GST day at Flitton Moor removing Himalayan Balsam 18/7/2017 TL0536

Subject: Next Tuesday's Task

Hi All,

I hope you’ve all stopped itching from the nettle stings on Tuesday!

Next Week’s task will be balsam pulling downstream from Flitton Moor and will be led by Andrew (his last day). The site is accessible from Flitton Moor, so meet at the barn at Flitton Moor at 10am (map attached).

The good news is that there are nowhere near as many nettles as at Sandy Smith but there is plenty of balsam and it’s along steep-sided river/ditch banks and the only way to deal with it will be to get in! Fortunately, the water doesn’t look too deep!

Andrew will bring waders to the task but it might be a good idea if everyone could bring wellies – there might be some areas where wellies might be better than cumbersome waders.

There will also be some brush-cutting.

Regards,

Tim

Hello balsam pullers

A thank you from us to whoever removed the doggy doo doo bag on our behalf. We lost track of it when the bags were moved downstream and then forgot to look for it as we left. It wasn't there when Baz went back for it this evening so we must presume a kindly soul disposed of it on our behalf.

The list of emails above is a bit thin - people certainly on task but we don't have emails for them all, e.g. Barbara & Derek. Please forward to anyone you see is missing from our list.

See you soon

Jane & Baz (irresponsible dog minders)

Hi Jane & Baz & fellow Voles

Lola's bag was there when I came back to get my water/tea.

Anyway what a day, even though the gang finished earlier than usual it was just as well. It was boiling hot and very sticky. You were all a bit smelly too but you were magnificent in victory. I shall not forget Jim's giant leap and wrestle with several big stands of HB across a ditch filled mainly with un-fathomed amounts of ooze covered by a layer of Equisetum (Horsetail) or hearing about Jim's vanishing into another pool where they had to call the RNLI to drag him ashore. Or the happy look on Merv's face relating the joy of submerging into the same primordiall ooze or Dave & others who gallantly waded from Flitton Bridge toend of the track. Then there was Maryla, determined to get her full wack of HB in the 1&1/2 hours available to he, roped on a very steep bank grabbing each plant with a wicked glee, take that you naughty naughty HB you. Well you get my drift, the Voles were down and dirty but unbowed.

A bit of the atmosphere in my snaps at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/

Sadly we had to say farewell to Andrew who has moved on to pastures drier than Flitton Moor.

Take care & see you next week?

JP (Pitzy)

A stroll round Sandy Smith Nature Reserve on a cool but mostly bright

and from M Willis Warden Retired

Malcolm Willis

12:37 (44 minutes ago)

to Steve, Jim, Tim, Andrew, Helen, John, Peter, Michael, Barbara, Dave, Dave, daveclarke14, Maryla, Sue, Dave, Jane, me, Barry, Roger, Ros, Hilary, Erika

Talking of being unable to get the staff;

It was the usual hectic day in the operations room of the world renounced centre of conservation of effort known as Greensand Trusses Are Us (however all that sand did make them quite itchy). There was the usual buzz in such a hive of activity. This came from a nest of bumblebees who had found a niche in a disused printer. Everyone had thought it was one of those newfangled fax machines that was warming up. Due to an inert fear of IT everyone was leaving it for someone else to deal with.

The Head of operations known as ‘Shhhh’ had her nose to the grindstone (in this case the grindstone was a desk piled high with yellowing papers, it went with the various complexions of the inhabitants). It may have been due to increasing short sightedness that she required to be so close to the paperwork although having them closed didn’t help.

Her deputy and right hand man was in his usual place which wasn’t unusual - movement unsettled him. For some time now he had been researching spiders, he was intrigued by their webs - yes they were webs of intrigue. He had discovered that by staying very still for a very long time he could become completely enmeshed in his subject. This had led to a new source of income as he could be hired out every hallowe’en and gloom up even the brightest corner.

Head Mistress of educational stuff was also in the process of branching out (a dangerous strategy being situated so close to Chainsaw Happy Chappy who was always on the lookout for a bit of whittling work). Obviously intent on trying her hand at Career Advice she was throwing darts at the school photograph of Even Lower Maudlin Skool. She was eyeballing everyone. Each time she hit a pupil (outer irises didn’t count) she would loudly explain ‘Take that you little bar steward’. Obviously there were plenty of opportunities for jobs in hospitality, although one does feel she should consider other possibilities, such as dumb waiters for instance.

CHC was busy making small pencils for the stationary cupboard - well they don’t usually move unless pushed.

Using his initiative he was doing this by starting with large pencils which had been especially commissioned for this purpose. No flies on CHC - actually they were all caught up in the pyramid of spiders webs at the other end of the office.

Finally there was the ‘Lucy Worsley’ of the office. Forever exploring old documents to prove that fields were not only fields now but had also been fields before and therefore should be classified as FSSI. In this she was in a field of her own.

Disclaimer:

All persons portrayed in this article are completely baseless and should not be approached by members of the public. Any similarity to people you thought you knew is completely based on false memories and deja-you. In such instances you may be liable to taking liberties and subject to liabilities that are beyond the control of the unknown author.

Signified,

ANON and on and on and on.....

BOŁCIENIKI

Obwód: Grodzieński

Rejon: Werenowski (16 km na północny zachód od Werenowa)

Symboliczne upamiętnienie.

Kilkaset metrów od dworu Puttkamerów za stawem w środku niewielkiego lasku zwanego Gaikiem Maryli znajduje się narzutowy głaz z wyrytym krzyżem. Według legendy przy tym kamieniu Maryla Wereszczakówna spotykała się z Adamem Mickiewiczem. W gaju Maryla szukała odosobnienia podczas samotnych spacerów. Przez nią też prawdopodobnie został wyżłobiony na kamieniu znak krzyża symbolizujący jej rozstanie z poetą.

Michał Wołosiewicz, poeta z Bieniakoń poświęcił tej historii kilka wierszy. Oto słowa jednego z nich:

…Raz przyszli dwoje – On i Ona.

Była noc. Ach, co za chwila!

Widzieć te twarze, znać te imiona:

On – Adam, Ona – Maryla.

A potem często tu przychodzili,

Byłeś im jakby łącznikiem –

Na tobie pamięć swą utrwalili,

Znacząc cię rytym krzyżykiem.

Na tobie, kamieniu, Ona siadała

Przywołać uczucia pierwsze.

Ty byłeś świadkiem jak tu czytała

Pisane przez Niego wiersze.

I odżywała Jej miłość od nowa –

On zwiedzał dalekie kraje,

Gdy powtarzała te drogie słowa:

„ Spojrzyj, Marylo, gdzie ciągną się gaje”.

Dlatego nowe już pokolenia

czcząc pamięć tamtej chwili

to właśnie miejsce od Jej imienia

zwą dziś Gaikiem Maryli.

Fot.057. Bołcieniki. Kamień Maryli. Stan z 2011 r.

GST day at Flitton Moor removing Himalayan Balsam 18/7/2017 TL0536

Subject: Next Tuesday's Task

Hi All,

I hope you’ve all stopped itching from the nettle stings on Tuesday!

Next Week’s task will be balsam pulling downstream from Flitton Moor and will be led by Andrew (his last day). The site is accessible from Flitton Moor, so meet at the barn at Flitton Moor at 10am (map attached).

The good news is that there are nowhere near as many nettles as at Sandy Smith but there is plenty of balsam and it’s along steep-sided river/ditch banks and the only way to deal with it will be to get in! Fortunately, the water doesn’t look too deep!

Andrew will bring waders to the task but it might be a good idea if everyone could bring wellies – there might be some areas where wellies might be better than cumbersome waders.

There will also be some brush-cutting.

Regards,

Tim

Hello balsam pullers

A thank you from us to whoever removed the doggy doo doo bag on our behalf. We lost track of it when the bags were moved downstream and then forgot to look for it as we left. It wasn't there when Baz went back for it this evening so we must presume a kindly soul disposed of it on our behalf.

