So after ‘Leaf are the best days of our life‘ and ‘the sequel’ we’ve been back to Ferndale School again to tackle a different project; clearing the area around the pond. Here come the girls in the form of Teresa, Jenny, the Moylett sisters Becky and Alex and C’mish leader Gina along with Jane the school representative on this beautiful fresh sunny morning to tackle the nettles, brambles, thistles and all things prickly and nasty. We recovered several balls floating around in the pond to replenish the schools diminishing stock, I’m sure the children will be suitably impressed when they return to school on Monday though I’m sure it won’t be long before the balls go back over the fence and out of reach. Jane supplied the jammy dodgers and before we knew it, it was time to tidy up and retreat via our chosen ways safe in the knowledge that once again we have done a great job and made a massive difference to the area. Jane was most pleased with our efforts and she herself participated just as we had.

With the autumn equinox the day had turned from a morning of warm blue skies to an evening of dark grey clouds, as if autumn wanted to shout, hey look here I am back again! The grey evening didn't stop the team making their various ways back to Ferndale School to follow up on the excellent work of the team the week before.

As before Jane had all the tools ready for us as we set about weeding and brushing up the playground and bike shed areas. Jenny, Teresa, Jason, Gaby and Gina attacked the various raised beds and Richard, Stuart and Charles grabbed the brooms and started to sweep up the leaves and stones that were strewn about. Once again we ploughed on with gusto and the raised beds were soon clear of a mountain of weeds, well we hope they were weeds, as none us really had a clue, where's a gardener when you need one. Gaby found a garden 'fairy' amongst the hops, who was duly placed back in a safe fairy place.

An hour or so later and with the light well and truly fading we were done. Jane was pleased with our efforts and after the obligatory group photo we headed off as the rain began fall, summer suddenly seemed a long way away.

Third time back at St Mary's at Lydiard. This time we were working mainly at the back of the church clearing the stoney area.