November's Work Diary

The main task for this month was work on Great Billing's War Memorial situated in the middle of the village in readiness for the annual Remembrance Day Parade. From an old photograph in the sports pavilion I could see there was some very striking sand stone walls that had been completly buried beneath years of ivy growth. Once I started trying to remove the ivy I realised what a huge task I had undertaken. Throughout the week I shifted about sixteen truck loads of the stuff and had a very close encounter with a huge wasp's nest. However by the end of the week most of the ivy had gone, the hedge had been pruned, roses pruned and spaces on the wall made for the forthcoming wreaths. The Parish Council recieved many favourable comments at the following meeting so it was a task well worthwhile completing.

A final cut of the grass was next on the agenda followed by planting of bulbs throughout the park, around the pavilion and the war memorial. Look out for about 400 mixed daffs, tulips, crocus, bluebells, narcissus, glory of the snow, and alliums. Along with around 500 daffodils planted by the Pocket Park volunteers there should be quite a display in the Spring.

The brambles at the bottom of the Leys were falling into the main footpath and were subject to a severe cut-back. Many trees at the bottom of the Leys had been subject to vandalism. Damaged branches and boughs were doctored as best as possible to prevent disease.

Some huge branches had been brought down onto the new corn meadow by Valley Road, it took nearly two days to cut and move. NBC tree department are aware of the state of the tree they fell from and will deal with it as soon as they can. The tree (salix) has also been sending out suckers into the meadow, I spent a morning digging them up before they got too large.

Many members of Barclaycard's staff had given up many lunch hours to build bird boxes to distribute to Pocket Parks throughout the County as part of their 'make a difference' project. We received five boxes which have been sited in the park. They have been numbered and will start of a new page on the web-site where we will monitor the boxes and report on occupancy.

The 'Billy Goat' outdoor vacuum has seen plenty of action clearing fallen leaves from paths.

Litter picking is a constant task concentrating on the park, Ecton Brook's RidgeWalk, Valley Rd paths by the shops and stream, Bellinge playing fields and the Leys. We also suffered a graffiti attack on the underpass of Great Billing Way and house walls in Snowbell Square, these were removed the day after being spotted.

A new cleaner, Charlotte, started in the pavilion this month and she is doing a splendid job cleaning the whole building from top to bottom. If anyone wishes to book the pavilion for an evening or weekend activity please contact David McKintosh, Clerk to the Parish, on 412329.

If anyone has any problems within the Parish where you think I can help or has any ideas for future projects please get in touch.

Contact Information:

Day-time Number: 01604 785447

Mobile: 07725856784