GST Voles Day at Maulden Roundhouse Field 27/2/2018 TL0638 & specifically TL069384

Hi All,

Thanks to those who came down to Maulden Heath for the task today - it was certainly a cool one!

Despite the cold we achieved everything that I had hoped to and were able to beat an early retreat once the snow started.

Next week’s task is at Ampthill Park; meet in the West Car Park at 10am.

Thanks,

Tim

Tim Spencer

Countryside Ranger

The Greensand Trust

Hail Tim & Fellow Voles & Supporters

On Tuesday and in light of the weather prognosis I decided to risk yet another "late on parade" reprimand by starting at Maulden Church and enjoy a amble to the Roundhouse field where I found a merry band of Voles cutting Blackthorn regrowth on the path at the NE corner. In the distance I could hear mechanical noise and see wisps of smoke from a nascent bonfire. The Voles had already fully loaded a tarp ready to drag to the fire but I could get no willing helpers to assist me in that job so I sulked off to the other activities and helped Big Jim tidy away from the fence line a big pile of rotting pine trunks so that there was access for the Land Rover fencing team. There were also several newly felled conifers to dismember and clear away to the fire. Away round the rim of the field there were more felled trees of Oak and a Cherry and all through the day through blizzard and sunshine Voles staggered back and fro to the central fire and Jane's small team of stokers.

Obviously it was not just hard graft all day and in addition to the welcome jam and custard donuts we had the delightful jam scones lovingly prepared by Helen's Brownies to fend off the arctic conditions. with our first T Up call.

It was good to have with us our old mate Maryla for the morning and it was good to catch up.

Lunch break arrived just as the sky darkened and the the world resumed blizzard conditions from the gloom and snowflakes appeared an almost hysterical Erika (and Carolyn?) who was having the most fun ever almost cavorting around the bonfire and through snow flakes like something from "The Scottish Play". For some reason E wanted photographic evidence of the Voles madness and I hope we shall see our happy band on a screen near you very soon.

Just as quickly as the blizzard came the sky changed to a bright azure blue decorated with puffy nimbus but having almost finished most of the tasks set for the day orders were given to retreat and so I staggered my way back to Maulden Church past frozen ponds and paths feeling happy but properly exercised by saw, lopper and tarp, hopefully not painfully so.

See you next week and hopefully you will enjoy some of my snaps as usual at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/26651616618/in/datetaken/ and left clicks from there.

JP

Another interesting day and one where our extroverts have a chance to don rubber and splash about while the sensible dry-landers slashed and burned. As we had not been given any specific directions on this task poor old SS Ranger Squire scratched his head for a bit and left the pond larkers to retrieve a virtually new and still rideable bike (Jim rode after putting the chain back on!) and a mighty pile of pond weed while the landlubbers attacked a Blackthorn hedge and nearby shrubby undergrowth and piled the results for burning on a nice roaring bonfire that later provided at least one of our sub-aqua team a glowing heat to revive them after their efforts. The water was unusually deep this year and "Tiny" Willis had a job keeping himself above water at times. There was the usual litter pick but only 2 big bags this year, all the usual druggy paraphernalia and bottles. In the virtual absence of anything wilder than"Tiny" Willis :), even I did a bit removing a few twigs of willow from the reed-mace at the pond edge. These few twigs had rooted themselves and grown to a good height and if left until next year would have been bloody great trees!

Luckily and as usual we had excellent refreshments (Coffee cream sponge (Maryla), masses of molasses buns (Malcolm) for first brew) followed at lunch with a chilli hotdog hotpot followed by an amazing apple crumble and custard from that talented duo John & Audrey.

The weather was mostly kind and the fire kept the ambient temperature at a nice level and I am now running out of silly ideas and lists of food consumed. Oh thank you to Roz for the pears and last week for Sue's beetroot. What surprises will turn up next week? Unfortunately I will not be there to find out but have a great day anyway. Cheers JP

GST Voles Day at Maulden Roundhouse Field 27/2/2018 TL0638 & specifically TL069384

Hi All,

Thanks to those who came down to Maulden Heath for the task today - it was certainly a cool one!

Despite the cold we achieved everything that I had hoped to and were able to beat an early retreat once the snow started.

Next week’s task is at Ampthill Park; meet in the West Car Park at 10am.

Thanks,

Tim

Tim Spencer

Countryside Ranger

The Greensand Trust

Hail Tim & Fellow Voles & Supporters

On Tuesday and in light of the weather prognosis I decided to risk yet another "late on parade" reprimand by starting at Maulden Church and enjoy a amble to the Roundhouse field where I found a merry band of Voles cutting Blackthorn regrowth on the path at the NE corner. In the distance I could hear mechanical noise and see wisps of smoke from a nascent bonfire. The Voles had already fully loaded a tarp ready to drag to the fire but I could get no willing helpers to assist me in that job so I sulked off to the other activities and helped Big Jim tidy away from the fence line a big pile of rotting pine trunks so that there was access for the Land Rover fencing team. There were also several newly felled conifers to dismember and clear away to the fire. Away round the rim of the field there were more felled trees of Oak and a Cherry and all through the day through blizzard and sunshine Voles staggered back and fro to the central fire and Jane's small team of stokers.

Obviously it was not just hard graft all day and in addition to the welcome jam and custard donuts we had the delightful jam scones lovingly prepared by Helen's Brownies to fend off the arctic conditions. with our first T Up call.

It was good to have with us our old mate Maryla for the morning and it was good to catch up.

Lunch break arrived just as the sky darkened and the the world resumed blizzard conditions from the gloom and snowflakes appeared an almost hysterical Erika (and Carolyn?) who was having the most fun ever almost cavorting around the bonfire and through snow flakes like something from "The Scottish Play". For some reason E wanted photographic evidence of the Voles madness and I hope we shall see our happy band on a screen near you very soon.

Just as quickly as the blizzard came the sky changed to a bright azure blue decorated with puffy nimbus but having almost finished most of the tasks set for the day orders were given to retreat and so I staggered my way back to Maulden Church past frozen ponds and paths feeling happy but properly exercised by saw, lopper and tarp, hopefully not painfully so.

See you next week and hopefully you will enjoy some of my snaps as usual at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/26651616618/in/datetaken/ and left clicks from there.

JP

Another interesting day and one where our extroverts have a chance to don rubber and splash about while the sensible dry-landers slashed and burned. As we had not been given any specific directions on this task poor old SS Ranger Squire scratched his head for a bit and left the pond larkers to retrieve a virtually new and still rideable bike (Jim rode after putting the chain back on!) and a mighty pile of pond weed while the landlubbers attacked a Blackthorn hedge and nearby shrubby undergrowth and piled the results for burning on a nice roaring bonfire that later provided at least one of our sub-aqua team a glowing heat to revive them after their efforts. The water was unusually deep this year and "Tiny" Willis had a job keeping himself above water at times. There was the usual litter pick but only 2 big bags this year, all the usual druggy paraphernalia and bottles. In the virtual absence of anything wilder that "Tiny" Willis :), even I did a bit removing a few twigs of willow from the reed-mace at the pond edge. These few twigs had rooted themselves and grown to a good height and if left until next year would have been bloody great trees!

Luckily and as usual we had excellent refreshments (Coffee cream sponge (Maryla), masses of molasses buns (Malcolm) for first brew) followed at lunch with a chilli hotdog hotpot followed by an amazing apple crumble and custard from that talented duo John & Audrey.

The weather was mostly kind and the fire kept the ambient temperature at a nice level and I am now running out of silly ideas and lists of food consumed. Oh thank you to Roz for the pears and last week for Sue's beetroot. What surprises will turn up next week? Unfortunately I will not be there to find out but have a great day anyway. Cheers JP

GST Voles day at Flitton Moor 20/12/2016

Hi Folks & Tim

What a fine end to GSTVoles 2016. A beautiful sunny still day with lots of exciting tasks like nettle digging, brash dragging etc. At least some of us enjoyed doing their favourite thing burning, burning, burning & more burning. There was a bit of furniture removal & re siting and probably other tasks I failed to hear about as a result of yet another late arrival. Later in the day we had the opportunity of seeing Community Tree Trust volunteers in action gathering seed for the Kew Millenium Seedbank.

My favourite bit, not counting my burger and Christmas cake at lunchtime, was playing poo sticks with Maureen's 2.5 year old grand child on the bridge over the Flit. Thank us go to Liz Millbank for providing some delicate but tasty biscuits for tea, an amazing iced Christmas cake from Jackie & Malcolm, another to Malcolm for his mystery santa delivery for all the Voles far to kind but truly starting us all in the Christmas Spirit (some of the Voles were heard to say that this was so kind as it had saved them from getting their spouse a gift and furthermore they were already wrapped), to Jim, Tim & Sue for organising the BBQ between them and everybody else just for being there.

