Wed 17th Dec 2014 - Shide Quarry, Newport.

Carrie's Photographs.

Sue's Photographs.

The work....

and The Party held afterwards.

Buddy demonstrating just how wet the quarry floor gets..

and his "Please give me a biscuit" look...!

Where was THE place to be on Wednesday morning this week? At the Green Gym Christmas Bash, held at Shide Quarry...!!! The overnight rain finally stopped around 10 o/c and the session was dry but overcast. Needless to say, the work had to be done before the party could get underway so it was loppers and saws at the ready and down the steps into the quarry. Nick, the ranger, already had a fire burning  to dispose of all the cuttings as we hacked away. The quarry floor can get very wet  and this encourages the willow to grow like crazy, needing yearly attention to keep it manageable. Fresh cuttings are not the easiest things to burn but Nick is an expert at getting a fire going, so we were soon dodging the airborne burning embers that make such a good job of "aerating" fleecy jackets! With a considerable area cut down and on the bonfire, it was soon time for the festivities to commence. The "food fairies" had made a beautiful job of erecting the gazebo and tables - all laden with yummy Yuletide fare. Many thanks to all those who brought along the food, especially Geoff who spent hours cooking all the jacket potatoes for us.....!

As another GG year draws to a close, I am sure that you will all join me in thanking Mark and the committee for all the hard work they do on our behalf. Our 2015 sessions will start on Wed 7th Jan 2015 - the new programme will be published on the web site soon - see you all there!

Many thanks to Sue and Carrie for the photographs this week.

All that is left is for me, Bob the Blog (and Buddy), to wish you all a VERY

and all the best for 2015!