2009 – November – Into Year 2 but still uphill

2009 – November – Into Year 2 but still uphill
At last month’s work parties, some of us had a lovely muddy time at Chalfont St Giles clearing a channel under the Pheasant Hill Bridge.  This activity involved lost drain-pipes, marooned footballs, an initially beautifully clean dog (whose owner had assumed they were out for a peaceful Sunday walk until Naomi introduced them to MRA), yards of rope and a new device best described as a “pick-rake”.   After this and Brian & Di’s intensive clearing and fish rescue downstream of Mill Farm, there was plenty of water to show off Gill & Rose’s handiwork past the church – a duck’s delight.  (Join us on Tuesday for more tall stories)



Gill & Rose woz ‘ere                                                                              Ducks vote for MRA
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However, life is full of disappointments!   Having flowed through Chalfont St Giles since we coaxed in the first trickle of the recharge last February, the river disappeared last week.  Maybe the promised raise this week, will help get us off to a good start next season.

Less transient is the work undertaken by the C St P contingent where, I hope, these “before and after” photos of the area by the Vic Wotton bridge give an impression of the improvements that have been made.


With a weedy fence                           Without a weedy fence
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All through the year, it has been great to receive so much support from everyone including, particularly, countless passers-by to these and similar projects.  It was therefore very encouraging that the Environment Agency opened our recent meeting with a statement confirming a policy aimed at preserving/enhancing the environment directly for the benefit of the people within it.   Nevertheless, their letter received yesterday, while providing some hopeful comments, indicates there is still an awfully long way to go before we can reach agreement on even an affordable study period!  

Meanwhile, we soldier on: –

a)  This Tuesday 3rd November = we look forward to seeing regulars and not so regulars for a drink and a natter (on all the above and the below) in the reserved bar area of the Three Pigeons Pub, Austenwood Lane, Chalfont St Peter.  (NOTE: NOT the Village Hall, this time)


b) Thursday 5th November = MRA meets the Chalfont St Peter Scouts

c) Wednesday 11th November = 2nd Steering Group Meeting of the Chiltern Society River Misbourne Project

d) Sunday 15th November = last working party of 2009 – details to follow next week but likely to include winter preparations to the Mill Leat at Chalfont St Giles.  

e) Thursday 10th December = MRA Christmas gathering – details to follow.

 

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