It was good to have Maryla with us after so long and several honoured GST hob nobs like Jon Baalam, Sarah P, Ray of sunshine Raven, John & Deano to share our seasonal outburst. We should not forget our sweet and gentle Sedgers and his band of local henchmen who all seemed to fit in well, particularly in the scrum for Malcolm's cake.

So ends 2016, particularly sad after the loss of our stalwart TWF John Buxton last week, I am sure his spirit will live in every wild space and watery pool along the Greensand Ridge but as he would have told you go and get on with things, keep slashing & burning but don't forget the teabags.

Have a great Christmas fellow Voles everywhere and the same goes for management, past as well as present. I am looking forward to 2017 already.

Oh & snaps at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/

The Venerable pitzy

GST Voles Day at Maulden Roundhouse Field 27/2/2018 TL0638 & specifically TL069384

Hi All,

Thanks to those who came down to Maulden Heath for the task today - it was certainly a cool one!

Despite the cold we achieved everything that I had hoped to and were able to beat an early retreat once the snow started.

Next week’s task is at Ampthill Park; meet in the West Car Park at 10am.

Thanks,

Tim

Tim Spencer

Countryside Ranger

The Greensand Trust

Hail Tim & Fellow Voles & Supporters

On Tuesday and in light of the weather prognosis I decided to risk yet another "late on parade" reprimand by starting at Maulden Church and enjoy a amble to the Roundhouse field where I found a merry band of Voles cutting Blackthorn regrowth on the path at the NE corner. In the distance I could hear mechanical noise and see wisps of smoke from a nascent bonfire. The Voles had already fully loaded a tarp ready to drag to the fire but I could get no willing helpers to assist me in that job so I sulked off to the other activities and helped Big Jim tidy away from the fence line a big pile of rotting pine trunks so that there was access for the Land Rover fencing team. There were also several newly felled conifers to dismember and clear away to the fire. Away round the rim of the field there were more felled trees of Oak and a Cherry and all through the day through blizzard and sunshine Voles staggered back and fro to the central fire and Jane's small team of stokers.

Obviously it was not just hard graft all day and in addition to the welcome jam and custard donuts we had the delightful jam scones lovingly prepared by Helen's Brownies to fend off the arctic conditions. with our first T Up call.

It was good to have with us our old mate Maryla for the morning and it was good to catch up.

Lunch break arrived just as the sky darkened and the the world resumed blizzard conditions from the gloom and snowflakes appeared an almost hysterical Erika (and Carolyn?) who was having the most fun ever almost cavorting around the bonfire and through snow flakes like something from "The Scottish Play". For some reason E wanted photographic evidence of the Voles madness and I hope we shall see our happy band on a screen near you very soon.

Just as quickly as the blizzard came the sky changed to a bright azure blue decorated with puffy nimbus but having almost finished most of the tasks set for the day orders were given to retreat and so I staggered my way back to Maulden Church past frozen ponds and paths feeling happy but properly exercised by saw, lopper and tarp, hopefully not painfully so.

See you next week and hopefully you will enjoy some of my snaps as usual at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/26651616618/in/datetaken/ and left clicks from there.

JP

Najbardziej oczekiwany film XV wieku już niedługo w naszych kinach! Gdyby premiera odbyła się 18 dni wcześniej najprawdopodobniej bitwa pod Grunwaldem odbyłaby się z 2godzinnym opóźnieniem! "Ten film jest bardziej dramatyczny niż kozaczki Anny Muchy" - Fakt, "Gdybym wiedział, że Maryla Rodowicz wydała tyle płyt, już dawno uciekłbym do Gwatemali" - Super Express, "Najbardziej szokująca rola Kaca od czasów "Palp fikcji" - Fakty i Mity. Musicie to obejrzeć! (gościnnie na amatorskim_gangu Agata i Marta)

Another interesting day and one where our extroverts have a chance to don rubber and splash about while the sensible dry-landers slashed and burned. As we had not been given any specific directions on this task poor old SS Ranger Squire scratched his head for a bit and left the pond larkers to retrieve a virtually new and still rideable bike (Jim rode after putting the chain back on!) and a mighty pile of pond weed while the landlubbers attacked a Blackthorn hedge and nearby shrubby undergrowth and piled the results for burning on a nice roaring bonfire that later provided at least one of our sub-aqua team a glowing heat to revive them after their efforts. The water was unusually deep this year and "Tiny" Willis had a job keeping himself above water at times. There was the usual litter pick but only 2 big bags this year, all the usual druggy paraphernalia and bottles. In the virtual absence of anything wilder that "Tiny" Willis :), even I did a bit removing a few twigs of willow from the reed-mace at the pond edge. These few twigs had rooted themselves and grown to a good height and if left until next year would have been bloody great trees!

Luckily and as usual we had excellent refreshments (Coffee cream sponge (Maryla), masses of molasses buns (Malcolm) for first brew) followed at lunch with a chilli hotdog hotpot followed by an amazing apple crumble and custard from that talented duo John & Audrey.

The weather was mostly kind and the fire kept the ambient temperature at a nice level and I am now running out of silly ideas and lists of food consumed. Oh thank you to Roz for the pears and last week for Sue's beetroot. What surprises will turn up next week? Unfortunately I will not be there to find out but have a great day anyway. Cheers JP

GST Voles Day at Maulden Roundhouse Field 27/2/2018 TL0638 & specifically TL069384

Hi All,

Thanks to those who came down to Maulden Heath for the task today - it was certainly a cool one!

Despite the cold we achieved everything that I had hoped to and were able to beat an early retreat once the snow started.

Next week’s task is at Ampthill Park; meet in the West Car Park at 10am.

Thanks,

Tim

Tim Spencer

Countryside Ranger

The Greensand Trust

Hail Tim & Fellow Voles & Supporters

On Tuesday and in light of the weather prognosis I decided to risk yet another "late on parade" reprimand by starting at Maulden Church and enjoy a amble to the Roundhouse field where I found a merry band of Voles cutting Blackthorn regrowth on the path at the NE corner. In the distance I could hear mechanical noise and see wisps of smoke from a nascent bonfire. The Voles had already fully loaded a tarp ready to drag to the fire but I could get no willing helpers to assist me in that job so I sulked off to the other activities and helped Big Jim tidy away from the fence line a big pile of rotting pine trunks so that there was access for the Land Rover fencing team. There were also several newly felled conifers to dismember and clear away to the fire. Away round the rim of the field there were more felled trees of Oak and a Cherry and all through the day through blizzard and sunshine Voles staggered back and fro to the central fire and Jane's small team of stokers.

Obviously it was not just hard graft all day and in addition to the welcome jam and custard donuts we had the delightful jam scones lovingly prepared by Helen's Brownies to fend off the arctic conditions. with our first T Up call.

It was good to have with us our old mate Maryla for the morning and it was good to catch up.

Lunch break arrived just as the sky darkened and the the world resumed blizzard conditions from the gloom and snowflakes appeared an almost hysterical Erika (and Carolyn?) who was having the most fun ever almost cavorting around the bonfire and through snow flakes like something from "The Scottish Play". For some reason E wanted photographic evidence of the Voles madness and I hope we shall see our happy band on a screen near you very soon.

Just as quickly as the blizzard came the sky changed to a bright azure blue decorated with puffy nimbus but having almost finished most of the tasks set for the day orders were given to retreat and so I staggered my way back to Maulden Church past frozen ponds and paths feeling happy but properly exercised by saw, lopper and tarp, hopefully not painfully so.

See you next week and hopefully you will enjoy some of my snaps as usual at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/26651616618/in/datetaken/ and left clicks from there.

JP

GST Voles Day at Maulden Roundhouse Field 27/2/2018 TL0638 & specifically TL069384

Hi All,

Thanks to those who came down to Maulden Heath for the task today - it was certainly a cool one!

Despite the cold we achieved everything that I had hoped to and were able to beat an early retreat once the snow started.

Next week’s task is at Ampthill Park; meet in the West Car Park at 10am.

Thanks,

Tim

Tim Spencer

Countryside Ranger

The Greensand Trust

Hail Tim & Fellow Voles & Supporters

On Tuesday and in light of the weather prognosis I decided to risk yet another "late on parade" reprimand by starting at Maulden Church and enjoy a amble to the Roundhouse field where I found a merry band of Voles cutting Blackthorn regrowth on the path at the NE corner. In the distance I could hear mechanical noise and see wisps of smoke from a nascent bonfire. The Voles had already fully loaded a tarp ready to drag to the fire but I could get no willing helpers to assist me in that job so I sulked off to the other activities and helped Big Jim tidy away from the fence line a big pile of rotting pine trunks so that there was access for the Land Rover fencing team. There were also several newly felled conifers to dismember and clear away to the fire. Away round the rim of the field there were more felled trees of Oak and a Cherry and all through the day through blizzard and sunshine Voles staggered back and fro to the central fire and Jane's small team of stokers.

