- Frank found us an interesting hedge with plenty of challenges- old, brittle blackthorn/ hawthorn, a bit gappy.
- Despite the snow, around 20 cutters made it including Peter and Pat from Epping Forest, which was a great effort.
- Individuals (beer mats) were drawn out of a carrier bag with an even spread of abilities across the teams.
- Stakes and binders arrived a plenty and were taken to the hedge by the combined efforts of Bob , Tim and Phil
- The weather gods smiled on us with conditions being dry and at times sunny.
- As the piles of brash got bigger the mutterings and language of John got more fruity.
- The landowner, Charles, was very engaging and enthusiastic about our efforts and wants us back.
- Despite the challenges, the hedge was transformed into something of beauty/ use, with liberal use of chainsaws. Possibly not entirely stock-proof and some deadwood may have been put back in.
- 198 yards was done in all , which was a great effort by all the cutters
- On completion we retired to an outbuilding next to the main house and enjoyed a hearty and warming stew, bread and cakes put on by the catering team (Matthew , Kevin and Marcus).
- Charles said a few words and declared the President’s team the winner. Peter accepted the trophy and a bottle of red wine
- Phil concluded matters by thanking all and reminding us of the coppicing (9 Feb) and annual competition( 17 Feb).
It was great to see Roger back cutting, he produced a really quality section of hedge.
This event acts as reminder on how lucky the Society is to have the President and Chairman we have ; thank you Peter and Phil.
Pictures
https://photos.app.goo.gl/fH9i585Rj7wC9sLP7
Matthew