Flexibility and adaptability that’s what makes a successful team….along with tasty bites to eat and some sunshine for encouragement…or so it seemed on Sunday.
Thanks to the gardens team at Shugborough, we were able to find a replacement slot in our summer calendar when another NT property could not find work for us this last weekend. So with a sunny day forecast the Group turned up expecting to wade in the canalised offshoots of the River Sow and pull weeds. But the previous week’s rains put paid to that – leaving the water levels too high, even for those prepared to wade up to their chests in the water.
Special thanks to Treasurer Peter who made the largely fruitless journey to collect the waders, only to end up spending the day weeding and pruning.
As a concession gardener Derek found a small patch of water for a couple of SSTV’ers to paddle in the muddy silt and pull weeds and shrubs around the Boathouse.
The rest of the group swapped their water-wear for thicker gloves and boots and started pulling out weeds and shrubs around the Tennis Court; and pruning shrubs near the Chinese bridge to improve the vistas.
Chief bonfire lighter Ron was even seen to smile and seemed to enjoy pulling weeds!
Then it was over to the Doric monument and a chance to practice real gardening skills, watched on by a large inquisitive public. Could the SSNTV’ers achieve a straight edge across the top of the young, developing holly hedge to meet the exacting requirements of workday leader Russell – the visitors seemed to think they passed!
With masses of visitors in close proximity it was a chance to turn PR men (and women) and sell the benefits of the green gym and the friendliness of the Group to all those who stopped and chatted. Perhaps we recruited a few more too for Caroline’s grey-shirted garden volunteers who were busy mowing away in the background,; or will do when people spot our new posters!
The sub-teams largely managed themselves. Lucy and Ann lead with advice on what was a weed and what a specimen plant.
Amongst all that there was some great chocolate cake for cake-o-clock elevenses – thanks to the photographer / baker and a lardy cake which appeared in the afternoon; along with an alleged home-made fruit cake from Head Gardener Caroline, which appeared in a convenient tea-shop wrapper, plus copious sweets and Gold bars for snacks.
We’re back in a few weeks when perhaps water levels will have fallen, giving everyone in the Group the chance to jump in the water and practising reed-pulling skills recently on display at Morville Hall. That’s after Bank Holiday, so for one weekend all SSTV’ers can have a restful weekend off – perhaps visiting a previous scene of their hard work courtesy of their volunteer cards – or if Bank Holiday weather permits, enjoy a trip to the seaside!
Shropshire and Staffordshire National Trust Volunteers 