Obviously it was not just hard graft all day and in addition to the welcome jam and custard donuts we had the delightful jam scones lovingly prepared by Helen's Brownies to fend off the arctic conditions. with our first T Up call.

It was good to have with us our old mate Maryla for the morning and it was good to catch up.

Lunch break arrived just as the sky darkened and the the world resumed blizzard conditions from the gloom and snowflakes appeared an almost hysterical Erika (and Carolyn?) who was having the most fun ever almost cavorting around the bonfire and through snow flakes like something from "The Scottish Play". For some reason E wanted photographic evidence of the Voles madness and I hope we shall see our happy band on a screen near you very soon.

Just as quickly as the blizzard came the sky changed to a bright azure blue decorated with puffy nimbus but having almost finished most of the tasks set for the day orders were given to retreat and so I staggered my way back to Maulden Church past frozen ponds and paths feeling happy but properly exercised by saw, lopper and tarp, hopefully not painfully so.

See you next week and hopefully you will enjoy some of my snaps as usual at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/26651616618/in/datetaken/ and left clicks from there.

JP

Phalaenopsis white..

best On Black

..dedicated to.. Maryla

GST Voles day at Flitton Moor 20/12/2016

Hi Folks & Tim

What a fine end to GSTVoles 2016. A beautiful sunny still day with lots of exciting tasks like nettle digging, brash dragging etc. At least some of us enjoyed doing their favourite thing burning, burning, burning & more burning. There was a bit of furniture removal & re siting and probably other tasks I failed to hear about as a result of yet another late arrival. Later in the day we had the opportunity of seeing Community Tree Trust volunteers in action gathering seed for the Kew Millenium Seedbank.

My favourite bit, not counting my burger and Christmas cake at lunchtime, was playing poo sticks with Maureen's 2.5 year old grand child on the bridge over the Flit. Thank us go to Liz Millbank for providing some delicate but tasty biscuits for tea, an amazing iced Christmas cake from Jackie & Malcolm, another to Malcolm for his mystery santa delivery for all the Voles far to kind but truly starting us all in the Christmas Spirit (some of the Voles were heard to say that this was so kind as it had saved them from getting their spouse a gift and furthermore they were already wrapped), to Jim, Tim & Sue for organising the BBQ between them and everybody else just for being there.

It was good to have Maryla with us after so long and several honoured GST hob nobs like Jon Baalam, Sarah P, Ray of sunshine Raven, John & Deano to share our seasonal outburst. We should not forget our sweet and gentle Sedgers and his band of local henchmen who all seemed to fit in well, particularly in the scrum for Malcolm's cake.

So ends 2016, particularly sad after the loss of our stalwart TWF John Buxton last week, I am sure his spirit will live in every wild space and watery pool along the Greensand Ridge but as he would have told you go and get on with things, keep slashing & burning but don't forget the teabags.

Have a great Christmas fellow Voles everywhere and the same goes for management, past as well as present. I am looking forward to 2017 already.

Oh & snaps at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/

The Venerable pitzy

Hi All,

Thanks to those who came down to the task at Sandy Smith yesterday; fortunately the weather was better than I had seen forecast!

It was a good task; it was nice to see so many of the tree we planted last year surviving and also to see more trees planted to reinforce them. The ditching crew also did a good job and Malcolm demonstrated that a little mud and water can go a long way!

There will be NO TASK next week because of Easter. After that normal service will be resumed with the ‘tartan mowing’ task at Maulden Heath on Tuesday 10th April; meet at the Picnic Area at 10am.

Have a nice Easter!

Tim

Tim Spencer

Countryside Ranger

The Greensand Trust

Malcolm J Willis

13:09 (11 minutes ago)

to Andrew, David, Wendy, daveathaynes, David, James, Steve, peter.staffert., Erika, Tim, dewinterann1, bazbreed, colinatkins23, DAVID, hgebler, janebreed, John, me, Maryla, Roger, Ros, grahamyoung1942, Tim.Chamen

So as we gathered together for morning prayers little did we expect the bombshell that was about to shatter our dreams and aspirations. Mr. T. spared nothing in blatantly announcing that we were only to work until lunchtime! This was to get us acclimatised to not working at all next week. Well, the little group of Dave’s cuddled together whimpering, holding hands, their little knees and chins quivering in the wind. Couldn’t we stay just a bit after lunch if we promised to be good and do what we were told. ‘No’ came the stern reply in Mr. T’s eyes. We could tidy up the two tree enclosures, plant another 20 trees, a few of us could play in the mud but then we would have to leave.

So we trudged off to woods. Mr. T’s heart softened a little and he let us form a ‘bucket line’ to take water from the ditch and fill a couple of large plastic Trugs so we could water in the 25 trees we were to plant. So we all got a chance to play in the water.

Three of us went off to clear another ditch of obstructions and see who could get the muddiest while the remainder cleared away the undergrowth that was overgrowing the fences and plant 15 trees in one and the remaining 15 in the other.

And so by lunchtime all 40 trees were planted and it was time to leave. The Moffatt tried to do a runner, taking a hand saw and disappearing along the bank in search of offending tree roots to remove but eventually he was called to heel. Mr. T. finally took pity on us and allowed us to take home a few logs to play with over the Easter break.

Many thanks to all who came, hope you get over the withdrawal symptoms and see you in two weeks time for some tartan mowing - och aye the g’nu.

And yes, Jackie did make me strip off on the patio before putting my clothes in the washing machine and hosing me down!

Malcolm

Admirable summary Mr W and cakes too were more than admirable even though I restrained myself from partaking in the fruit cake. (Mr T's donuts were also highly desirable) Hope you are feeling better and will soon regain your country seat.

It was good to have the great WC back with us again and Dave of the Arctic Lowe back from his Norwegian Saga.

Snaps are at usual place. www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/ and start at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/26181942417/ and left click all way to www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/40344026944/

See you on 10th April for Tartan Mowing.

Cheers

JP

GST Voles day at Flitton Moor 20/12/2016

Hi Folks & Tim

What a fine end to GSTVoles 2016. A beautiful sunny still day with lots of exciting tasks like nettle digging, brash dragging etc. At least some of us enjoyed doing their favourite thing burning, burning, burning & more burning. There was a bit of furniture removal & re siting and probably other tasks I failed to hear about as a result of yet another late arrival. Later in the day we had the opportunity of seeing Community Tree Trust volunteers in action gathering seed for the Kew Millenium Seedbank.

My favourite bit, not counting my burger and Christmas cake at lunchtime, was playing poo sticks with Maureen's 2.5 year old grand child on the bridge over the Flit. Thank us go to Liz Millbank for providing some delicate but tasty biscuits for tea, an amazing iced Christmas cake from Jackie & Malcolm, another to Malcolm for his mystery santa delivery for all the Voles far to kind but truly starting us all in the Christmas Spirit (some of the Voles were heard to say that this was so kind as it had saved them from getting their spouse a gift and furthermore they were already wrapped), to Jim, Tim & Sue for organising the BBQ between them and everybody else just for being there.

It was good to have Maryla with us after so long and several honoured GST hob nobs like Jon Baalam, Sarah P, Ray of sunshine Raven, John & Deano to share our seasonal outburst. We should not forget our sweet and gentle Sedgers and his band of local henchmen who all seemed to fit in well, particularly in the scrum for Malcolm's cake.

So ends 2016, particularly sad after the loss of our stalwart TWF John Buxton last week, I am sure his spirit will live in every wild space and watery pool along the Greensand Ridge but as he would have told you go and get on with things, keep slashing & burning but don't forget the teabags.

Have a great Christmas fellow Voles everywhere and the same goes for management, past as well as present. I am looking forward to 2017 already.

Oh & snaps at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/

The Venerable pitzy

GST Voles Day at Maulden Roundhouse Field 27/2/2018 TL0638 & specifically TL069384

Hi All,

Thanks to those who came down to Maulden Heath for the task today - it was certainly a cool one!

Despite the cold we achieved everything that I had hoped to and were able to beat an early retreat once the snow started.

Next week’s task is at Ampthill Park; meet in the West Car Park at 10am.

Thanks,

Tim

Tim Spencer

Countryside Ranger

The Greensand Trust

Hail Tim & Fellow Voles & Supporters

On Tuesday and in light of the weather prognosis I decided to risk yet another "late on parade" reprimand by starting at Maulden Church and enjoy a amble to the Roundhouse field where I found a merry band of Voles cutting Blackthorn regrowth on the path at the NE corner. In the distance I could hear mechanical noise and see wisps of smoke from a nascent bonfire. The Voles had already fully loaded a tarp ready to drag to the fire but I could get no willing helpers to assist me in that job so I sulked off to the other activities and helped Big Jim tidy away from the fence line a big pile of rotting pine trunks so that there was access for the Land Rover fencing team. There were also several newly felled conifers to dismember and clear away to the fire. Away round the rim of the field there were more felled trees of Oak and a Cherry and all through the day through blizzard and sunshine Voles staggered back and fro to the central fire and Jane's small team of stokers.