The list of emails above is a bit thin - people certainly on task but we don't have emails for them all, e.g. Barbara & Derek. Please forward to anyone you see is missing from our list.

See you soon

Jane & Baz (irresponsible dog minders)

Hi Jane & Baz & fellow Voles

Lola's bag was there when I came back to get my water/tea.

Anyway what a day, even though the gang finished earlier than usual it was just as well. It was boiling hot and very sticky. You were all a bit smelly too but you were magnificent in victory. I shall not forget Jim's giant leap and wrestle with several big stands of HB across a ditch filled mainly with un-fathomed amounts of ooze covered by a layer of Equisetum (Horsetail) or hearing about Jim's vanishing into another pool where they had to call the RNLI to drag him ashore. Or the happy look on Merv's face relating the joy of submerging into the same primordiall ooze or Dave & others who gallantly waded from Flitton Bridge toend of the track. Then there was Maryla, determined to get her full wack of HB in the 1&1/2 hours available to he, roped on a very steep bank grabbing each plant with a wicked glee, take that you naughty naughty HB you. Well you get my drift, the Voles were down and dirty but unbowed.

A bit of the atmosphere in my snaps at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/

Sadly we had to say farewell to Andrew who has moved on to pastures drier than Flitton Moor.

Take care & see you next week?

JP (Pitzy)

GST day at Flitton Moor removing Himalayan Balsam 18/7/2017 TL0536

Subject: Next Tuesday's Task

Hi All,

I hope you’ve all stopped itching from the nettle stings on Tuesday!

Next Week’s task will be balsam pulling downstream from Flitton Moor and will be led by Andrew (his last day). The site is accessible from Flitton Moor, so meet at the barn at Flitton Moor at 10am (map attached).

The good news is that there are nowhere near as many nettles as at Sandy Smith but there is plenty of balsam and it’s along steep-sided river/ditch banks and the only way to deal with it will be to get in! Fortunately, the water doesn’t look too deep!

Andrew will bring waders to the task but it might be a good idea if everyone could bring wellies – there might be some areas where wellies might be better than cumbersome waders.

There will also be some brush-cutting.

Regards,

Tim

Hello balsam pullers

A thank you from us to whoever removed the doggy doo doo bag on our behalf. We lost track of it when the bags were moved downstream and then forgot to look for it as we left. It wasn't there when Baz went back for it this evening so we must presume a kindly soul disposed of it on our behalf.

The list of emails above is a bit thin - people certainly on task but we don't have emails for them all, e.g. Barbara & Derek. Please forward to anyone you see is missing from our list.

See you soon

Jane & Baz (irresponsible dog minders)

Hi Jane & Baz & fellow Voles

Lola's bag was there when I came back to get my water/tea.

Anyway what a day, even though the gang finished earlier than usual it was just as well. It was boiling hot and very sticky. You were all a bit smelly too but you were magnificent in victory. I shall not forget Jim's giant leap and wrestle with several big stands of HB across a ditch filled mainly with un-fathomed amounts of ooze covered by a layer of Equisetum (Horsetail) or hearing about Jim's vanishing into another pool where they had to call the RNLI to drag him ashore. Or the happy look on Merv's face relating the joy of submerging into the same primordiall ooze or Dave & others who gallantly waded from Flitton Bridge toend of the track. Then there was Maryla, determined to get her full wack of HB in the 1&1/2 hours available to he, roped on a very steep bank grabbing each plant with a wicked glee, take that you naughty naughty HB you. Well you get my drift, the Voles were down and dirty but unbowed.

A bit of the atmosphere in my snaps at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/

Sadly we had to say farewell to Andrew who has moved on to pastures drier than Flitton Moor.

Take care & see you next week?

JP (Pitzy)

GST Voles day at Sandy Smith NR 7/3/2017

Mr T.: (rummaging in the back of the land rover).

Okay we haven't had a task in the Wet Fen before so before we start I just need to explain a few things. Firstly as you can see it's very wet here at the entrance so I will not be taking the land rover in. We will have to carry everything in from here. I want four of you strimming the few sparce areas of rushes to the right hand side and one of you mowing a few clearings on the left hand side. The rest of you can help me clear away various metal rubbish in the copse area and then start raking and forking up what's been cut. There are some drag bags here for you. Plus I shall be cutting down a small birch tree which can be cut up and burnt. So I'll need you to take......

Mr. T. turns around to see he is by himself, the voles having walked off into the distance, (well this is SSNR and we always walk off into the distance).

A little later in camp.

Mr. T.: Are you okay to strim *****? (name removed for legal reasons). Just make sure you don't break anything. Are you okay to use the mower ^^^^? (name removed for same reasons). Just make sure you don't break anything.

Right, I just need to go back and get a few things that you lot 'forgot' to bring over with you.

Mr T. returns.

*****: The strimmer's broke.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get the tools to mend it for you.

Mr. T. returns.

^^^^: The mower's broke.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get the tools to mend it for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Anon.: We haven't got any forks.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get them for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Another Anon.: We need drag bags.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get them for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Yet another Anon.: Must be time for a tea break.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get my bag.

The voles settle down for a drink and a few cakes.

Anon anon anon.: Who's going to tell Mr. T. he's forgotten the donuts?

Sobbing could be heard in the distance.

Some time later on this long, drawn out morning.

Mr. T.: It's no good, the rushes are too damp to burn, we'll have to drag them into the copse and pile them there.

Mr. T. walks away.

^^^^, (don't worry Clarkie, no one will know it's you), immediately strips to the waist, covers his chest in cow dung, (last week's having dried out and beginning to flake off), turns and spits into the northeast wind. Rubbing the spittle off his face he calls out to Logi, the Norse god of fire. "Hey up lad we could do with a bit of help down here." So saying he sets light to a box of fire lighters and throws them into the smouldering embers. Flames immediately rise into the bright blue sky as the fire worshipper dances a merry jig and begins to feed the flames.

And so to lunch.

Mr. T.: No more cutting now we just need to rake up what's been cut and either burn it or pile it in the copse.

Volunteer Warden (no experience necessary): Nah, we can strim loads more, there's plenty of time.

Mr. T.: No, we need to let the fire burn down before we leave tonight.

Volunteer Warden (no experience attained): Nah, we'll have finished in half an hour.

Two hours later.

Mr. T.: Most people have left, how is the fire?

Volunteer Warden (basically no experience full stop): (kicking mud onto the flames) Nearly out, could have cut loads more. Gets dark quickly these nights doesn't it?

Any resemblance to the truth is purely coincidental and has nothing to do with the perpetrator of Myths and Legends in Bedfordshire, (out of print).

Thank you to everyone who came along and dragged their heels, ankles, toes, etc. in the mud. Special thanks to those who kept pulling Wendy out of the deep bits. Nice to see Maryla back with us for a short while (obviously having to build up to it again).

Malcolm

GST day at Flitton Moor removing Himalayan Balsam 18/7/2017 TL0536

Subject: Next Tuesday's Task

Hi All,

I hope you’ve all stopped itching from the nettle stings on Tuesday!

Next Week’s task will be balsam pulling downstream from Flitton Moor and will be led by Andrew (his last day). The site is accessible from Flitton Moor, so meet at the barn at Flitton Moor at 10am (map attached).

The good news is that there are nowhere near as many nettles as at Sandy Smith but there is plenty of balsam and it’s along steep-sided river/ditch banks and the only way to deal with it will be to get in! Fortunately, the water doesn’t look too deep!

Andrew will bring waders to the task but it might be a good idea if everyone could bring wellies – there might be some areas where wellies might be better than cumbersome waders.

There will also be some brush-cutting.

Regards,

Tim

Hello balsam pullers

A thank you from us to whoever removed the doggy doo doo bag on our behalf. We lost track of it when the bags were moved downstream and then forgot to look for it as we left. It wasn't there when Baz went back for it this evening so we must presume a kindly soul disposed of it on our behalf.

The list of emails above is a bit thin - people certainly on task but we don't have emails for them all, e.g. Barbara & Derek. Please forward to anyone you see is missing from our list.

