Wed 11th Sept 2024 - Barncourt Farm, Wroxall. GG # 998.

 Terry's Photographs.

The latest GG 'must-have' piece of kit, stool/backpack/cool bag 

combined (available from Argos, other retailers are available)

Alison's Editorial.

This week we were in Wroxall, based at Barn Court Farm.  We walked, via the footpaths, through to the land adjacent to the caravan park where there are a lot of self-seeded trees.  Amongst the trees are stands of our old favourite, Himalayan Balsam.  These areas were cut earlier in the season and as a result we had lots of tiny plants to pull.  It was hard work for our backs, but those with beautiful blue stool/backpack combos had comfy seats on which to rest.....

Many thanks to Alison for the words and Terry for the photographs.

Wed 4th Sept 2024 - St Olave's Church, Gatcome. GG # 997.

 Terry's Photographs.

A slow worm.

Sir Charles Seeley, a later owner of Gatcombe House and much of the Island, commissioned the large Memorial in the nave to his son Capt. Charles Grant Seeley. The sculpture is by Thomas Brock who sculpted the Memorial outside Buckingham Palace. This was his last commission and was unveiled in 1922 by Oueen Victoria's daughter HRH Princess Beatrice, Governor of The lsle of Wight.

The church has a large and very special East window and lancet windows in the Sanctuary, containing work by William Morris and the Pre Raphaelite artists.

Alison's Editorial.

This week we were at St Olave's Church, Gatcombe.  Our main task was to rake up all the cut grass in the graveyard.  This was then taken down to a compost area at the bottom of the site.  We worked primarily in the older part of the graveyard - some of the ancient tombstones were deciphered which led to some interesting conversations!  A small group of GG-ers also worked in the newer part of the graveyard clearing back brambles and undergrowth.

Towards the end of the session Revd Steve Sutcliffe joined us and kindly showed us the church.  It was dedicated in 1292 and has a considerable history - see link -

St Olaves Home Page

Revd Sutcliffe also told us about Lucy Lightfoot - see link - Lucy Lightfoot - Wikipedia

Many thanks to Alison for the editorial, Terry for the photographs and Sue for the historical notes.

Wed 28th Aug 2024 - Mountbatten Hospice, Newport. GG # 996.

 Terry's Photographs.

Alison's Editorial.

This week we were at a new venue - the Mountbatten Hospice in Newport.  This session was funded by Mark in memory of his dear Mum, as were the refreshments at breaktime - thank you, Mark.  We had a number of tasks to complete.  Along the entrance road there is a grassy bank which earlier in the season is full of wildflowers.  This had been mown and in order to weaken the grass growth and encourage the flowers we raked off the mown grass.  Overgrown brambles were cut back from the perimeter of the car park and the car park swept and tidied.  There is a children's play area and again, brambles and ivy were cut back from the fence so that they don't encroach on the area.  Finally, a courtyard area that is used primarily by the staff was weeded, swept and tidied.  A great session and a lot was accomplished.

The main public area in the garden had been at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2015 - see link

Chelsea Flower Show garden relocated to Isle of Wight Hospice - BBC News

Next week is at ANOTHER new venue - St Olave's Church in Gatcombe.

Many thanks to Alison for the words and to Terry for his  photographs.

Wed 21 Aug 2024 - Newclose Cricket Ground, Shide. GG # 995.

 Terry\s Photographs.

Alison's Editorial.

We were back at Newclose Cricket Ground this week for further Himalayan Balsam pulling.  We worked from the south of the woodland northwards.  Unfortunately, at the north end of the area we found huge stands of HB, seed pods maturing and popping merrily everywhere.  I think we'll be back again next year!  Refreshments were kindly provided by the cricket club.

Many thanks to Alison for the editorial and Terry for the photographs.