Obviously it was not just hard graft all day and in addition to the welcome jam and custard donuts we had the delightful jam scones lovingly prepared by Helen's Brownies to fend off the arctic conditions. with our first T Up call.

It was good to have with us our old mate Maryla for the morning and it was good to catch up.

Lunch break arrived just as the sky darkened and the the world resumed blizzard conditions from the gloom and snowflakes appeared an almost hysterical Erika (and Carolyn?) who was having the most fun ever almost cavorting around the bonfire and through snow flakes like something from "The Scottish Play". For some reason E wanted photographic evidence of the Voles madness and I hope we shall see our happy band on a screen near you very soon.

Just as quickly as the blizzard came the sky changed to a bright azure blue decorated with puffy nimbus but having almost finished most of the tasks set for the day orders were given to retreat and so I staggered my way back to Maulden Church past frozen ponds and paths feeling happy but properly exercised by saw, lopper and tarp, hopefully not painfully so.

See you next week and hopefully you will enjoy some of my snaps as usual at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/26651616618/in/datetaken/ and left clicks from there.

JP

GST Voles Day at Maulden Roundhouse Field 27/2/2018 TL0638 & specifically TL069384

Hi All,

Thanks to those who came down to Maulden Heath for the task today - it was certainly a cool one!

Despite the cold we achieved everything that I had hoped to and were able to beat an early retreat once the snow started.

Next week’s task is at Ampthill Park; meet in the West Car Park at 10am.

Thanks,

Tim

Tim Spencer

Countryside Ranger

The Greensand Trust

Hail Tim & Fellow Voles & Supporters

On Tuesday and in light of the weather prognosis I decided to risk yet another "late on parade" reprimand by starting at Maulden Church and enjoy a amble to the Roundhouse field where I found a merry band of Voles cutting Blackthorn regrowth on the path at the NE corner. In the distance I could hear mechanical noise and see wisps of smoke from a nascent bonfire. The Voles had already fully loaded a tarp ready to drag to the fire but I could get no willing helpers to assist me in that job so I sulked off to the other activities and helped Big Jim tidy away from the fence line a big pile of rotting pine trunks so that there was access for the Land Rover fencing team. There were also several newly felled conifers to dismember and clear away to the fire. Away round the rim of the field there were more felled trees of Oak and a Cherry and all through the day through blizzard and sunshine Voles staggered back and fro to the central fire and Jane's small team of stokers.

Obviously it was not just hard graft all day and in addition to the welcome jam and custard donuts we had the delightful jam scones lovingly prepared by Helen's Brownies to fend off the arctic conditions. with our first T Up call.

It was good to have with us our old mate Maryla for the morning and it was good to catch up.

Lunch break arrived just as the sky darkened and the the world resumed blizzard conditions from the gloom and snowflakes appeared an almost hysterical Erika (and Carolyn?) who was having the most fun ever almost cavorting around the bonfire and through snow flakes like something from "The Scottish Play". For some reason E wanted photographic evidence of the Voles madness and I hope we shall see our happy band on a screen near you very soon.

Just as quickly as the blizzard came the sky changed to a bright azure blue decorated with puffy nimbus but having almost finished most of the tasks set for the day orders were given to retreat and so I staggered my way back to Maulden Church past frozen ponds and paths feeling happy but properly exercised by saw, lopper and tarp, hopefully not painfully so.

See you next week and hopefully you will enjoy some of my snaps as usual at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/26651616618/in/datetaken/ and left clicks from there.

JP

Nowakowska Maria

Batorego 2

66-400 Gorzów Wlkp.

tel. 095 - 7282207

0601 - 721507

majka540604@vp.pl

amperbud@neostrada.pl

Mary

GST Voles day at Flitton Moor 20/12/2016

Hi Folks & Tim

What a fine end to GSTVoles 2016. A beautiful sunny still day with lots of exciting tasks like nettle digging, brash dragging etc. At least some of us enjoyed doing their favourite thing burning, burning, burning & more burning. There was a bit of furniture removal & re siting and probably other tasks I failed to hear about as a result of yet another late arrival. Later in the day we had the opportunity of seeing Community Tree Trust volunteers in action gathering seed for the Kew Millenium Seedbank.

My favourite bit, not counting my burger and Christmas cake at lunchtime, was playing poo sticks with Maureen's 2.5 year old grand child on the bridge over the Flit. Thank us go to Liz Millbank for providing some delicate but tasty biscuits for tea, an amazing iced Christmas cake from Jackie & Malcolm, another to Malcolm for his mystery santa delivery for all the Voles far to kind but truly starting us all in the Christmas Spirit (some of the Voles were heard to say that this was so kind as it had saved them from getting their spouse a gift and furthermore they were already wrapped), to Jim, Tim & Sue for organising the BBQ between them and everybody else just for being there.

It was good to have Maryla with us after so long and several honoured GST hob nobs like Jon Baalam, Sarah P, Ray of sunshine Raven, John & Deano to share our seasonal outburst. We should not forget our sweet and gentle Sedgers and his band of local henchmen who all seemed to fit in well, particularly in the scrum for Malcolm's cake.

So ends 2016, particularly sad after the loss of our stalwart TWF John Buxton last week, I am sure his spirit will live in every wild space and watery pool along the Greensand Ridge but as he would have told you go and get on with things, keep slashing & burning but don't forget the teabags.

Have a great Christmas fellow Voles everywhere and the same goes for management, past as well as present. I am looking forward to 2017 already.

Oh & snaps at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/

The Venerable pitzy

od Doroty i Ryśka

Another interesting day and one where our extroverts have a chance to don rubber and splash about while the sensible dry-landers slashed and burned. As we had not been given any specific directions on this task poor old SS Ranger Squire scratched his head for a bit and left the pond larkers to retrieve a virtually new and still rideable bike (Jim rode after putting the chain back on!) and a mighty pile of pond weed while the landlubbers attacked a Blackthorn hedge and nearby shrubby undergrowth and piled the results for burning on a nice roaring bonfire that later provided at least one of our sub-aqua team a glowing heat to revive them after their efforts. The water was unusually deep this year and "Tiny" Willis had a job keeping himself above water at times. There was the usual litter pick but only 2 big bags this year, all the usual druggy paraphernalia and bottles. In the virtual absence of anything wilder that "Tiny" Willis :), even I did a bit removing a few twigs of willow from the reed-mace at the pond edge. These few twigs had rooted themselves and grown to a good height and if left until next year would have been bloody great trees!

Luckily and as usual we had excellent refreshments (Coffee cream sponge (Maryla), masses of molasses buns (Malcolm) for first brew) followed at lunch with a chilli hotdog hotpot followed by an amazing apple crumble and custard from that talented duo John & Audrey.

The weather was mostly kind and the fire kept the ambient temperature at a nice level and I am now running out of silly ideas and lists of food consumed. Oh thank you to Roz for the pears and last week for Sue's beetroot. What surprises will turn up next week? Unfortunately I will not be there to find out but have a great day anyway. Cheers JP

GST Voles Day at Maulden Roundhouse Field 27/2/2018 TL0638 & specifically TL069384

Hi All,

Thanks to those who came down to Maulden Heath for the task today - it was certainly a cool one!

Despite the cold we achieved everything that I had hoped to and were able to beat an early retreat once the snow started.

Next week’s task is at Ampthill Park; meet in the West Car Park at 10am.

Thanks,

Tim

Tim Spencer

Countryside Ranger

The Greensand Trust

Hail Tim & Fellow Voles & Supporters

On Tuesday and in light of the weather prognosis I decided to risk yet another "late on parade" reprimand by starting at Maulden Church and enjoy a amble to the Roundhouse field where I found a merry band of Voles cutting Blackthorn regrowth on the path at the NE corner. In the distance I could hear mechanical noise and see wisps of smoke from a nascent bonfire. The Voles had already fully loaded a tarp ready to drag to the fire but I could get no willing helpers to assist me in that job so I sulked off to the other activities and helped Big Jim tidy away from the fence line a big pile of rotting pine trunks so that there was access for the Land Rover fencing team. There were also several newly felled conifers to dismember and clear away to the fire. Away round the rim of the field there were more felled trees of Oak and a Cherry and all through the day through blizzard and sunshine Voles staggered back and fro to the central fire and Jane's small team of stokers.

Obviously it was not just hard graft all day and in addition to the welcome jam and custard donuts we had the delightful jam scones lovingly prepared by Helen's Brownies to fend off the arctic conditions. with our first T Up call.

It was good to have with us our old mate Maryla for the morning and it was good to catch up.