See you soon

Jane & Baz (irresponsible dog minders)

Hi Jane & Baz & fellow Voles

Lola's bag was there when I came back to get my water/tea.

Anyway what a day, even though the gang finished earlier than usual it was just as well. It was boiling hot and very sticky. You were all a bit smelly too but you were magnificent in victory. I shall not forget Jim's giant leap and wrestle with several big stands of HB across a ditch filled mainly with un-fathomed amounts of ooze covered by a layer of Equisetum (Horsetail) or hearing about Jim's vanishing into another pool where they had to call the RNLI to drag him ashore. Or the happy look on Merv's face relating the joy of submerging into the same primordiall ooze or Dave & others who gallantly waded from Flitton Bridge toend of the track. Then there was Maryla, determined to get her full wack of HB in the 1&1/2 hours available to he, roped on a very steep bank grabbing each plant with a wicked glee, take that you naughty naughty HB you. Well you get my drift, the Voles were down and dirty but unbowed.

A bit of the atmosphere in my snaps at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/

Sadly we had to say farewell to Andrew who has moved on to pastures drier than Flitton Moor.

Take care & see you next week?

JP (Pitzy)

GST Voles day at Sandy Smith NR 7/3/2017

Mr T.: (rummaging in the back of the land rover).

Okay we haven't had a task in the Wet Fen before so before we start I just need to explain a few things. Firstly as you can see it's very wet here at the entrance so I will not be taking the land rover in. We will have to carry everything in from here. I want four of you strimming the few sparce areas of rushes to the right hand side and one of you mowing a few clearings on the left hand side. The rest of you can help me clear away various metal rubbish in the copse area and then start raking and forking up what's been cut. There are some drag bags here for you. Plus I shall be cutting down a small birch tree which can be cut up and burnt. So I'll need you to take......

Mr. T. turns around to see he is by himself, the voles having walked off into the distance, (well this is SSNR and we always walk off into the distance).

A little later in camp.

Mr. T.: Are you okay to strim *****? (name removed for legal reasons). Just make sure you don't break anything. Are you okay to use the mower ^^^^? (name removed for same reasons). Just make sure you don't break anything.

Right, I just need to go back and get a few things that you lot 'forgot' to bring over with you.

Mr T. returns.

*****: The strimmer's broke.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get the tools to mend it for you.

Mr. T. returns.

^^^^: The mower's broke.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get the tools to mend it for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Anon.: We haven't got any forks.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get them for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Another Anon.: We need drag bags.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get them for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Yet another Anon.: Must be time for a tea break.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get my bag.

The voles settle down for a drink and a few cakes.

Anon anon anon.: Who's going to tell Mr. T. he's forgotten the donuts?

Sobbing could be heard in the distance.

Some time later on this long, drawn out morning.

Mr. T.: It's no good, the rushes are too damp to burn, we'll have to drag them into the copse and pile them there.

Mr. T. walks away.

^^^^, (don't worry Clarkie, no one will know it's you), immediately strips to the waist, covers his chest in cow dung, (last week's having dried out and beginning to flake off), turns and spits into the northeast wind. Rubbing the spittle off his face he calls out to Logi, the Norse god of fire. "Hey up lad we could do with a bit of help down here." So saying he sets light to a box of fire lighters and throws them into the smouldering embers. Flames immediately rise into the bright blue sky as the fire worshipper dances a merry jig and begins to feed the flames.

And so to lunch.

Mr. T.: No more cutting now we just need to rake up what's been cut and either burn it or pile it in the copse.

Volunteer Warden (no experience necessary): Nah, we can strim loads more, there's plenty of time.

Mr. T.: No, we need to let the fire burn down before we leave tonight.

Volunteer Warden (no experience attained): Nah, we'll have finished in half an hour.

Two hours later.

Mr. T.: Most people have left, how is the fire?

Volunteer Warden (basically no experience full stop): (kicking mud onto the flames) Nearly out, could have cut loads more. Gets dark quickly these nights doesn't it?

Any resemblance to the truth is purely coincidental and has nothing to do with the perpetrator of Myths and Legends in Bedfordshire, (out of print).

Thank you to everyone who came along and dragged their heels, ankles, toes, etc. in the mud. Special thanks to those who kept pulling Wendy out of the deep bits. Nice to see Maryla back with us for a short while (obviously having to build up to it again).

Malcolm

Dear Bridge Builders/Fellow Voles

The photos from yesterday are now up on flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/

I am afraid that I shall miss next Tuesday, wherever you are, as I have a scan appointment for Tuesday morning.

Thanks to Audrey, John, Malcolm and Maryla for all those waist enhancing cakes and hot drinks.

Feel free to comment in the boxes in flickr.

Cheers.

JP

-----Original Message-----

From: John Pitts [mailto:john@pitts26.freeserve.co.uk]

Sent: 06 February 2013 15:14

To: 'Roberta Colin'; 'Malcolm Willis'

Cc: 'Elliott Jeannette (RWN) SE Partnership'; 'Joyce, Cheryl'; 'daveandsteph36@btinternet.com'; 'Liz Millbank'; 'Ann de Winter'; 'Ann Freeman'; 'bazbreed@hotmail.com'; 'Bob Holland'; 'Colin Atkins'; 'Colin Carpenter'; 'Dan Higgins'; 'Dave McKeggie'; 'David Moffatt'; 'David Sedgley'; 'David Withers'; 'David Worth'; 'Frances Maynard'; 'Hilary Ward'; 'James Miller'; 'Jane Breed'; 'Jay Harris'; 'Jeannie Sloman'; 'John Buxton'; 'John Laherty'; 'John Laherty'; 'Julia Burkett'; 'Keggie'; 'Kelvin Horton'; 'Laura Johnston'; 'Linda Payne'; 'Malcolm Willis'; 'Marie Mead'; 'Maryla Carter'; 'Matthew Mead'; 'Olivia Regan'; 'Paul Colbert'; 'Peter Skinner'; 'Peter Stafferton'; 'Richard Hudson'; 'Richard Wood'; 'Roger Christopher'; 'Ros Blevins'; 'Sally Creveul'; 'Stephanie Rees'; 'Steve Jones'; 'Steve Squire'; 'Steve Squire'; 'Stuart Bridgman'; 'Sue Raven'; 'Sue Young'; 'Tim Chamen'; 'wendy.copper@virginmedia.com'

Subject: "Building Bridges"

Don't the years fly by Colin. To refresh our memory! Funny I was telling new Vole Jeanie about your play yesterday!

Cheers

JP

From: Roberta Colin [mailto:robcol2012@hotmail.co.uk]

Sent: 06 February 2013 10:21

To: Malcolm Willis

Cc: Liz Millbank; Elliott Jeannette (RWN) SE Partnership; Joyce, Cheryl; daveandsteph36@btinternet.com; Ann de Winter; Ann Freeman; bazbreed@hotmail.com; Bob Holland; Colin Atkins; Colin Carpenter; Dan Higgins; Dave McKeggie; David Moffatt; David Sedgley; David Withers; David Worth; Frances Maynard; Hilary Ward; James Miller; Jane Breed; Jay Harris; Jeannie Sloman; John Buxton; John Laherty; John Laherty; John Pitts; Julia Burkett; Keggie; Kelvin Horton; Laura Johnston; Linda Payne; Malcolm Willis; Marie Mead; Maryla Carter; Matthew Mead; Olivia Regan; Paul Colbert; Peter Skinner; Peter Stafferton; Richard Hudson; Richard Wood; Roger Christopher; Ros Blevins; Sally Creveul; Stephanie Rees; Steve Jones; Steve Squire; Steve Squire; Stuart Bridgman; Sue Raven; Sue Young; Tim Chamen; wendy.copper@virginmedia.com

Subject: Re: Today at SSNR

Well.... how fascinating! I have seen Liz's reply but not Malcolm's original.(probably to old address). I think I can deduce the gist and literary style!

For more recent voles, I was active 2005-2010 and still take an interest.

