We have had a great turnout during the last quarter with very few damp days and our numbers averaging around 20.
Forging new paths
In addition to the usual weeding, pruning, tidying and litter picking, we were called upon to help the CBC Parks Department lay a couple of new paths. The first is a continuation of the new stone path that runs from the Community Bridge towards Aggs field. The volunteers helped to scrape down to the topsoil, lay turf and then set and peg a grid on top. It is coming on well, with the grass beneath already growing up through the grid, and will serve as a less muddy entrance to the playing field.
The second path was on the flood defence bund behind the Leisure Centre. We did this working with volunteers from Park Run together with the Parks Department Team and the Flood Defence team. Instead of turf this time, we barrowed up a layer of topsoil, followed by the grid, seeding and watering. It was an interesting learning experience and an enjoyable collaboration with other groups.
Green Flag and Heritage Inspection
The big event for this quarter was the Green Flag and Heritage Inspection which took place on 13 May. Knowing it was coming, everyone worked really hard to get the park looking great and Ubico did a fantastic job of having everywhere spick and span. The day was a bit showery and at one point we had to dive for cover into our shed; thank goodness I had done a major tidy up in there the day before!
The sensory beds and the rockeries were looking very colourful for their visit and the amazing trees in the park were at their most beautiful.
The missing section on the bandstand was repaired the day before the judging, and the trolley was fished out of the residuum by Albert Road Gates. There is nothing like an inspection to make things happen.
We await their report with interest (and crossed fingers!)
Albert Road Gates
At the Albert Road Gates, we had a fun session cementing in Cotswold stone edging to the beds, so they are all ready for the planting. The plants were supposed to arrive for planting on our second session in May but sadly this has been postponed by the Parks Department. Fingers crossed it will happen sometime in June – which of course will mean a lot of watering will need to be done.
Fallen Tree to Future Bench
On 15 May, the poor old pencil cedar (really a juniper) which came down near the Pump Room was chopped up ready for removal. Chris Chevasse (Senior Trees Officer) wrote:
‘I hope to make a bench out of the trunk – it should be fragrant and have a lovely grain. However, the main bench-carver’s wife is soon to have a baby (if not already!) so there may be a short delay before the trunk turns into a bench!’
The wood is the most amazing pink inside and, as Chris says, is very fragrant.
Farewell to Chris and Jill
Dear Chris Archibald, former GSV Coordinator, and his wife Jill confirmed their moving date for the end of May. The volunteers and the Parks Department came together at Central Cross Café for our farewells. They will be sorely missed and Chris has been so helpful to me during the steep learning curve of stepping into some rather big shoes!
If you would like to join our merry throng of volunteers, we meet for two hours on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 9.15am by the aviaries above the playground, by our shed. Just come along or for further information, email Barbara on volunteer@friendsofpittville.org.uk.
Author: Barbara Leigh