Lunch break arrived just as the sky darkened and the the world resumed blizzard conditions from the gloom and snowflakes appeared an almost hysterical Erika (and Carolyn?) who was having the most fun ever almost cavorting around the bonfire and through snow flakes like something from "The Scottish Play". For some reason E wanted photographic evidence of the Voles madness and I hope we shall see our happy band on a screen near you very soon.

Just as quickly as the blizzard came the sky changed to a bright azure blue decorated with puffy nimbus but having almost finished most of the tasks set for the day orders were given to retreat and so I staggered my way back to Maulden Church past frozen ponds and paths feeling happy but properly exercised by saw, lopper and tarp, hopefully not painfully so.

See you next week and hopefully you will enjoy some of my snaps as usual at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/26651616618/in/datetaken/ and left clicks from there.

JP

Album Kraków Poland Restauracja Polskie Jadło Restaurant www.flickr.com/photos/arjuna/sets/72157594584965703/

www.polskiejadlo.com.pl/

Kuchnia z sercem.

Smaczne jedzenie staropolskiej kuchni.

Dobre ceny.

Szybka obsluga.

Küche mit Herz.

Leckere Essen altpolnische Küche.

Gute Preise.

Schnelle und gute Bedienung.

Kitchen with heart.

Leckere meal old-Polish kitchen.

Good prices.

Fast and good operation.

Set Kraków Poland Restauracja Polskie Jadło Restaurant www.flickr.com/photos/arjuna/sets/72157594584965703/

Mamy nadzieje ze sylwester się udał bardziej, niż ten na Polsacie i ciekawiej niż śpiewający Zenek lub nieśmiertelna Maryla 😅😅 Przed końcem roku robiliśmy Seata Ateca 👌 Auto miało nieduży przebieg, kilkaset kilometrów i było w bardzo dobrym stanie 💪 Wykonaliśmy jednostopniową korektę zwaną "One Stepem" systemem #optimumpolymertechnologies w celu usunięcia mikro rys i wyciągnięciu połysku na maksa.

Lakier metallic więc "ziarno" wyszło niesamowicie, na wierzch jak zawsze powłoka od @nanoceramicprotect. Teraz klienta obchodzić będzie tylko bieżąca pielęgnacja Robiąc powłokę u nas możecie liczyć na rabat przyjeżdżając na detailingową kąpiel 😊

#carcare #detailingpolska #detailingworld #detailing #ceramiccoating #amg #cla #mercedes #gdansk #gdynia #sopot #trojmiasto #zapraszamy #myjnia #carwash #nanoceramicprotect #seat #seatpolska #ateca

GST Voles day at Flitton Moor 20/12/2016

Hi Folks & Tim

What a fine end to GSTVoles 2016. A beautiful sunny still day with lots of exciting tasks like nettle digging, brash dragging etc. At least some of us enjoyed doing their favourite thing burning, burning, burning & more burning. There was a bit of furniture removal & re siting and probably other tasks I failed to hear about as a result of yet another late arrival. Later in the day we had the opportunity of seeing Community Tree Trust volunteers in action gathering seed for the Kew Millenium Seedbank.

My favourite bit, not counting my burger and Christmas cake at lunchtime, was playing poo sticks with Maureen's 2.5 year old grand child on the bridge over the Flit. Thank us go to Liz Millbank for providing some delicate but tasty biscuits for tea, an amazing iced Christmas cake from Jackie & Malcolm, another to Malcolm for his mystery santa delivery for all the Voles far to kind but truly starting us all in the Christmas Spirit (some of the Voles were heard to say that this was so kind as it had saved them from getting their spouse a gift and furthermore they were already wrapped), to Jim, Tim & Sue for organising the BBQ between them and everybody else just for being there.

It was good to have Maryla with us after so long and several honoured GST hob nobs like Jon Baalam, Sarah P, Ray of sunshine Raven, John & Deano to share our seasonal outburst. We should not forget our sweet and gentle Sedgers and his band of local henchmen who all seemed to fit in well, particularly in the scrum for Malcolm's cake.

So ends 2016, particularly sad after the loss of our stalwart TWF John Buxton last week, I am sure his spirit will live in every wild space and watery pool along the Greensand Ridge but as he would have told you go and get on with things, keep slashing & burning but don't forget the teabags.

Have a great Christmas fellow Voles everywhere and the same goes for management, past as well as present. I am looking forward to 2017 already.

Oh & snaps at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/

The Venerable pitzy

od Danki

GST Voles Day at Maulden Roundhouse Field 27/2/2018 TL0638 & specifically TL069384

Hi All,

Thanks to those who came down to Maulden Heath for the task today - it was certainly a cool one!

Despite the cold we achieved everything that I had hoped to and were able to beat an early retreat once the snow started.

Next week’s task is at Ampthill Park; meet in the West Car Park at 10am.

Thanks,

Tim

Tim Spencer

Countryside Ranger

The Greensand Trust

Hail Tim & Fellow Voles & Supporters

On Tuesday and in light of the weather prognosis I decided to risk yet another "late on parade" reprimand by starting at Maulden Church and enjoy a amble to the Roundhouse field where I found a merry band of Voles cutting Blackthorn regrowth on the path at the NE corner. In the distance I could hear mechanical noise and see wisps of smoke from a nascent bonfire. The Voles had already fully loaded a tarp ready to drag to the fire but I could get no willing helpers to assist me in that job so I sulked off to the other activities and helped Big Jim tidy away from the fence line a big pile of rotting pine trunks so that there was access for the Land Rover fencing team. There were also several newly felled conifers to dismember and clear away to the fire. Away round the rim of the field there were more felled trees of Oak and a Cherry and all through the day through blizzard and sunshine Voles staggered back and fro to the central fire and Jane's small team of stokers.

Obviously it was not just hard graft all day and in addition to the welcome jam and custard donuts we had the delightful jam scones lovingly prepared by Helen's Brownies to fend off the arctic conditions. with our first T Up call.

It was good to have with us our old mate Maryla for the morning and it was good to catch up.

Lunch break arrived just as the sky darkened and the the world resumed blizzard conditions from the gloom and snowflakes appeared an almost hysterical Erika (and Carolyn?) who was having the most fun ever almost cavorting around the bonfire and through snow flakes like something from "The Scottish Play". For some reason E wanted photographic evidence of the Voles madness and I hope we shall see our happy band on a screen near you very soon.

Just as quickly as the blizzard came the sky changed to a bright azure blue decorated with puffy nimbus but having almost finished most of the tasks set for the day orders were given to retreat and so I staggered my way back to Maulden Church past frozen ponds and paths feeling happy but properly exercised by saw, lopper and tarp, hopefully not painfully so.

See you next week and hopefully you will enjoy some of my snaps as usual at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/26651616618/in/datetaken/ and left clicks from there.

JP

GST Voles day at Flitton Moor 20/12/2016

Hi Folks & Tim

What a fine end to GSTVoles 2016. A beautiful sunny still day with lots of exciting tasks like nettle digging, brash dragging etc. At least some of us enjoyed doing their favourite thing burning, burning, burning & more burning. There was a bit of furniture removal & re siting and probably other tasks I failed to hear about as a result of yet another late arrival. Later in the day we had the opportunity of seeing Community Tree Trust volunteers in action gathering seed for the Kew Millenium Seedbank.

My favourite bit, not counting my burger and Christmas cake at lunchtime, was playing poo sticks with Maureen's 2.5 year old grand child on the bridge over the Flit. Thank us go to Liz Millbank for providing some delicate but tasty biscuits for tea, an amazing iced Christmas cake from Jackie & Malcolm, another to Malcolm for his mystery santa delivery for all the Voles far to kind but truly starting us all in the Christmas Spirit (some of the Voles were heard to say that this was so kind as it had saved them from getting their spouse a gift and furthermore they were already wrapped), to Jim, Tim & Sue for organising the BBQ between them and everybody else just for being there.

It was good to have Maryla with us after so long and several honoured GST hob nobs like Jon Baalam, Sarah P, Ray of sunshine Raven, John & Deano to share our seasonal outburst. We should not forget our sweet and gentle Sedgers and his band of local henchmen who all seemed to fit in well, particularly in the scrum for Malcolm's cake.

So ends 2016, particularly sad after the loss of our stalwart TWF John Buxton last week, I am sure his spirit will live in every wild space and watery pool along the Greensand Ridge but as he would have told you go and get on with things, keep slashing & burning but don't forget the teabags.

Have a great Christmas fellow Voles everywhere and the same goes for management, past as well as present. I am looking forward to 2017 already.

Oh & snaps at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/

The Venerable pitzy

od Doroty i Ryśka

GST Voles day at Ampthill Park 28/4/2015 TL0238

Hi Tim & Fellow Voles

Excellent day around Ampthill Park. I did a bit to help the Voles but managed to avoid those fattening doughnuts. Hopefully the cattle fencing is now secure and lovers can safely kiss at the renovated kissing gate. Over in Maggs Field the West Gang of the Eastern Voles were mending a fence hidden under some Hawthorn bushes, luckily a loud call from Sue "Pitzy" revealed their presence. It was good to see Maryla and Charlie for first tea, C gets bonnier every week.