If you google Colin Calvert Playwright, you will learn more about me than you ever needed to know - if you're interested! One of my plays is "Building Bridges", very much based on my voling experience. You will recognize many of the characters and situations... The photographer.... The Tea Ceremony... Health and Safety issues... The problems of the managers!... And the interpersonal hassles and hierarchies which occur in any volunteer situation. Naturally, these are pointed up for dramatic effect. Real voles are such nice people! I don't think much has changed over the last 5 years, except maybe the introduction of Cake Wars. I was careful to avoid real names of then-current voles!...and the stage group is the Ferrets. However, you don't have a wannabe John Lennon, or an ASBO member, and lets hope things never get as dramatic as the play. Some incidents, like being taken for a group of parole prisoners litter picking, are direct from life. (During a radio interview, this came out as "pitter licking", which fazed the radio girl, who called me "alan" after that!). There is indeed Eric the Mad Axeman but he is offstage at A&E.

BB has been on around the UK, I have seen 5 local productions... and Ireland, NZ, and USA. I am quite surprised as I thought the humour was essentially English.

ANYWAY, the point of all this is that Building Bridges is due to be presented by Westoning Players in April. I am really pleased as all their productions are excellent.. in such a tiny venue!

Kelvin and I built the boardwalk for the premiere... It is rebuilt on stage during the play...and have offered our services for the WP production. I gather that rehearsals are a bit of a hoot.. which is a good sign..

I will keep you informed about dates, etc when I know. You know what Rabbie Burns said about seeing yourselves as others see you!

Best wishes,

Colin

GST Voles day at Sandy Smith NR 7/3/2017

Mr T.: (rummaging in the back of the land rover).

Okay we haven't had a task in the Wet Fen before so before we start I just need to explain a few things. Firstly as you can see it's very wet here at the entrance so I will not be taking the land rover in. We will have to carry everything in from here. I want four of you strimming the few sparce areas of rushes to the right hand side and one of you mowing a few clearings on the left hand side. The rest of you can help me clear away various metal rubbish in the copse area and then start raking and forking up what's been cut. There are some drag bags here for you. Plus I shall be cutting down a small birch tree which can be cut up and burnt. So I'll need you to take......

Mr. T. turns around to see he is by himself, the voles having walked off into the distance, (well this is SSNR and we always walk off into the distance).

A little later in camp.

Mr. T.: Are you okay to strim *****? (name removed for legal reasons). Just make sure you don't break anything. Are you okay to use the mower ^^^^? (name removed for same reasons). Just make sure you don't break anything.

Right, I just need to go back and get a few things that you lot 'forgot' to bring over with you.

Mr T. returns.

*****: The strimmer's broke.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get the tools to mend it for you.

Mr. T. returns.

^^^^: The mower's broke.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get the tools to mend it for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Anon.: We haven't got any forks.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get them for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Another Anon.: We need drag bags.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get them for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Yet another Anon.: Must be time for a tea break.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get my bag.

The voles settle down for a drink and a few cakes.

Anon anon anon.: Who's going to tell Mr. T. he's forgotten the donuts?

Sobbing could be heard in the distance.

Some time later on this long, drawn out morning.

Mr. T.: It's no good, the rushes are too damp to burn, we'll have to drag them into the copse and pile them there.

Mr. T. walks away.

^^^^, (don't worry Clarkie, no one will know it's you), immediately strips to the waist, covers his chest in cow dung, (last week's having dried out and beginning to flake off), turns and spits into the northeast wind. Rubbing the spittle off his face he calls out to Logi, the Norse god of fire. "Hey up lad we could do with a bit of help down here." So saying he sets light to a box of fire lighters and throws them into the smouldering embers. Flames immediately rise into the bright blue sky as the fire worshipper dances a merry jig and begins to feed the flames.

And so to lunch.

Mr. T.: No more cutting now we just need to rake up what's been cut and either burn it or pile it in the copse.

Volunteer Warden (no experience necessary): Nah, we can strim loads more, there's plenty of time.

Mr. T.: No, we need to let the fire burn down before we leave tonight.

Volunteer Warden (no experience attained): Nah, we'll have finished in half an hour.

Two hours later.

Mr. T.: Most people have left, how is the fire?

Volunteer Warden (basically no experience full stop): (kicking mud onto the flames) Nearly out, could have cut loads more. Gets dark quickly these nights doesn't it?

Any resemblance to the truth is purely coincidental and has nothing to do with the perpetrator of Myths and Legends in Bedfordshire, (out of print).

Thank you to everyone who came along and dragged their heels, ankles, toes, etc. in the mud. Special thanks to those who kept pulling Wendy out of the deep bits. Nice to see Maryla back with us for a short while (obviously having to build up to it again).

Malcolm

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.

GST day at Flitton Moor removing Himalayan Balsam 18/7/2017 TL0536

Subject: Next Tuesday's Task

Hi All,

I hope you’ve all stopped itching from the nettle stings on Tuesday!

Next Week’s task will be balsam pulling downstream from Flitton Moor and will be led by Andrew (his last day). The site is accessible from Flitton Moor, so meet at the barn at Flitton Moor at 10am (map attached).

The good news is that there are nowhere near as many nettles as at Sandy Smith but there is plenty of balsam and it’s along steep-sided river/ditch banks and the only way to deal with it will be to get in! Fortunately, the water doesn’t look too deep!

Andrew will bring waders to the task but it might be a good idea if everyone could bring wellies – there might be some areas where wellies might be better than cumbersome waders.

There will also be some brush-cutting.

Regards,

Tim

Hello balsam pullers

A thank you from us to whoever removed the doggy doo doo bag on our behalf. We lost track of it when the bags were moved downstream and then forgot to look for it as we left. It wasn't there when Baz went back for it this evening so we must presume a kindly soul disposed of it on our behalf.

The list of emails above is a bit thin - people certainly on task but we don't have emails for them all, e.g. Barbara & Derek. Please forward to anyone you see is missing from our list.

See you soon

Jane & Baz (irresponsible dog minders)

Hi Jane & Baz & fellow Voles

Lola's bag was there when I came back to get my water/tea.

Anyway what a day, even though the gang finished earlier than usual it was just as well. It was boiling hot and very sticky. You were all a bit smelly too but you were magnificent in victory. I shall not forget Jim's giant leap and wrestle with several big stands of HB across a ditch filled mainly with un-fathomed amounts of ooze covered by a layer of Equisetum (Horsetail) or hearing about Jim's vanishing into another pool where they had to call the RNLI to drag him ashore. Or the happy look on Merv's face relating the joy of submerging into the same primordiall ooze or Dave & others who gallantly waded from Flitton Bridge toend of the track. Then there was Maryla, determined to get her full wack of HB in the 1&1/2 hours available to he, roped on a very steep bank grabbing each plant with a wicked glee, take that you naughty naughty HB you. Well you get my drift, the Voles were down and dirty but unbowed.

A bit of the atmosphere in my snaps at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/

Sadly we had to say farewell to Andrew who has moved on to pastures drier than Flitton Moor.

Take care & see you next week?

JP (Pitzy)

GST Voles day at Sandy Smith NR 7/3/2017

Mr T.: (rummaging in the back of the land rover).

Okay we haven't had a task in the Wet Fen before so before we start I just need to explain a few things. Firstly as you can see it's very wet here at the entrance so I will not be taking the land rover in. We will have to carry everything in from here. I want four of you strimming the few sparce areas of rushes to the right hand side and one of you mowing a few clearings on the left hand side. The rest of you can help me clear away various metal rubbish in the copse area and then start raking and forking up what's been cut. There are some drag bags here for you. Plus I shall be cutting down a small birch tree which can be cut up and burnt. So I'll need you to take......

Mr. T. turns around to see he is by himself, the voles having walked off into the distance, (well this is SSNR and we always walk off into the distance).

A little later in camp.

Mr. T.: Are you okay to strim *****? (name removed for legal reasons). Just make sure you don't break anything. Are you okay to use the mower ^^^^? (name removed for same reasons). Just make sure you don't break anything.

