Firewood, Diaries and Phones
Aaaaaaaarrrgghhhh........I could swear!!
Why? Well, it's like this. Three times now my wonderful N96 mobile phone has let me down. Three times, and with the same problem. Each time it's the same response..."well sir, the new replacement you'll be receiving will have had all those types of glitches removed.....blah....blah...blah!!!"
They're not telling the truth me thinks. And now I find myself with the additional problem of not being able to get to my diary app' let alone actually see it! Damn, damn, damn, DAMN.
And, calm....my golden thread although momentarily severed has reattached itself allowing me to become truly centred yet again and formulate some kind of plan. If only I'd written it all down!
I know this is a lame hope but....., if anyone out there in Elmhamland who up til Christmas is expecting a lovely delivery of firewood logs, please could you contact me asap as I can't find who's expecting what and when. Honestly, this is not some kind of a cheap stab at an advertising campaign (ooooh, yes Mark, it makes you look so reliable!) But a last ditch attempt at saving the day in the face of such damn foolishness on my part. There, I've said it.
Community Farm News;
Anyway, back to the matters at hand...
On Friday 19th November, we took delivery of the first nine black piglets from Union Farm at Gressenhall Rural Life Museum. It was hands on deck and after a few hours, part of the small stock yard at Park Farm was; mucked out, swept, bales stacked and drains unblocked. Then, and great thanks to Marigold and Warren who's creation it undoubtedly is, the new pig pen took shape. Resplendent with gateway and fresh bedding ready for the off. The plan is to keep the pigs at the farm for six to eight weeks and then move them into either the orchard to help with clearing the roots of the bramble and 'old man's beard'. And/or, alternately down onto the Old Hall meadows very kindly tenured to us by Marigold and Mr Simon Thompson, to help with the clearance of docks prior to reinstating the meadow grass that has been overrun. That task should see the first usage of real horse power, as after the pigs have done their bit we can disc and harrow the soil back down using two heavy horses forming part of the five horse team belonging to Mr Joe Godderidge of Stanfield to create an even future pasture. Some of you may recognise the name as it's Joe who's the highly acclaimed heavy horse and livestock artist (find him at www.hossart.co.uk).
I'm really excited now, as with the orchard restoration underway and even a few pints of cider fermenting hopefully for the Yule celebration, the arrival of the piglets seems to yet again set another stone in the foundation of what I can only hope build and evolve into a great focal point for the community. I realise some people may be concerned about the organisation. All I can say is, please, just bear with us and all will become plain and hopefully transparent. Still though, any queries you may have, I will be happy to try and answer. Needless to say, a co-operative needs members if it is to succeed. So, likewise if you are interested in becoming a member contact me. Information on membership will hopefully hit the village website very soon and again within the hallowed pages of the Elmham News next month.
This kind of brings me nicely around to the point where I can remind and invite you to join us again in 'the Bramleys' for another bout of tree liberation. The date is set for Sunday 5th December. Bring a potato for baking and maybe a dish of something nice to share. Some work gloves, hand tools if you can, old clothes and stout boots as the saying goes! Hopefully we can clear another swathe between us all. Never know, it might even keep dry!
Till then, go easy.
Mark
Ed's note; The first Orchard Day was a splendid success and had a fantastic atmosphere. Men, women, children and dogs had an energetic but hugely satisfying day – good reports were in the EDP and Dereham Times and on the village website including brilliant photographs and a video shot by 2 local young men. Do go along.