Shropshire and Staffordshire National Trust Volunteers

Fireworks, cake, a bit of cutting and burning and a chance to catch up with returning Group members – this weekend it was a three-day bonfire extravaganza only briefly interrupted by a bit of work and periodic heavy rain showers as the Group returned to Dudmaston, overnighting in the Mose bunkhouse.

There was all sorts – a chance to catch up with faces who don’t make it out to workdays every Sunday, but who make a special effort around November 5^th; more TLC on those broadleaf and evergreen saplings which SSNTV planted last winter; burgers & sausages, pulled pork, wine, beer and home-brew; all liberally doused with a few downpours – the latter which didn’t put off all those who came out on Saturday night to see fireworks in the rain. 

…Oh yes, and a special new Dudmaston forest project with Ben – more on that at a later date – save to say he spent an informative time with long-serving John W.

Saplings are all checked over now – at least for another year.  So when they weren’t slashing the brambles, SSNTV’ers were thinning the birch in the enclosures and removing damaged and dying trees, attacked by animals or by winds and winter weather.

Chairman Chris also managed to hand over some rewards and thank you’s for hours of long service to members of the Group.

Over the whole weekend many rolled up their sleeves and lent a hand – so there are lots of thank you’s to mention – weekend organiser Peter, seamlessly fitting it all together; shoppers for food; the firework expert (and his spreadsheet); workday leaders, especially Helen (who swapped to work in the rain); those who built the guy; ranger Mike (and Mrs Mike) for food and liquid supplies; SSNTV cake bakers; those challenged to light fireworks safely in the rain; the BBQ man; dedicated volunteers who cleaned the bunkhouse toilets; and all those others who just turned up and mucked in!

And as we left on the last day, the sun shone ……(well you know how the saying goes…)  Someone was smiling at our efforts!