Right, I just need to go back and get a few things that you lot 'forgot' to bring over with you.

Mr T. returns.

*****: The strimmer's broke.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get the tools to mend it for you.

Mr. T. returns.

^^^^: The mower's broke.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get the tools to mend it for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Anon.: We haven't got any forks.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get them for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Another Anon.: We need drag bags.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get them for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Yet another Anon.: Must be time for a tea break.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get my bag.

The voles settle down for a drink and a few cakes.

Anon anon anon.: Who's going to tell Mr. T. he's forgotten the donuts?

Sobbing could be heard in the distance.

Some time later on this long, drawn out morning.

Mr. T.: It's no good, the rushes are too damp to burn, we'll have to drag them into the copse and pile them there.

Mr. T. walks away.

^^^^, (don't worry Clarkie, no one will know it's you), immediately strips to the waist, covers his chest in cow dung, (last week's having dried out and beginning to flake off), turns and spits into the northeast wind. Rubbing the spittle off his face he calls out to Logi, the Norse god of fire. "Hey up lad we could do with a bit of help down here." So saying he sets light to a box of fire lighters and throws them into the smouldering embers. Flames immediately rise into the bright blue sky as the fire worshipper dances a merry jig and begins to feed the flames.

And so to lunch.

Mr. T.: No more cutting now we just need to rake up what's been cut and either burn it or pile it in the copse.

Volunteer Warden (no experience necessary): Nah, we can strim loads more, there's plenty of time.

Mr. T.: No, we need to let the fire burn down before we leave tonight.

Volunteer Warden (no experience attained): Nah, we'll have finished in half an hour.

Two hours later.

Mr. T.: Most people have left, how is the fire?

Volunteer Warden (basically no experience full stop): (kicking mud onto the flames) Nearly out, could have cut loads more. Gets dark quickly these nights doesn't it?

Any resemblance to the truth is purely coincidental and has nothing to do with the perpetrator of Myths and Legends in Bedfordshire, (out of print).

Thank you to everyone who came along and dragged their heels, ankles, toes, etc. in the mud. Special thanks to those who kept pulling Wendy out of the deep bits. Nice to see Maryla back with us for a short while (obviously having to build up to it again).

Malcolm

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.

GST day at Flitton Moor removing Himalayan Balsam 18/7/2017 TL0536

Subject: Next Tuesday's Task

Hi All,

I hope you’ve all stopped itching from the nettle stings on Tuesday!

Next Week’s task will be balsam pulling downstream from Flitton Moor and will be led by Andrew (his last day). The site is accessible from Flitton Moor, so meet at the barn at Flitton Moor at 10am (map attached).

The good news is that there are nowhere near as many nettles as at Sandy Smith but there is plenty of balsam and it’s along steep-sided river/ditch banks and the only way to deal with it will be to get in! Fortunately, the water doesn’t look too deep!

Andrew will bring waders to the task but it might be a good idea if everyone could bring wellies – there might be some areas where wellies might be better than cumbersome waders.

There will also be some brush-cutting.

Regards,

Tim

Hello balsam pullers

A thank you from us to whoever removed the doggy doo doo bag on our behalf. We lost track of it when the bags were moved downstream and then forgot to look for it as we left. It wasn't there when Baz went back for it this evening so we must presume a kindly soul disposed of it on our behalf.

The list of emails above is a bit thin - people certainly on task but we don't have emails for them all, e.g. Barbara & Derek. Please forward to anyone you see is missing from our list.

See you soon

Jane & Baz (irresponsible dog minders)

Hi Jane & Baz & fellow Voles

Lola's bag was there when I came back to get my water/tea.

Anyway what a day, even though the gang finished earlier than usual it was just as well. It was boiling hot and very sticky. You were all a bit smelly too but you were magnificent in victory. I shall not forget Jim's giant leap and wrestle with several big stands of HB across a ditch filled mainly with un-fathomed amounts of ooze covered by a layer of Equisetum (Horsetail) or hearing about Jim's vanishing into another pool where they had to call the RNLI to drag him ashore. Or the happy look on Merv's face relating the joy of submerging into the same primordiall ooze or Dave & others who gallantly waded from Flitton Bridge toend of the track. Then there was Maryla, determined to get her full wack of HB in the 1&1/2 hours available to he, roped on a very steep bank grabbing each plant with a wicked glee, take that you naughty naughty HB you. Well you get my drift, the Voles were down and dirty but unbowed.

A bit of the atmosphere in my snaps at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/

Sadly we had to say farewell to Andrew who has moved on to pastures drier than Flitton Moor.

Take care & see you next week?

JP (Pitzy)

GST day at Flitton Moor removing Himalayan Balsam 18/7/2017 TL0536

Subject: Next Tuesday's Task

Hi All,

I hope you’ve all stopped itching from the nettle stings on Tuesday!

Next Week’s task will be balsam pulling downstream from Flitton Moor and will be led by Andrew (his last day). The site is accessible from Flitton Moor, so meet at the barn at Flitton Moor at 10am (map attached).

The good news is that there are nowhere near as many nettles as at Sandy Smith but there is plenty of balsam and it’s along steep-sided river/ditch banks and the only way to deal with it will be to get in! Fortunately, the water doesn’t look too deep!

Andrew will bring waders to the task but it might be a good idea if everyone could bring wellies – there might be some areas where wellies might be better than cumbersome waders.

There will also be some brush-cutting.

Regards,

Tim

Hello balsam pullers

A thank you from us to whoever removed the doggy doo doo bag on our behalf. We lost track of it when the bags were moved downstream and then forgot to look for it as we left. It wasn't there when Baz went back for it this evening so we must presume a kindly soul disposed of it on our behalf.

The list of emails above is a bit thin - people certainly on task but we don't have emails for them all, e.g. Barbara & Derek. Please forward to anyone you see is missing from our list.

See you soon

Jane & Baz (irresponsible dog minders)

Hi Jane & Baz & fellow Voles

Lola's bag was there when I came back to get my water/tea.

Anyway what a day, even though the gang finished earlier than usual it was just as well. It was boiling hot and very sticky. You were all a bit smelly too but you were magnificent in victory. I shall not forget Jim's giant leap and wrestle with several big stands of HB across a ditch filled mainly with un-fathomed amounts of ooze covered by a layer of Equisetum (Horsetail) or hearing about Jim's vanishing into another pool where they had to call the RNLI to drag him ashore. Or the happy look on Merv's face relating the joy of submerging into the same primordiall ooze or Dave & others who gallantly waded from Flitton Bridge toend of the track. Then there was Maryla, determined to get her full wack of HB in the 1&1/2 hours available to he, roped on a very steep bank grabbing each plant with a wicked glee, take that you naughty naughty HB you. Well you get my drift, the Voles were down and dirty but unbowed.

A bit of the atmosphere in my snaps at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/

Sadly we had to say farewell to Andrew who has moved on to pastures drier than Flitton Moor.

Take care & see you next week?

JP (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 day at Flitton Moor removing Himalayan Balsam 18/7/2017 TL0536

Subject: Next Tuesday's Task

Hi All,

I hope you’ve all stopped itching from the nettle stings on Tuesday!

Next Week’s task will be balsam pulling downstream from Flitton Moor and will be led by Andrew (his last day). The site is accessible from Flitton Moor, so meet at the barn at Flitton Moor at 10am (map attached).

The good news is that there are nowhere near as many nettles as at Sandy Smith but there is plenty of balsam and it’s along steep-sided river/ditch banks and the only way to deal with it will be to get in! Fortunately, the water doesn’t look too deep!

Andrew will bring waders to the task but it might be a good idea if everyone could bring wellies – there might be some areas where wellies might be better than cumbersome waders.

There will also be some brush-cutting.

Regards,

Tim

Hello balsam pullers

A thank you from us to whoever removed the doggy doo doo bag on our behalf. We lost track of it when the bags were moved downstream and then forgot to look for it as we left. It wasn't there when Baz went back for it this evening so we must presume a kindly soul disposed of it on our behalf.