My snaps are up on flickr see www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/

Not much wildlife but still excited by a highflying Common Buzzard and a Sparrowhawk. There were a few nice flowers and insects, the stars were the trees clothed in bright green.

It was good to hear that our missing Voles John & Colin are feeling better and it will be good to see them both back with us. Stavros is off again to Cyprus.

Hope that you enjoy the snaps.

Cheers

Pitzy

(John/Tim) Please forward to other Voles.

anneherbertphotography.blogspot.com/2011/04/landon-maryla...

Image copyright Anne Herbert Photography

© Maryla Kamińska, WaterPIX /EEA

Another interesting day and one where our extroverts have a chance to don rubber and splash about while the sensible dry-landers slashed and burned. As we had not been given any specific directions on this task poor old SS Ranger Squire scratched his head for a bit and left the pond larkers to retrieve a virtually new and still rideable bike (Jim rode after putting the chain back on!) and a mighty pile of pond weed while the landlubbers attacked a Blackthorn hedge and nearby shrubby undergrowth and piled the results for burning on a nice roaring bonfire that later provided at least one of our sub-aqua team a glowing heat to revive them after their efforts. The water was unusually deep this year and "Tiny" Willis had a job keeping himself above water at times. There was the usual litter pick but only 2 big bags this year, all the usual druggy paraphernalia and bottles. In the virtual absence of anything wilder that "Tiny" Willis :), even I did a bit removing a few twigs of willow from the reed-mace at the pond edge. These few twigs had rooted themselves and grown to a good height and if left until next year would have been bloody great trees!

Luckily and as usual we had excellent refreshments (Coffee cream sponge (Maryla), masses of molasses buns (Malcolm) for first brew) followed at lunch with a chilli hotdog hotpot followed by an amazing apple crumble and custard from that talented duo John & Audrey.

The weather was mostly kind and the fire kept the ambient temperature at a nice level and I am now running out of silly ideas and lists of food consumed. Oh thank you to Roz for the pears and last week for Sue's beetroot. What surprises will turn up next week? Unfortunately I will not be there to find out but have a great day anyway. Cheers JP

GST Voles Day at Maulden Roundhouse Field 27/2/2018 TL0638 & specifically TL069384

Hi All,

Thanks to those who came down to Maulden Heath for the task today - it was certainly a cool one!

Despite the cold we achieved everything that I had hoped to and were able to beat an early retreat once the snow started.

Next week’s task is at Ampthill Park; meet in the West Car Park at 10am.

Thanks,

Tim

Tim Spencer

Countryside Ranger

The Greensand Trust

Hail Tim & Fellow Voles & Supporters

On Tuesday and in light of the weather prognosis I decided to risk yet another "late on parade" reprimand by starting at Maulden Church and enjoy a amble to the Roundhouse field where I found a merry band of Voles cutting Blackthorn regrowth on the path at the NE corner. In the distance I could hear mechanical noise and see wisps of smoke from a nascent bonfire. The Voles had already fully loaded a tarp ready to drag to the fire but I could get no willing helpers to assist me in that job so I sulked off to the other activities and helped Big Jim tidy away from the fence line a big pile of rotting pine trunks so that there was access for the Land Rover fencing team. There were also several newly felled conifers to dismember and clear away to the fire. Away round the rim of the field there were more felled trees of Oak and a Cherry and all through the day through blizzard and sunshine Voles staggered back and fro to the central fire and Jane's small team of stokers.

Obviously it was not just hard graft all day and in addition to the welcome jam and custard donuts we had the delightful jam scones lovingly prepared by Helen's Brownies to fend off the arctic conditions. with our first T Up call.

It was good to have with us our old mate Maryla for the morning and it was good to catch up.

Lunch break arrived just as the sky darkened and the the world resumed blizzard conditions from the gloom and snowflakes appeared an almost hysterical Erika (and Carolyn?) who was having the most fun ever almost cavorting around the bonfire and through snow flakes like something from "The Scottish Play". For some reason E wanted photographic evidence of the Voles madness and I hope we shall see our happy band on a screen near you very soon.

Just as quickly as the blizzard came the sky changed to a bright azure blue decorated with puffy nimbus but having almost finished most of the tasks set for the day orders were given to retreat and so I staggered my way back to Maulden Church past frozen ponds and paths feeling happy but properly exercised by saw, lopper and tarp, hopefully not painfully so.

See you next week and hopefully you will enjoy some of my snaps as usual at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/26651616618/in/datetaken/ and left clicks from there.

JP

Another interesting day and one where our extroverts have a chance to don rubber and splash about while the sensible dry-landers slashed and burned. As we had not been given any specific directions on this task poor old SS Ranger Squire scratched his head for a bit and left the pond larkers to retrieve a virtually new and still rideable bike (Jim rode after putting the chain back on!) and a mighty pile of pond weed while the landlubbers attacked a Blackthorn hedge and nearby shrubby undergrowth and piled the results for burning on a nice roaring bonfire that later provided at least one of our sub-aqua team a glowing heat to revive them after their efforts. The water was unusually deep this year and "Tiny" Willis had a job keeping himself above water at times. There was the usual litter pick but only 2 big bags this year, all the usual druggy paraphernalia and bottles. In the virtual absence of anything wilder that "Tiny" Willis :), even I did a bit removing a few twigs of willow from the reed-mace at the pond edge. These few twigs had rooted themselves and grown to a good height and if left until next year would have been bloody great trees!

Luckily and as usual we had excellent refreshments (Coffee cream sponge (Maryla), masses of molasses buns (Malcolm) for first brew) followed at lunch with a chilli hotdog hotpot followed by an amazing apple crumble and custard from that talented duo John & Audrey.

The weather was mostly kind and the fire kept the ambient temperature at a nice level and I am now running out of silly ideas and lists of food consumed. Oh thank you to Roz for the pears and last week for Sue's beetroot. What surprises will turn up next week? Unfortunately I will not be there to find out but have a great day anyway. Cheers JP

GST Voles day at Flitton Moor 20/12/2016

Hi Folks & Tim

What a fine end to GSTVoles 2016. A beautiful sunny still day with lots of exciting tasks like nettle digging, brash dragging etc. At least some of us enjoyed doing their favourite thing burning, burning, burning & more burning. There was a bit of furniture removal & re siting and probably other tasks I failed to hear about as a result of yet another late arrival. Later in the day we had the opportunity of seeing Community Tree Trust volunteers in action gathering seed for the Kew Millenium Seedbank.

My favourite bit, not counting my burger and Christmas cake at lunchtime, was playing poo sticks with Maureen's 2.5 year old grand child on the bridge over the Flit. Thank us go to Liz Millbank for providing some delicate but tasty biscuits for tea, an amazing iced Christmas cake from Jackie & Malcolm, another to Malcolm for his mystery santa delivery for all the Voles far to kind but truly starting us all in the Christmas Spirit (some of the Voles were heard to say that this was so kind as it had saved them from getting their spouse a gift and furthermore they were already wrapped), to Jim, Tim & Sue for organising the BBQ between them and everybody else just for being there.

It was good to have Maryla with us after so long and several honoured GST hob nobs like Jon Baalam, Sarah P, Ray of sunshine Raven, John & Deano to share our seasonal outburst. We should not forget our sweet and gentle Sedgers and his band of local henchmen who all seemed to fit in well, particularly in the scrum for Malcolm's cake.

So ends 2016, particularly sad after the loss of our stalwart TWF John Buxton last week, I am sure his spirit will live in every wild space and watery pool along the Greensand Ridge but as he would have told you go and get on with things, keep slashing & burning but don't forget the teabags.

Have a great Christmas fellow Voles everywhere and the same goes for management, past as well as present. I am looking forward to 2017 already.

Oh & snaps at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/

The Venerable pitzy

GST Voles Day at Maulden Roundhouse Field 27/2/2018 TL0638 & specifically TL069384

Hi All,

Thanks to those who came down to Maulden Heath for the task today - it was certainly a cool one!

Despite the cold we achieved everything that I had hoped to and were able to beat an early retreat once the snow started.

Next week’s task is at Ampthill Park; meet in the West Car Park at 10am.

