It was just about twelve months ago that a small band of Ewden volunteers and members from the Steel Valley project planted 350 hawthorn “whips” provided by Sheffield City Council, filling in the gaps along the hedgerow that borders the bridleway, alongside Broomhead Reservoir. A recent walk, between snow showers, revealed these little twigs showing green buds and every sign that they have survived thus far.
I wrote in last year’s February’s Village Life, that our chief motive for entering Yorkshire In Bloom, is to keep the village as attractive and well maintained as we possibly can but that the pleasure and satisfaction of working with friends and neighbours, in a common cause that improves the surroundings for everyone, is beyond price or prizes. With this in mind and after much deliberation on the part of those who have been most involved with our entry to Yorkshire in Bloom, the members of the In Bloom Forum have decided to take this year off from the competition. This will not make any difference to the planting and maintenance that is carried out in the village but will give us a break from having to meet judging deadlines and other organisational tasks. We will continue to support Sheffield City Council’s own “In Bloom” effort by encouraging as many local people as possible to enter this year’s Lord Mayor’s Award. If you are happy to keep your own garden neat and tidy, then do have a go at the competition. The application form is simple, taking part is little trouble and you don’t even have to be at home when the judges call although entrants are told when judges plan to visit. If you haven’t already got an application form one may be obtained by ringing 01142 736895. Anyone with a garden, patio, yard or garden visible from the road may enter. This is a free competition and the bonus is the continued support of Sheffield City Council and a more attractive environment for us all.
Bolsterstone’s first work morning this year will be held on Saturday, 21 March between 9.00 and 1.00. If you can help in anyway please come and join us. We have litter picking sticks, black plastic bags, gloves, sweeping brushes and hand shovels to lend out. We start at around 9.00 and will finish about 1.00 with a break at 11.00. Meet on the Community Garden or in the village itself – someone will be around to greet you.
Valley Community Day took place on Sunday, 15 March and included those who live on the hill! We joined an amazing number of local people representing their skills, interests and voluntary activities. We are incredibly fortunate to live in a place where so much is happening! While you are fit enough to do something there will always be something to do! Members of Bolsterstone Community Group took a display of photographs and awards illustrating our various activities as well as helping raise funds for future village projects by selling local cards and books with a percentage going towards the Group’s coffers and our own publication “Bolsterstone – In Living Memory”. The sale of the latter, since it was published in 2005, has already raised over £3500 and helped to pay for a dropped kerb outside the village hall as well as subsidising other maintenance work, our “In Bloom” efforts and general running costs. Our “offspring”, Bolsterstone Archaeology & Heritage Group, also provided a display depicting the Bolsterstone Castle Project which is just about coming to an end and of the new researches they have and hope to initiate.
Free membership of Bolsterstone Community Group is open to anyone who supports our aim. For further information please contact Group Chairperson, Frances Tivey on 01142 883390 or email bcg@bolsterstonevillage.fsnet.uk
Village Life March