We split into two groups today, some of the more experienced layers finished off the last of the improvers hedge, while the trainees were on the other side of the field on a rather nice double planted section.
Everyone turned up on time, and after the initial briefing we divided our trainees up into pairs allocated them a trainer and set off.
Our new society tools (Donated by Alan Ashby, and refurbished by "theludite" (http://www.theluddite.com/) were divvied up amongst the senior members for use by their trainees. The homework task of course was to sharpen and make tool covers, no pressure there then.
We seem to have picked up a pretty good set of students this year as they all seemed to be getting on very well, and following the instructions issued. We were fortunate to have Alan Ashby acting as a sort of mobile expert offering wise words, and the odd bit of billhook work. Our other mobile expert was of course our esteemed chairman Phil Hart who also made a point of demonstrating heal removal with an axe/billhook so the trainees could see what they were aiming for.
Most of the students had finished pleaching by lunch time, so we adjourned to a nice cozy barn for some very fine soup, and sossies in rolls, washed down with cake and chockie bikkies.
After lunch we finished off the stakes and binders.
It has to be said that some of the stake lines were very good, so for a first attempt we should be expecting some pretty impressive results at the Improvers day next year. Hopefully a few will stick with the society and try their hands at the competitions.
Pictures as always:
photos.app.goo.gl/x5X1cu741kZtSYRo8