Thanks,

Tim

Tim Spencer

Countryside Ranger

The Greensand Trust

Hail Tim & Fellow Voles & Supporters

On Tuesday and in light of the weather prognosis I decided to risk yet another "late on parade" reprimand by starting at Maulden Church and enjoy a amble to the Roundhouse field where I found a merry band of Voles cutting Blackthorn regrowth on the path at the NE corner. In the distance I could hear mechanical noise and see wisps of smoke from a nascent bonfire. The Voles had already fully loaded a tarp ready to drag to the fire but I could get no willing helpers to assist me in that job so I sulked off to the other activities and helped Big Jim tidy away from the fence line a big pile of rotting pine trunks so that there was access for the Land Rover fencing team. There were also several newly felled conifers to dismember and clear away to the fire. Away round the rim of the field there were more felled trees of Oak and a Cherry and all through the day through blizzard and sunshine Voles staggered back and fro to the central fire and Jane's small team of stokers.

Obviously it was not just hard graft all day and in addition to the welcome jam and custard donuts we had the delightful jam scones lovingly prepared by Helen's Brownies to fend off the arctic conditions. with our first T Up call.

It was good to have with us our old mate Maryla for the morning and it was good to catch up.

Lunch break arrived just as the sky darkened and the the world resumed blizzard conditions from the gloom and snowflakes appeared an almost hysterical Erika (and Carolyn?) who was having the most fun ever almost cavorting around the bonfire and through snow flakes like something from "The Scottish Play". For some reason E wanted photographic evidence of the Voles madness and I hope we shall see our happy band on a screen near you very soon.

Just as quickly as the blizzard came the sky changed to a bright azure blue decorated with puffy nimbus but having almost finished most of the tasks set for the day orders were given to retreat and so I staggered my way back to Maulden Church past frozen ponds and paths feeling happy but properly exercised by saw, lopper and tarp, hopefully not painfully so.

See you next week and hopefully you will enjoy some of my snaps as usual at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/26651616618/in/datetaken/ and left clicks from there.

JP

GST Voles Day at Maulden Roundhouse Field 27/2/2018 TL0638 & specifically TL069384

Hi All,

Thanks to those who came down to Maulden Heath for the task today - it was certainly a cool one!

Despite the cold we achieved everything that I had hoped to and were able to beat an early retreat once the snow started.

Next week’s task is at Ampthill Park; meet in the West Car Park at 10am.

Thanks,

Tim

Tim Spencer

Countryside Ranger

The Greensand Trust

Hail Tim & Fellow Voles & Supporters

On Tuesday and in light of the weather prognosis I decided to risk yet another "late on parade" reprimand by starting at Maulden Church and enjoy a amble to the Roundhouse field where I found a merry band of Voles cutting Blackthorn regrowth on the path at the NE corner. In the distance I could hear mechanical noise and see wisps of smoke from a nascent bonfire. The Voles had already fully loaded a tarp ready to drag to the fire but I could get no willing helpers to assist me in that job so I sulked off to the other activities and helped Big Jim tidy away from the fence line a big pile of rotting pine trunks so that there was access for the Land Rover fencing team. There were also several newly felled conifers to dismember and clear away to the fire. Away round the rim of the field there were more felled trees of Oak and a Cherry and all through the day through blizzard and sunshine Voles staggered back and fro to the central fire and Jane's small team of stokers.

Obviously it was not just hard graft all day and in addition to the welcome jam and custard donuts we had the delightful jam scones lovingly prepared by Helen's Brownies to fend off the arctic conditions. with our first T Up call.

It was good to have with us our old mate Maryla for the morning and it was good to catch up.

Lunch break arrived just as the sky darkened and the the world resumed blizzard conditions from the gloom and snowflakes appeared an almost hysterical Erika (and Carolyn?) who was having the most fun ever almost cavorting around the bonfire and through snow flakes like something from "The Scottish Play". For some reason E wanted photographic evidence of the Voles madness and I hope we shall see our happy band on a screen near you very soon.

Just as quickly as the blizzard came the sky changed to a bright azure blue decorated with puffy nimbus but having almost finished most of the tasks set for the day orders were given to retreat and so I staggered my way back to Maulden Church past frozen ponds and paths feeling happy but properly exercised by saw, lopper and tarp, hopefully not painfully so.

See you next week and hopefully you will enjoy some of my snaps as usual at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/26651616618/in/datetaken/ and left clicks from there.

JP

Crédits : © Franck Paul

GST Voles day at Flitton Moor 20/12/2016

Hi Folks & Tim

What a fine end to GSTVoles 2016. A beautiful sunny still day with lots of exciting tasks like nettle digging, brash dragging etc. At least some of us enjoyed doing their favourite thing burning, burning, burning & more burning. There was a bit of furniture removal & re siting and probably other tasks I failed to hear about as a result of yet another late arrival. Later in the day we had the opportunity of seeing Community Tree Trust volunteers in action gathering seed for the Kew Millenium Seedbank.

My favourite bit, not counting my burger and Christmas cake at lunchtime, was playing poo sticks with Maureen's 2.5 year old grand child on the bridge over the Flit. Thank us go to Liz Millbank for providing some delicate but tasty biscuits for tea, an amazing iced Christmas cake from Jackie & Malcolm, another to Malcolm for his mystery santa delivery for all the Voles far to kind but truly starting us all in the Christmas Spirit (some of the Voles were heard to say that this was so kind as it had saved them from getting their spouse a gift and furthermore they were already wrapped), to Jim, Tim & Sue for organising the BBQ between them and everybody else just for being there.

It was good to have Maryla with us after so long and several honoured GST hob nobs like Jon Baalam, Sarah P, Ray of sunshine Raven, John & Deano to share our seasonal outburst. We should not forget our sweet and gentle Sedgers and his band of local henchmen who all seemed to fit in well, particularly in the scrum for Malcolm's cake.

So ends 2016, particularly sad after the loss of our stalwart TWF John Buxton last week, I am sure his spirit will live in every wild space and watery pool along the Greensand Ridge but as he would have told you go and get on with things, keep slashing & burning but don't forget the teabags.

Have a great Christmas fellow Voles everywhere and the same goes for management, past as well as present. I am looking forward to 2017 already.

Oh & snaps at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/

The Venerable pitzy

GST Voles Day at Maulden Roundhouse Field 27/2/2018 TL0638 & specifically TL069384

Hi All,

Thanks to those who came down to Maulden Heath for the task today - it was certainly a cool one!

Despite the cold we achieved everything that I had hoped to and were able to beat an early retreat once the snow started.

Next week’s task is at Ampthill Park; meet in the West Car Park at 10am.

Thanks,

Tim

Tim Spencer

Countryside Ranger

The Greensand Trust

Hail Tim & Fellow Voles & Supporters

On Tuesday and in light of the weather prognosis I decided to risk yet another "late on parade" reprimand by starting at Maulden Church and enjoy a amble to the Roundhouse field where I found a merry band of Voles cutting Blackthorn regrowth on the path at the NE corner. In the distance I could hear mechanical noise and see wisps of smoke from a nascent bonfire. The Voles had already fully loaded a tarp ready to drag to the fire but I could get no willing helpers to assist me in that job so I sulked off to the other activities and helped Big Jim tidy away from the fence line a big pile of rotting pine trunks so that there was access for the Land Rover fencing team. There were also several newly felled conifers to dismember and clear away to the fire. Away round the rim of the field there were more felled trees of Oak and a Cherry and all through the day through blizzard and sunshine Voles staggered back and fro to the central fire and Jane's small team of stokers.

Obviously it was not just hard graft all day and in addition to the welcome jam and custard donuts we had the delightful jam scones lovingly prepared by Helen's Brownies to fend off the arctic conditions. with our first T Up call.

It was good to have with us our old mate Maryla for the morning and it was good to catch up.

Lunch break arrived just as the sky darkened and the the world resumed blizzard conditions from the gloom and snowflakes appeared an almost hysterical Erika (and Carolyn?) who was having the most fun ever almost cavorting around the bonfire and through snow flakes like something from "The Scottish Play". For some reason E wanted photographic evidence of the Voles madness and I hope we shall see our happy band on a screen near you very soon.

Just as quickly as the blizzard came the sky changed to a bright azure blue decorated with puffy nimbus but having almost finished most of the tasks set for the day orders were given to retreat and so I staggered my way back to Maulden Church past frozen ponds and paths feeling happy but properly exercised by saw, lopper and tarp, hopefully not painfully so.

See you next week and hopefully you will enjoy some of my snaps as usual at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/26651616618/in/datetaken/ and left clicks from there.

JP

GST Voles day at Flitton Moor 20/12/2016

Hi Folks & Tim

What a fine end to GSTVoles 2016. A beautiful sunny still day with lots of exciting tasks like nettle digging, brash dragging etc. At least some of us enjoyed doing their favourite thing burning, burning, burning & more burning. There was a bit of furniture removal & re siting and probably other tasks I failed to hear about as a result of yet another late arrival. Later in the day we had the opportunity of seeing Community Tree Trust volunteers in action gathering seed for the Kew Millenium Seedbank.