The list of emails above is a bit thin - people certainly on task but we don't have emails for them all, e.g. Barbara & Derek. Please forward to anyone you see is missing from our list.

See you soon

Jane & Baz (irresponsible dog minders)

Hi Jane & Baz & fellow Voles

Lola's bag was there when I came back to get my water/tea.

Anyway what a day, even though the gang finished earlier than usual it was just as well. It was boiling hot and very sticky. You were all a bit smelly too but you were magnificent in victory. I shall not forget Jim's giant leap and wrestle with several big stands of HB across a ditch filled mainly with un-fathomed amounts of ooze covered by a layer of Equisetum (Horsetail) or hearing about Jim's vanishing into another pool where they had to call the RNLI to drag him ashore. Or the happy look on Merv's face relating the joy of submerging into the same primordiall ooze or Dave & others who gallantly waded from Flitton Bridge toend of the track. Then there was Maryla, determined to get her full wack of HB in the 1&1/2 hours available to he, roped on a very steep bank grabbing each plant with a wicked glee, take that you naughty naughty HB you. Well you get my drift, the Voles were down and dirty but unbowed.

A bit of the atmosphere in my snaps at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/

Sadly we had to say farewell to Andrew who has moved on to pastures drier than Flitton Moor.

Take care & see you next week?

JP (Pitzy)

GST day at Flitton Moor removing Himalayan Balsam 18/7/2017 TL0536

Subject: Next Tuesday's Task

Hi All,

I hope you’ve all stopped itching from the nettle stings on Tuesday!

Next Week’s task will be balsam pulling downstream from Flitton Moor and will be led by Andrew (his last day). The site is accessible from Flitton Moor, so meet at the barn at Flitton Moor at 10am (map attached).

The good news is that there are nowhere near as many nettles as at Sandy Smith but there is plenty of balsam and it’s along steep-sided river/ditch banks and the only way to deal with it will be to get in! Fortunately, the water doesn’t look too deep!

Andrew will bring waders to the task but it might be a good idea if everyone could bring wellies – there might be some areas where wellies might be better than cumbersome waders.

There will also be some brush-cutting.

Regards,

Tim

Hello balsam pullers

A thank you from us to whoever removed the doggy doo doo bag on our behalf. We lost track of it when the bags were moved downstream and then forgot to look for it as we left. It wasn't there when Baz went back for it this evening so we must presume a kindly soul disposed of it on our behalf.

The list of emails above is a bit thin - people certainly on task but we don't have emails for them all, e.g. Barbara & Derek. Please forward to anyone you see is missing from our list.

See you soon

Jane & Baz (irresponsible dog minders)

Hi Jane & Baz & fellow Voles

Lola's bag was there when I came back to get my water/tea.

Anyway what a day, even though the gang finished earlier than usual it was just as well. It was boiling hot and very sticky. You were all a bit smelly too but you were magnificent in victory. I shall not forget Jim's giant leap and wrestle with several big stands of HB across a ditch filled mainly with un-fathomed amounts of ooze covered by a layer of Equisetum (Horsetail) or hearing about Jim's vanishing into another pool where they had to call the RNLI to drag him ashore. Or the happy look on Merv's face relating the joy of submerging into the same primordiall ooze or Dave & others who gallantly waded from Flitton Bridge toend of the track. Then there was Maryla, determined to get her full wack of HB in the 1&1/2 hours available to he, roped on a very steep bank grabbing each plant with a wicked glee, take that you naughty naughty HB you. Well you get my drift, the Voles were down and dirty but unbowed.

A bit of the atmosphere in my snaps at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/

Sadly we had to say farewell to Andrew who has moved on to pastures drier than Flitton Moor.

Take care & see you next week?

JP (Pitzy)

GST day at Maulden Heath 11th August 2015 TL0638

Date:Aug 12 2015, 10:18 AM

Subject:

Maulden Heath 11/8/2015

Show full header

Hi Tim

Would you pass on to Voles that Tuesday's photos are on flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/19872729294/ and use the right arrow on the right of the

photo for from there..

An interesting day with E Voles, a delayed start while we waited for a kazy lorry to exit Green End Lane. Then quickly to the SSSI field to attack the old foe Mr

Bracken. "It just came apart in my hands" Spencer had also had a bit of problem withe mower, the gears were stuck in 2nd :). In amazingly short order the hillside

was cut, raked and stacked in piles. We also had 2 brush cutters in action and by first tea break the south half was complete and by lunch tea call the whole task

finished. Luckily the weather was kind, dry a moderate temp but a tad humid. It was perfect for my bug snapping and this time there were a several pretty subjects

(TWF withe last doughnut- I suggested he take it home to Audrey but apparently she prefers a sensible diet". Believe that if you will.

We missed several of our comedic fellows, Hotrod, Malcolm and Suzy Y and hope Andy is OK.

We had another welcome visit from Sue Raven (she had had a whispers of custard doughnuts).

After lunch the lads went to the east heath to attack bracken there but by 3pm they were finished and Tim was taking the mower to the knackers yard for repair.

See you next week at DENR where the grass is as high as an elephants eye. All we now need is a glorious day to go with it. After I left MH I slipped into DENR for a

short wander. It is very dry and quiet, hardly any damsels or butterflies (though I did see another Painted Lady)and no dragons or

Cheers

JP

PS Rare breed meat (call Kate 07789902708 email kate.knox@rocketmail.com for meat orders.

Hi James/Tim

Would you pass on to Voles that Tuesday's photos are on flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/20327351871/ and use the right arrow on the right of the

photo for from there.

It was good to meet up on Saturday at a BNHS event at HRQ an old Vole Liz Wade and catch up on events after she left us many moons ago.

Would also pass on my best wishes and thanks for those lovely lemon and coffee sponges to Audrey who was celebrating her 84th birthday with us.

It was another fine but cool & blustery day so photography of little creatures was tad difficult.

We had a welcome visit from Sue Raven (she had had a whispers of cakes) and Tim too.

At one point Dikkun arrived to tend his cattle and we learned a lot about his rare breeds and the meat he markets (call Kate 07789902708 email

kate.knox@rocketmail.com for meat orders. We learned that some of his breed were frisky and others more docile.

Cheers

JP

========================================

Message Received: Aug 05 2015, 09:00 AM

From: "James Walker"

To: "Tim Spencer" , "Ann de Winter" , "bazbreed@hotmail.com" , "Colin

Atkins" , "Colin Carpenter

(colincarpenter@btinternet.com)" , "Dave Clarke"

, "Helen Gebler (hgebler@talktalk.net)" , "Jane Breed (janebreed@hotmail.com)" ,

"'John Buxton'" , "John

Pitts (john@pitts26.freeserve.co.uk)" , "'Kelvin Horton'"

, "Malcolm Willis" , "Malcolm Willis" , "Maryla Carter"

, "Roger Christopher" , "'Ros Blevins'" , "Sue Young

(grahamyoung1942@gmail.com)" , "Tim

Chamen (Tim.Chamen@btclick.com)"

Cc:

Subject: RE: Thanks and Next Week's Task

Hi everyone,

Many thanks to all who attended yesterday, we certainly put a big dent in the amount of balsam and Ragwort. I will send out any Otter videos we get from the camera

trap in a few weeks time if successful. Next weeks task is bracken pulling at Maulden Heath with Tim, meeting at the usual time. I will see you all hopefully at Ruxox

on the 28th of this month.

Thanks again,

James

________________________________

From: Tim Spencer

Sent: 29 July 2015 09:18

To: Ann de Winter; bazbreed@hotmail.com; Colin Atkins; Colin Carpenter (colincarpenter@btinternet.com); Dave Clarke; Helen Gebler (hgebler@talktalk.net); Jane

Breed (janebreed@hotmail.com); 'John Buxton'; John Pitts (john@pitts26.freeserve.co.uk); 'Kelvin Horton'; Malcolm Willis; Malcolm Willis; Maryla Carter; Roger

Christopher; 'Ros Blevins'; Sue Young (grahamyoung1942@gmail.com); Tim Chamen (Tim.Chamen@btclick.com)

Subject: Thanks and Next Week's Task

Dear All,

Many thanks to those of you who came down to Maulden Church Meadow yesterday; disposing of the ruined hay was a slightly dispiriting task but it least it was

accomplished quite quickly. Thanks as well to those who came back to the Working Woodland Centre afterwards to help with a bit of cutting and raking.

