Thankfully the day dawned dry and most were ready for the off at 8.15am. A minutes silence was observed for the sad recent passing of our President, Peter Tunks.
Once assembled in the wood, Tim gave a briefing about the desirable attributes of stakes and binders, having had a bad experience with poor stakes and binders at TD2. This is when Tim uttered the words – “ no noggins please “. For those unsure of what a noggin is , don’t use Google to look it up :-
1.a person's head.
"it hit him squarely on the noggin"
2.a small quantity of alcoholic drink, typically a quarter of a pint.
"I imagine you all go round to the pub afterwards for a quick noggin and a chat"
I think the term related to protruding knots / side shoots which need to be trimmed off to make the job of staking and binding easier.
Duly instructed the collective went about clear felling an area about the size of 2 tennis courts of moderately oversized hazel. Following discussions with the landowner , Mid Sussex District Council , burning of brash took place and soon a roaring and well fed fire was well alight. The burning of brash meant that a much tidier site than leaving brash piles.
It was great to see such a great variety of members at the event from seasoned regulars to 2019 novices. Pat and Peter won the longest drive to the event award having come down from Essex. Always interesting to observe how people work, each doing it in their own way and working in such a collaborative way. The 16 that attended included Phill H, Tim, John , Clive , Trevor, Steve, Alan, Mark, Natasha, Pat, Peter, Terry, Dave, Mark, Matthew, Mike and Emma.Many thanks to all who turned up.
In all 190 binders and 370 stakes were cut, bundled and transported , which means that with existing stocks there is enough material for the Improvers Day at Hastings on 4 January 2020.
All those who turned up to CD3 thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
The next coppicing day is at Blunts Wood is on 18 January and it would be wonderful to get an attendance of over 20.
Matthew Beard
Pictures of course:
photos.app.goo.gl/Ak5EHVrieh5VrXLA9