St George’s Day Village Clean Up.

On a dull and drizzly St George’s Day about a dozen villagers turned out to help with the Second Annual Village Clean Up. Our PCSO Paul Weston also turned up to help with the collection. One group proceeded to the bottom of Bayford Lane, whilst a second group set off towards the station. As the drizzle eased, Bayford Green and Ashendene Rd/White Stubbs Lane were tackled, the latter being particularly productive. A further group cleared the brambles around the pond and the weeds from in front of the playground. This area is looking very neat now after the pollarding of the willows.

Sue Latham won the prize for the most useful piece of litter; a £10 note! The prize is, of course, a chance to come back next year. Sue also was awarded the prize for the most socially significant item; ‘a bong’. (Same prize). We also found four tyres near the station, complete with wheels, but PC Weston said it might contravene certain Traffic Acts if one had them fitted.

The fact that the amount of rubbish collected was only about a quarter the size of last year’s haul shows that the event is worthwhile and the Parish looks a lot better for its removal.

I’m sure all Parishioners join with me in thanking all those who braved the drizzle, speeding cars and thorns and particularly George Rowley for organising the event and obtaining the safety equipment.