on the drag sheets grow, but so too of course did the heap at the dumping site – where wise folk work; it’s cooler there.

Team Leader Julie is renowned as a builder of ‘dead hedges’, but her talents also extend to carefully crafted heaps, each strand of which she had moved there by hand. Not surprisingly, she looked pretty hot and tired by the time it had got this big.

Of course, the more efficient way is to drag a laden sheet to the dump site. “You pull that way, and I’ll go this way.”

Where it is tipped out. Turning it over can be hard going…

But there’s somehow still time for enjoyment (usually if someone gets half-buried).

It doesn’t always work smoothly of course

But despite the struggles, it can go tolerably well

By half-time we had completed clearing all that had been cut on the northern side of the boardwalk,

so it was time for refreshments.

Then it was off to the other side of the boardwalk, where Grillo had been busy cutting more material for our attention.

Eventually it was time to pack up, and for those who wanted to, rush back home to see how England’s Lionesses were doing. Sadly, they couldn’t quite get over the line, but as usual, Southrepps’ own Lionesses (and Lions) had been on top form again today.

Here is Team Leader Margaret’s message of thanks.

Thank you to the 18 volunteers who joined us on a very hot and humid morning. Thank goodness we started early! You are all never failing in your enthusiasm and work ethic. The whole area is looking good. I didn't realise just how hot and tired I was until I collapsed in front of the football. Well done Lionesses; just to make the final is a wonderful achievement.

Hopefully we will see you all again in two weeks to carry on where we left off. Have a restful afternoon.

Margaret for the team leaders.