One of the three willows on Willow Lawn has fallen. The trunk split, apparently a fairly common problem with older willows, and because the large branches were hanging precariously they’ve had to be cut back.

Unfortunately that’s a loss of 80 years growth but Derek (one of the woodland rangers) is optimistic that the stump will develop some new shoots and the tree will recover – over a long period.

A flyer arrived from the FORL committee asking for members to join them for a litter picking afternoon on Saturday 25th August.

So having met Vicki, Chairman of FORL, along with Lindsey, Hazel, Roger, David� and� Joan by the entrance to the Lido, and being armed with rubbish sacks, protective gloves, poo bags and having a dog in tow, Hazel and I made our way towards the beach to clear up dropped litter and hand out poo bags to dog walkers. Lindsey and Vicki headed off towards Willow lawn where they were later to find about 30 empty bottles.

It was a fantastically hot day and the beach was full of families most of whom were picnicking in the sunshine. Yes we did have litter to bundle in our black bags and the dog walkers were quite happy to receive a poo bag or two to clear up after their dog. Hazel very bravely interrupted a “courting couple” to ask the young man if he was finished with his beer can before she popped it in to her bag!!

Of course there are always those people who insist on taking their glasses of beer from the pub over to the beach, they will never change. But on the whole, most visitors were using the bins or the black bags which were handed out for there rubbish and cleaning up after their dogs.

It was great to hear the thank yous from the families visiting the lido for the work we were doing, it made the afternoon even more worthwhile. To top it all Roger said he signed up 14 new members and received a membership renewal.

It was great to have the opportunity to give something back to the Lido when it gives me such joy. Many thanks FORL.