December 2008 Newsletter

December: the darkest month of the year. Thank goodness for the Christmas lights!

They say if you want a job doing ask a busy person – they can always find the time. And so it has been these last three weekends. With mince pies to bake and cakes to ice, not to mention presents to buy and the tree to decorate, Friends have nonetheless found a few spare hours to plant 150kg of daffodil bulbs (that’s about 1800!) and to begin the much-needed clear-up of Jug Hill open space (opposite Lunar Close).

Writer’s block has been a problem this month, couldn’t decide what to say or how to say it (how SAD is that?). Fortunately there are so many pictures that I thought perhaps they might do the talking for me! (Don’t all cheer!) So here goes...

22 November: a fine sunny day in the Rec.


Brian and Charlie dig holes for daffodil bulbs.


The turf is so full of dandelions it is quite difficult to put back tidily on top of the bulbs but Lesley does a good job – on her knees!

I’m not saying it’s a sexist thing but should all the men be upright while Pat and Sheila join Lesley scrabbling around in the mud?!

We are all really pleased that Nick B from the Council is able to join us.

Lunchtime arrives and the work party poses for a final photo. The Rec is almost as pristine as when we arrived, thanks to Luke and Toby’s rigorous raking. 900 daffodil bulbs planted – 900 to go!

29 November: the Rec again but what a change in the weather!

Dave and his willing helpers emerge from the mist bearing sacks of bulbs for planting. Archie guards the convoy... or is he just curious?

Derek, Dave and Brian prepare the holes.

Then other Friends fill them, four or five bulbs to a hole and a covering of turf. You can hardly see where the Friends have been now they have finished, but just wait till the daffodils all come up in the spring. Should be a fine sight! Last year we planted 500 of the same type by the rose beds – white flowered “Ice Follies”. They looked lovely. This time we were delighted to be joined in our work by Penny, our Parks Officer.

6th December: Jug Hill

Could this be a band of ne’er do wells in their high vis jackets?
No! I do believe it’s those Friends again!
This time they are set on clearing as much rubbish as they can, in two hours or so before lunch on a sunny Saturday, from the area immediately behind the Black Horse bus stop. Bottles in abundance, of course, and cans, but also a great variety of other junk to be found.

Brian proudly displays the bollard he discovered lurking in the brambles. Well done for getting that out with your litter-picker, Brian”

Brenda and Sheila set off down the track in search of other hidden gems – odd shoes, plant pots, sportswear, balls and so on.

Lunchtime. 26 bags filled and a collection of artefacts to fascinate an amateur archaeologist.
Can you see the terracotta pipe so delightfully modelled by Derek, on his head?
Home time for us and a collection job for Eddie. Our thanks to him for such a prompt response.

Swimming pool car park news

The canopy of the big black poplar has been lifted and dead material removed so that the tree does not suffer damage when large building equipment is brought into the Rec to be parked (in the corner).

One of the intrepid tree surgeons in action...

Watch out below!!

The library entrance will be closed from 5th January 2009 so Clinic users will need to approach from the Cemetery entrance i.e. King George VI Avenue. The tree in the roadway by the gate has been wrapped in red and white warning tape to protect it from vehicular damage. It’s a tight turn – should be interesting!

Pavilion news ... none yet. Perhaps there may be problems with access for English Landscapes while the Library entrance is closed.

And finally some December-meeting pictures for those of you who could not make it!

Have you heard the one about.........?

Andy attempts the famous balloon on forehead trick with help from his glamorous assistant.
The mulled wine was delicious (hic) and so was the food! Our thanks must go to all the members who brought supplies of both and of course to our membership secretary, Sheila, who donned one of her other hats to become event organiser for the day. A great job! A good time was had by all – I look forward to reading the minutes!

Dates for your diary

Next meetings:

Tuesday 27th January 2009
7pm at the Spitfire Youth Centre

Tuesday 24th February
7pm at the Spitfire Youth Centre

Next Work Party

Saturday 3rd January

Meet at 10am at the bottom of the Jug Hill steps in Sunningvale Avenue as that is the area we intend to litter pick – weather willing! If it is snowy or icy we will postpone the work party. Please check before you venture out!! Phone number below.
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See you in 2009

Queries, complaints, comments or suggestions about this Newsletter to 01959 572500