The work Party on Saturday 11th June was a welcome return to ‘normal’ as we were able to notify the whole membership and ask if they would like to join us on the day. Over the last two and a half years due to the pandemic we have been either not operating at all or with individuals/minimum numbers. A very good turnout of volunteers split into several groups and took on a variety of tasks. A local East Leake resident kindly donated trays of wild primroses which have been planted along Sculpture Alley (between the mill stone sculpture and the Arboretum). There are two blocks of primroses with a low ‘hedge’ of branches to try to protect them while they get established. So hopefully in a few years’ time we will have bluebells and wild primroses established along this walk way. Other tasks included weaving/light pruning of the willow structure near the Bateman Road entrance and the willow tunnels near the brook. Willow was cut and added to the store for possible willow weaving by Forest School pupils. One group did some light pruning of the brambles, hawthorn and blackthorn that was encroaching on pathways and a general litter pick completed the day’s work. The pace of the work was quite sedentary so that people would catch up with fellow volunteers they might not have seen on a regular basis for some time.
New equipment
On the morning of 11th June we were able to use some of the new equipment provided by our Parish Council. Along with the Churchyard teams we approached the Parish Council for possible assistance to purchase several items of battery powered equipment to assist the two groups. We have been successful in this request and the Council have purchased equipment for both the Churchyard and FOMP as part of their climate policy.
Our equipment comprises of:
Multi tool power head
multi tool hedge trimmer
multi tool brush cutter leaf blower
along with associated batteries and chargers
This came to just over £1000 and we would like to give a big ‘thank you’ to our Parish Council
Lastly, I am sorry to have to end on a sad note but we have yet again had some vandalism in the park. Another tree has been stripped of its bark and will in due course die. We have had to cut down trees vandalised in a similar manner and it is very disheartening.
The Thursday strollers are enjoying walking in the park followed by a cup of tea or coffee. They meet at 1.30 pm by the Mill Stone sculpture. Everyone welcome, just come along.
If you want to find out more about the Friends of Meadow Park visit the village website and look under ‘organisations’ and download a membership form. We also have a Facebook page. Membership per year costs £3 for an individual or £5 for a household. Becoming a Friend of Meadow Park does not require you to take part in the work groups. The membership fees are used to purchase tools and equipment such as loppers and spades to enable the work groups to maintain the park.
