West
Vale Branch |
Finally, in May we have started to see dry, sunny weather reappear. This has lifted our spirits and given us new impetus to "get-on" despite the restrictions placed on us in response to the Foot & Mouth epidemic. On that subject, we are hearing that the closure of the footpaths and bridleways in our area is being lifted and things should start to return to normal soon.
Again this last month we have focused our attentions in the Canalside Park, just off Stainswick Lane, with keeping ahead of the fast growing grass and weeds a high priority. At our work party held on the 12th May, despite only having an unusually small team of three, we managed to give the whole area a quick "short back and sides". This has given the park a more ordered look but we have taken care not to overly disturb the "wilderness" area at the eastern end which we only occasionally cut with a strimmer when it gets too overgrown.
That same Saturday, we also removed an unsightly pile of broken concrete hardcore from the side of the car park. Some of this hardcore was used to fill in some very deep wheel ruts close to our containers, with the rest moved to a stockpile behind the container. The repaired wheel ruts have been covered with earth although some more work is needed to complete this at a later date. The pile of scalpings which was left over from the cemetery path was also moved from in the middle of the car park, to a storage area next to the containers so that they will be available for towpath repairs later in the year. So with only three volunteers we achieved a remarkable improvement to the park. We just hope that we don't suffer from the usual amount of vandalism which occurs at this time of year to the trees and shrubs which are starting to become quite substantial.
Hopefully the F&M restrictions will be lifted in time for our next work party, and enable us to clear the towpaths throughout the length of canal in our area. We hope to have a good turnout at the next work party on 16th June but more help is always appreciated. So if you want to join us, all are welcome.
For more information or to volunteer assistance please come along to one of our meetings held in the Shrivenham Bowls Club, Martens Road, on the second Wednesday of every month at 8 p.m. The next meeting on the 13th June, will also include the Branch AGM, which will be a good time to meet everyone. You will be made very welcome. Alternatively, ask any of the volunteers that you see working on the canal or park, they will be more than pleased to stop and talk!
Orph Mable - Branch Project Co-ordinator
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