My favourite bit, not counting my burger and Christmas cake at lunchtime, was playing poo sticks with Maureen's 2.5 year old grand child on the bridge over the Flit. Thank us go to Liz Millbank for providing some delicate but tasty biscuits for tea, an amazing iced Christmas cake from Jackie & Malcolm, another to Malcolm for his mystery santa delivery for all the Voles far to kind but truly starting us all in the Christmas Spirit (some of the Voles were heard to say that this was so kind as it had saved them from getting their spouse a gift and furthermore they were already wrapped), to Jim, Tim & Sue for organising the BBQ between them and everybody else just for being there.

It was good to have Maryla with us after so long and several honoured GST hob nobs like Jon Baalam, Sarah P, Ray of sunshine Raven, John & Deano to share our seasonal outburst. We should not forget our sweet and gentle Sedgers and his band of local henchmen who all seemed to fit in well, particularly in the scrum for Malcolm's cake.

So ends 2016, particularly sad after the loss of our stalwart TWF John Buxton last week, I am sure his spirit will live in every wild space and watery pool along the Greensand Ridge but as he would have told you go and get on with things, keep slashing & burning but don't forget the teabags.

Have a great Christmas fellow Voles everywhere and the same goes for management, past as well as present. I am looking forward to 2017 already.

Oh & snaps at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/

The Venerable pitzy

Date:Jan 15 2014, 10:51 AM

Subject:

RE: A Right Royal Do!

Show full header

Dear All

Thank you your Majesty and loyal subjects. This speedy correspondence has saved me a lot of palava etc so I shall just say my snaps are up on flickr now at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/.

I should like to say that we missed TWF all day (yes we did) but cold 90s humour might here say "but I couldn't" just for a snigger. I should also like to say thank you to:

Maryla for her Sandy Smith Mud Pies

Liz M for her wonderful shortcake biscuits (the choc chip ones were particularly good :))

Malcolm X for his fruit and vanilla buns, they were very very tasty.

Whoever brought the Jaffa Cakes

To you all for your laughs and banter.

Dave Lowe for his folk and Beetles songs.

For those who wondered why I had stopped by the road side on my way home see the first snap.

Cheers

JP

Now this is what makes Tuesdays such fun and keeps me nearly sane – you should see me when I’m really balmy! Very many apologies for the lack of cake – I will try hardy next time (depending on the day and the venue!).

Thanks for all the grovelling and the wonderful singing. Could you just shorten my name to She as long as I promise not to do an “Ursula Undress” and wear a chamois leather. Thanks also for the decent weather, not that it was cold where I was standing!

I can report that I was at the Rufus Centre this afternoon and there was JB, Audrey and their lovely daughter. JB allowed me to feel his new pulse and I can recommend it as a strange experience and I think he’s got a battery somewhere that gives electric twitches.

Bon voyage to the Breeds who will be sadly missed for a while. See the rest of you somewhere in the wilds of Bedfordshire and hopefully next Tuesday.

Thanks Mr. Kippling – your writing talents are beyond compare and your cakes are pretty wonderful too. Tally Ho! She

From: Steve Squire [mailto:Steve.Squire@greensandtrust.org]

Sent: 14 January 2014 21:36

To: Malcolm Willis; Tim Spencer; bazbreed@hotmail.com; 'Colin Atkins'; 'Dave Clarke'; 'David Moffatt'; 'James Miller'; 'Jane Breed'; 'John Buxton'; 'John Pitts'; 'Kelvin Horton'; 'Malcolm Willis'; 'Marie Mead'; 'Maryla Carter'; 'Peter Stafferton'; 'Roger Christopher'; 'Ros Blevins'; 'Steve Jones'; Sue Raven; 'Tim Chamen'; wendy.copper@virginmedia.com

Cc: She who must be obeyed

Subject: RE: A Right Royal Do!

Good to see you now have an official email Sue .

Well done Malcolm for making me laugh , very good thank you and to Jock with hot bum in fire.

And thank you all too for working so hard with or without Royal Cake!

Regards

Steve

From: Malcolm Willis [malcolmJwillis@btinternet.com]

Sent: 14 January 2014 21:13

To: Tim Spencer; bazbreed@hotmail.com; 'Colin Atkins'; 'Dave Clarke'; 'David Moffatt'; 'James Miller'; 'Jane Breed'; 'John Buxton'; 'John Pitts'; 'Kelvin Horton'; 'Malcolm Willis'; 'Marie Mead'; 'Maryla Carter'; 'Peter Stafferton'; 'Roger Christopher'; 'Ros Blevins'; 'Steve Jones'; Steve Squire; Sue Raven; 'Tim Chamen'; wendy.copper@virginmedia.com

Cc: She who must be obeyed

Subject: A Right Royal Do!

The stately limousine sailed into sight like a swan upon an enchanted lake. The blue eye that is heaven became bedazzled by the occasion, even the golden beams of universal eternity dipped in homage. The line of voles, once ordinary looking, became unworthy in the instant. The conveyance glided to a halt. The door opened. Hearts that only seconds ago had been pounding chests for freedom were now in suspended animation and inexplicably in mouths agog in anticipation. And then there she was. Serenely climbing down the stepladders (which had been thoughtfully placed out of view of the cameras), she emerged onto the immediately hallowed turf of SSNR [By Appointment to Her Right Royaltiness the Lady Youthfulness].

The appointed Dave stepped forward and humbled himself. An unfortunate occurrence given the magnitude of the occasion. The reserve Dave stepped into the breach. Another unfortunate occurrence! Finally the ‘if all else fails’ Dave came to the rescue.

Bowing so low it made his eyes water he addressed her Supreme Being: “Your Majestyness, if I may be so humbly bold as to..”

Her ladyship interrupted as only one of noble birth can: “Are you a Dimbleby Dave?”

‘If all else fails’ Dave: “Err no?”

Her Exquisiteness: “Then go away.” The nobility of the extended hand flutter in Dave’s direction and immediately he was dispatched as like a game bird on the 1st September.

Her Exquisite Ladyshipness: “My husband and I..” A half turn to the limo revealed a slight glitch. “Oh bother, I must have left him somewhere again. Never mind, I shall continue. Myself and I remember only too vividly the diem horribilis that was last week. But we must move on.”

So saying Her Supremeliness moved on proffering dainty dexterous digits for the gathered ensemble to pucker up their trembling lips to.

Her Regality: “Oh I say what an obnoxious hound.”

Several male voles looked even further ashamed and took several steps back towards oblivion.

Her Lady Regal Exquisiteness: “I was referring to the dog.”

The males voles teetered on the edge of the abyss that is ordinariness. One brave soul remarked: “That is Jock, a rescued dog, he was found in a large, handbag, with handles. He was probably brought up in it.”

Her Lady Ladyness:“ I must confess that I feel somewhat bewildered by what you have just told me. To be born, or at any rate bred in a handbag, whether it have handles or not, seems to me to display a contempt for the ordinary decencies of family life which reminds one of the worst excesses of the French revolution, and I presume you know what that unfortunate movement led to?

The voles shook their heads, a few too vigorously causing them to fall off!

Brave Soul: “ Err yessum your womanliness. We believe he lost his parents and so we’ve adopted him like.”

Her Lady Ladyshipness: “To lose one parent, my good man, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.”

Little old lady with straw sticking out from under one arm (One Arm!!!!): He’s only being truthful you’re Omnipotence. He’s very earnest so he is and that’s what makes him so highly regarded by us all. ” Having said all this the little old lady retired to lie down until lunchtime.

Lady Youthfulness: “Well I suppose that’s the importance of being earnest.”

[I bet that’s made Oscar wild!]

Little old lady with straw sticking out from under one arm (One Arm!!!!): “Who’s Oscar?”

So many congratulation to Lady Sue on yet another birthday without a cake big enough to hold all the candles.

No doubt Mr Pitts will shortly be circulating a stunning array of pics so all who weren’t there today will see what the rest of us were up to. Basically following the Squire around, picking up loads of cut reeds (or in a little old lady’s case an odd bunch here and there!); carting them off to be burnt; telling the Squire not to go in the boggy bit; pulling the Squire out of the boggy bit!; showing the Squire were to cut next; sending out explorers to find where the Squire went!; telling the Squire it’s time to stop cutting; retelling the Squire it’s time to stop cutting; telling the local warden to stop telling the Squire to keep cutting!; getting bored of feeding the fire while the mound of cut reeds keeps growing; setting fire to the mound of cut reeds and blaming it on the person furthest away (Colin); eating muffins; eating biscuits (thanks Lillybeth); eating chocolate cake off the ground (thanks Maryla!); eating Jaffa cakes; moaning that there is no pudding!; moaning that Her Ladyship didn’t bring a birthday cake! and generally having fun.

Thanks to everyone who left early and didn’t stay to watch Jock walk across the ash (several times), try to make a ‘nest’ in the hot ash! (he dashed out pretty quick) and finally lie down in the ash!!!

Malcolm.