Next week’s task is at Sandy Smith with James. The task will be pulling balsam and, depending upon the extent of the balsam, some ragwort; meet at the main

entrance at 10am as usual (map attached).

Just a reminder about the Friends of Ampthill Park task this Saturday (1st); meet John Fensom at Steppingley Hospital at 10am if you wish to go along.

Regards,

Tim

GST day at Flitton Moor removing Himalayan Balsam 18/7/2017 TL0536

Subject: Next Tuesday's Task

Hi All,

I hope you’ve all stopped itching from the nettle stings on Tuesday!

Next Week’s task will be balsam pulling downstream from Flitton Moor and will be led by Andrew (his last day). The site is accessible from Flitton Moor, so meet at the barn at Flitton Moor at 10am (map attached).

The good news is that there are nowhere near as many nettles as at Sandy Smith but there is plenty of balsam and it’s along steep-sided river/ditch banks and the only way to deal with it will be to get in! Fortunately, the water doesn’t look too deep!

Andrew will bring waders to the task but it might be a good idea if everyone could bring wellies – there might be some areas where wellies might be better than cumbersome waders.

There will also be some brush-cutting.

Regards,

Tim

Hello balsam pullers

A thank you from us to whoever removed the doggy doo doo bag on our behalf. We lost track of it when the bags were moved downstream and then forgot to look for it as we left. It wasn't there when Baz went back for it this evening so we must presume a kindly soul disposed of it on our behalf.

The list of emails above is a bit thin - people certainly on task but we don't have emails for them all, e.g. Barbara & Derek. Please forward to anyone you see is missing from our list.

See you soon

Jane & Baz (irresponsible dog minders)

Hi Jane & Baz & fellow Voles

Lola's bag was there when I came back to get my water/tea.

Anyway what a day, even though the gang finished earlier than usual it was just as well. It was boiling hot and very sticky. You were all a bit smelly too but you were magnificent in victory. I shall not forget Jim's giant leap and wrestle with several big stands of HB across a ditch filled mainly with un-fathomed amounts of ooze covered by a layer of Equisetum (Horsetail) or hearing about Jim's vanishing into another pool where they had to call the RNLI to drag him ashore. Or the happy look on Merv's face relating the joy of submerging into the same primordiall ooze or Dave & others who gallantly waded from Flitton Bridge toend of the track. Then there was Maryla, determined to get her full wack of HB in the 1&1/2 hours available to he, roped on a very steep bank grabbing each plant with a wicked glee, take that you naughty naughty HB you. Well you get my drift, the Voles were down and dirty but unbowed.

A bit of the atmosphere in my snaps at www.flickr.com/photos/pitzys_pyx/

Sadly we had to say farewell to Andrew who has moved on to pastures drier than Flitton Moor.

Take care & see you next week?

JP (Pitzy)

GST Voles day at Sandy Smith NR 7/3/2017

Mr T.: (rummaging in the back of the land rover).

Okay we haven't had a task in the Wet Fen before so before we start I just need to explain a few things. Firstly as you can see it's very wet here at the entrance so I will not be taking the land rover in. We will have to carry everything in from here. I want four of you strimming the few sparce areas of rushes to the right hand side and one of you mowing a few clearings on the left hand side. The rest of you can help me clear away various metal rubbish in the copse area and then start raking and forking up what's been cut. There are some drag bags here for you. Plus I shall be cutting down a small birch tree which can be cut up and burnt. So I'll need you to take......

Mr. T. turns around to see he is by himself, the voles having walked off into the distance, (well this is SSNR and we always walk off into the distance).

A little later in camp.

Mr. T.: Are you okay to strim *****? (name removed for legal reasons). Just make sure you don't break anything. Are you okay to use the mower ^^^^? (name removed for same reasons). Just make sure you don't break anything.

Right, I just need to go back and get a few things that you lot 'forgot' to bring over with you.

Mr T. returns.

*****: The strimmer's broke.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get the tools to mend it for you.

Mr. T. returns.

^^^^: The mower's broke.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get the tools to mend it for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Anon.: We haven't got any forks.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get them for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Another Anon.: We need drag bags.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get them for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Yet another Anon.: Must be time for a tea break.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get my bag.

The voles settle down for a drink and a few cakes.

Anon anon anon.: Who's going to tell Mr. T. he's forgotten the donuts?

Sobbing could be heard in the distance.

Some time later on this long, drawn out morning.

Mr. T.: It's no good, the rushes are too damp to burn, we'll have to drag them into the copse and pile them there.

Mr. T. walks away.

^^^^, (don't worry Clarkie, no one will know it's you), immediately strips to the waist, covers his chest in cow dung, (last week's having dried out and beginning to flake off), turns and spits into the northeast wind. Rubbing the spittle off his face he calls out to Logi, the Norse god of fire. "Hey up lad we could do with a bit of help down here." So saying he sets light to a box of fire lighters and throws them into the smouldering embers. Flames immediately rise into the bright blue sky as the fire worshipper dances a merry jig and begins to feed the flames.

And so to lunch.

Mr. T.: No more cutting now we just need to rake up what's been cut and either burn it or pile it in the copse.

Volunteer Warden (no experience necessary): Nah, we can strim loads more, there's plenty of time.

Mr. T.: No, we need to let the fire burn down before we leave tonight.

Volunteer Warden (no experience attained): Nah, we'll have finished in half an hour.

Two hours later.

Mr. T.: Most people have left, how is the fire?

Volunteer Warden (basically no experience full stop): (kicking mud onto the flames) Nearly out, could have cut loads more. Gets dark quickly these nights doesn't it?

Any resemblance to the truth is purely coincidental and has nothing to do with the perpetrator of Myths and Legends in Bedfordshire, (out of print).

Thank you to everyone who came along and dragged their heels, ankles, toes, etc. in the mud. Special thanks to those who kept pulling Wendy out of the deep bits. Nice to see Maryla back with us for a short while (obviously having to build up to it again).

Malcolm

2015.11.15 Babimost - Sorella Poznań - Maryla Tomecka, Artur Reut

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

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

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 Sandy Smith NR 7/3/2017

Mr T.: (rummaging in the back of the land rover).

Okay we haven't had a task in the Wet Fen before so before we start I just need to explain a few things. Firstly as you can see it's very wet here at the entrance so I will not be taking the land rover in. We will have to carry everything in from here. I want four of you strimming the few sparce areas of rushes to the right hand side and one of you mowing a few clearings on the left hand side. The rest of you can help me clear away various metal rubbish in the copse area and then start raking and forking up what's been cut. There are some drag bags here for you. Plus I shall be cutting down a small birch tree which can be cut up and burnt. So I'll need you to take......

Mr. T. turns around to see he is by himself, the voles having walked off into the distance, (well this is SSNR and we always walk off into the distance).

A little later in camp.

Mr. T.: Are you okay to strim *****? (name removed for legal reasons). Just make sure you don't break anything. Are you okay to use the mower ^^^^? (name removed for same reasons). Just make sure you don't break anything.

Right, I just need to go back and get a few things that you lot 'forgot' to bring over with you.

Mr T. returns.

*****: The strimmer's broke.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get the tools to mend it for you.

Mr. T. returns.

^^^^: The mower's broke.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get the tools to mend it for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Anon.: We haven't got any forks.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get them for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Another Anon.: We need drag bags.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get them for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Yet another Anon.: Must be time for a tea break.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get my bag.

The voles settle down for a drink and a few cakes.

Anon anon anon.: Who's going to tell Mr. T. he's forgotten the donuts?

