Category: Monday Working Group

Twelve of us met at the new store for the first time today, and began a new era in Monday Group history. Most of the morning was spent looking at various options to use the space, then using ‘donated’ palettes, we went part way to constructing a safe way to store the wood inside. Some of us did go off to do various small jobs as well: 1. The Jubilee Tree had lost its anchoring so, using some old luggage straps, this was replaced 2. The stile into the Abbey grounds had become covered, we trimmed this back.  3. The

Twelve of us met our local Ranger today at the Barn. He had brought a Trailer, which in two loads, took all our worldly goods to the new store. We then began the process of putting it all in. This is obviously going to be a work-in-progress and ideas on how best to utilise the space would be welcome.  The Bird Ringing Group had got there before us and stored some of their equipment under the container. We have no idea how they got there so fast!  The Ranger has also done more strimming around the Driving Range and Little Wood

Sixteen folk in all, including a family member on a UK visit, finished up in Carole’s Copse and cleared away the encroaching bracken and cleared around the smaller saplings.  Most are now mature enough not to need this. We still need to return and clear the encroaching brambles and tidy the edges of the thistle patch.  A few of us initially went to the container and decided which lock we needed as extra security and looked at the options for storage. This is where the additional member came in, as he uses containers in Hawaii as part of his business

On the hottest Monday in 2025 so far, thirteen workers turned out. With the new Container in place, we decided to go there and consider the logistics of using it. Measurements and ideas were floated and it became clear we could use some shelving and hanging aids. These will be discussed with the Treasurer. Security was another issue and I will be contacting the Committee over this. Two of us did go to the Orchard and watered the Trees there as well.

Eight of the Monday Group, together with a member of the local  Rotary Club, met at the banks of the River Sheaf below Twentywell Lane.  Undeterred by the initial heavy rain, they began pulling up the Himalayan Balsam. An exact count was not made, but estimates appeared to show we had pulled at least 4,500 by morning break. Two members who were both involved with last year’s pulling, agreed the growth was less than in 2024. As many will know there is an old fairground ‘boat’ abandoned on the banks of the Sheaf, which we used as our base. As the

In preparation for the new container, which is arriving June 25th, the seven that turned up today went to the site. Two railway sleepers had been delivered, which were laid , as per specifications given by the Ranger, in readiness for the container to be placed on top. They were extremely heavy, so we utilised some fencing poles as rollers. After our break, in glorious sunshine, we began dock pulling. We also used the new mower for the first time, to clear the path to the Seats.

Ten of us arrived today and as the mower delivery was delayed we split into small groups. Three groups surveyed the area around the Hall grounds and Ladies Spring Wood, looking for work that was required to maintain the area. Another group went to the pond and put a length of wood in one corner [see photo], where the public are leaning on the wire fence and pushing it down . The wood will give them something to lean on and preserve the wire. At 11-30 our mower was delivered and we were given a demonstration on how to use it.

Eight of us arrived today and began by welcoming a new member to the Group. Two went off to Norton to look at a mower we have been offered by SCC. It is OK, and will be delivered next Monday at 9-30 and we will be given training by a Council employee, at the same time.  The other six went up to the Driving Range Path and cleared the sides of weeds and grass, which were obscuring the route around. We could do more in this area, including widening the path. Maybe the new Mower could be utilised. During our

On a warm, sunny morning, nine members of the group turned out at the Barn. We identified two tasks that meant both groups could meet up for elevenses. So: The Cobbled Path was swept of dried leaves. 3 Steps were replaced on the Holly Path.   We also received briefing from the Council Ranger: The container issue is still ongoing and hopefully some news shortly. He would like to arrange a walk around the BEG area, to update the Management Plan The brambles, where we cleared the holly on Little Wood Bank, are starting to take hold. With his help,

Nine members met at the Barn on a very warm and sunny May morning.  The task was to clear grass around the saplings in the area by the Council wood store.  The spring sunshine has given a surge to grass and weed growth there.  After our break we went to the orchard where similar trimming was conducted and water carried (thanks to use of as  allotment source) to give the fruit trees and some of the small saplings in the “tree nursery” a much needed drink.  

On a cool but sunny morning twelve workers arrived. The first job was to move the newly delivered timber order into the Barn. Four of us of us joined two members of the Community Forestry team and some Greener Greenhill volunteers to plant and mulch 140 new Whips in Stone Cross Field. The rest went to the Nature Park and worked in the orchard cutting back overgrown brambles and saplings that were encroaching on the fruit and nut trees.Brambles were also cleared from around the Jubilee Tree which  is growing well and looking healthy. It is beginning to lean noticeably

All the eleven folk who arrived today, went up to the Orchard. Initially, four of us planted some small trees that someone had left in pots in the Tree Nursery . They were added to the ones by the security fence. They then joined the others cutting back the growth at the back of the Orchard, where we had planted the nut trees. In the 10 years they have been there many had been hidden by brambles and other undergrowth.   During this activity, the two original labels in the photograph were found. The apple could be anyone of a number of trees,