Sobbing could be heard in the distance.

Some time later on this long, drawn out morning.

Mr. T.: It's no good, the rushes are too damp to burn, we'll have to drag them into the copse and pile them there.

Mr. T. walks away.

^^^^, (don't worry Clarkie, no one will know it's you), immediately strips to the waist, covers his chest in cow dung, (last week's having dried out and beginning to flake off), turns and spits into the northeast wind. Rubbing the spittle off his face he calls out to Logi, the Norse god of fire. "Hey up lad we could do with a bit of help down here." So saying he sets light to a box of fire lighters and throws them into the smouldering embers. Flames immediately rise into the bright blue sky as the fire worshipper dances a merry jig and begins to feed the flames.

And so to lunch.

Mr. T.: No more cutting now we just need to rake up what's been cut and either burn it or pile it in the copse.

Volunteer Warden (no experience necessary): Nah, we can strim loads more, there's plenty of time.

Mr. T.: No, we need to let the fire burn down before we leave tonight.

Volunteer Warden (no experience attained): Nah, we'll have finished in half an hour.

Two hours later.

Mr. T.: Most people have left, how is the fire?

Volunteer Warden (basically no experience full stop): (kicking mud onto the flames) Nearly out, could have cut loads more. Gets dark quickly these nights doesn't it?

Any resemblance to the truth is purely coincidental and has nothing to do with the perpetrator of Myths and Legends in Bedfordshire, (out of print).

Thank you to everyone who came along and dragged their heels, ankles, toes, etc. in the mud. Special thanks to those who kept pulling Wendy out of the deep bits. Nice to see Maryla back with us for a short while (obviously having to build up to it again).

Malcolm

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 Sandy Smith NR 7/3/2017

Mr T.: (rummaging in the back of the land rover).

Okay we haven't had a task in the Wet Fen before so before we start I just need to explain a few things. Firstly as you can see it's very wet here at the entrance so I will not be taking the land rover in. We will have to carry everything in from here. I want four of you strimming the few sparce areas of rushes to the right hand side and one of you mowing a few clearings on the left hand side. The rest of you can help me clear away various metal rubbish in the copse area and then start raking and forking up what's been cut. There are some drag bags here for you. Plus I shall be cutting down a small birch tree which can be cut up and burnt. So I'll need you to take......

Mr. T. turns around to see he is by himself, the voles having walked off into the distance, (well this is SSNR and we always walk off into the distance).

A little later in camp.

Mr. T.: Are you okay to strim *****? (name removed for legal reasons). Just make sure you don't break anything. Are you okay to use the mower ^^^^? (name removed for same reasons). Just make sure you don't break anything.

Right, I just need to go back and get a few things that you lot 'forgot' to bring over with you.

Mr T. returns.

*****: The strimmer's broke.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get the tools to mend it for you.

Mr. T. returns.

^^^^: The mower's broke.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get the tools to mend it for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Anon.: We haven't got any forks.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get them for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Another Anon.: We need drag bags.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get them for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Yet another Anon.: Must be time for a tea break.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get my bag.

The voles settle down for a drink and a few cakes.

Anon anon anon.: Who's going to tell Mr. T. he's forgotten the donuts?

Sobbing could be heard in the distance.

Some time later on this long, drawn out morning.

Mr. T.: It's no good, the rushes are too damp to burn, we'll have to drag them into the copse and pile them there.

Mr. T. walks away.

^^^^, (don't worry Clarkie, no one will know it's you), immediately strips to the waist, covers his chest in cow dung, (last week's having dried out and beginning to flake off), turns and spits into the northeast wind. Rubbing the spittle off his face he calls out to Logi, the Norse god of fire. "Hey up lad we could do with a bit of help down here." So saying he sets light to a box of fire lighters and throws them into the smouldering embers. Flames immediately rise into the bright blue sky as the fire worshipper dances a merry jig and begins to feed the flames.

And so to lunch.

Mr. T.: No more cutting now we just need to rake up what's been cut and either burn it or pile it in the copse.

Volunteer Warden (no experience necessary): Nah, we can strim loads more, there's plenty of time.

Mr. T.: No, we need to let the fire burn down before we leave tonight.

Volunteer Warden (no experience attained): Nah, we'll have finished in half an hour.

Two hours later.

Mr. T.: Most people have left, how is the fire?

Volunteer Warden (basically no experience full stop): (kicking mud onto the flames) Nearly out, could have cut loads more. Gets dark quickly these nights doesn't it?

Any resemblance to the truth is purely coincidental and has nothing to do with the perpetrator of Myths and Legends in Bedfordshire, (out of print).

Thank you to everyone who came along and dragged their heels, ankles, toes, etc. in the mud. Special thanks to those who kept pulling Wendy out of the deep bits. Nice to see Maryla back with us for a short while (obviously having to build up to it again).

Malcolm

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.

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 Sandy Smith NR 7/3/2017

Mr T.: (rummaging in the back of the land rover).

Okay we haven't had a task in the Wet Fen before so before we start I just need to explain a few things. Firstly as you can see it's very wet here at the entrance so I will not be taking the land rover in. We will have to carry everything in from here. I want four of you strimming the few sparce areas of rushes to the right hand side and one of you mowing a few clearings on the left hand side. The rest of you can help me clear away various metal rubbish in the copse area and then start raking and forking up what's been cut. There are some drag bags here for you. Plus I shall be cutting down a small birch tree which can be cut up and burnt. So I'll need you to take......

Mr. T. turns around to see he is by himself, the voles having walked off into the distance, (well this is SSNR and we always walk off into the distance).

A little later in camp.

Mr. T.: Are you okay to strim *****? (name removed for legal reasons). Just make sure you don't break anything. Are you okay to use the mower ^^^^? (name removed for same reasons). Just make sure you don't break anything.

Right, I just need to go back and get a few things that you lot 'forgot' to bring over with you.

Mr T. returns.

*****: The strimmer's broke.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get the tools to mend it for you.

Mr. T. returns.

^^^^: The mower's broke.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get the tools to mend it for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Anon.: We haven't got any forks.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get them for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Another Anon.: We need drag bags.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get them for you.

Mr. T. returns.

Yet another Anon.: Must be time for a tea break.

Mr. T.: Right, I just need to go back and get my bag.

The voles settle down for a drink and a few cakes.

Anon anon anon.: Who's going to tell Mr. T. he's forgotten the donuts?

Sobbing could be heard in the distance.

Some time later on this long, drawn out morning.

Mr. T.: It's no good, the rushes are too damp to burn, we'll have to drag them into the copse and pile them there.

Mr. T. walks away.

^^^^, (don't worry Clarkie, no one will know it's you), immediately strips to the waist, covers his chest in cow dung, (last week's having dried out and beginning to flake off), turns and spits into the northeast wind. Rubbing the spittle off his face he calls out to Logi, the Norse god of fire. "Hey up lad we could do with a bit of help down here." So saying he sets light to a box of fire lighters and throws them into the smouldering embers. Flames immediately rise into the bright blue sky as the fire worshipper dances a merry jig and begins to feed the flames.

And so to lunch.

Mr. T.: No more cutting now we just need to rake up what's been cut and either burn it or pile it in the copse.

Volunteer Warden (no experience necessary): Nah, we can strim loads more, there's plenty of time.

Mr. T.: No, we need to let the fire burn down before we leave tonight.

Volunteer Warden (no experience attained): Nah, we'll have finished in half an hour.

Two hours later.

Mr. T.: Most people have left, how is the fire?

Volunteer Warden (basically no experience full stop): (kicking mud onto the flames) Nearly out, could have cut loads more. Gets dark quickly these nights doesn't it?

Any resemblance to the truth is purely coincidental and has nothing to do with the perpetrator of Myths and Legends in Bedfordshire, (out of print).

Thank you to everyone who came along and dragged their heels, ankles, toes, etc. in the mud. Special thanks to those who kept pulling Wendy out of the deep bits. Nice to see Maryla back with us for a short while (obviously having to build up to it again).

Malcolm

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

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