Modest in number yet
determined in will, the FOMBL work party brigade assembled at the Pavilion Café
at 10:00, Saturday 30th of August for a good morning’s FOMBLing. Armed
with little more than a couple of spades and a wheelbarrow, Alec and Yusef
fought hard to win back a section of Leamington Walk from the ever encroaching
turf, reclaiming it for public use. The displaced turf was rehomed in a more
suitable location, making an unsightly mud patch near the Pavilion green once
more.
Heather demonstrated some
Olympic scrubbing skills and transformed two signs – a “Bruntsfield Links”
street sign and a “Play Around Edinburgh” sign by a playpark – from barely visible
to sparkling masterpieces. Bob had the task of weeding out the chessboard on
Bruntsfield Links. After carefully analysing the positions of the weeds, he made
some bold opening moves and put himself in an advantageous position just before
elevenses. Unfortunately the weeds were taking a rather long time to decide
their next move, and the match was adjourned, until Bob returned in the
afternoon to crush his vegetative opponents.
Meanwhile, M.A. and Derek
helped to ensure the Meadows stay fresh into the future by sowing grass seed on
bare patches near the Pavilion Café. See if you can spot the patches in the
coming weeks. Clare took up the hallowed role of litter picker – traversing the
great plains of the Meadows, keen of eye and swift on the draw, she rained sweet
justice down on litter of all sorts, making our park a cleaner, nicer place for
everyone.
Andy spent the morning
wrestling with a plastic self-assemble storage shed. Things were looking pretty
grim for a while, and in the end it was close, but, ultimately, man triumphed
over shed. This shed will hold all of FOMBL’s lighter tools, while Peter
Davidson, South Edinburgh Park Ranger, has kindly donated us a wheelie bin for
the heavier ones. Hurrah for storage! Peter also did some fine work on the
Links, putting wood chippings down around some trees to combat some perseverant
weeds.
Martin started out trying to locate a water
supply to enable the grass seeders to water their plantings. He found an
outside tap on the rear (south) side of the pavilion. It was obstructed
by piled up junk and by overgrowing vegetation. He restacked the junk
(more work here for a future work party) and cut back the vegetation. He
then headed towards the east end of the Meadows, and came back past the
tennis court hedge, litter picking as he went.
At around 11:30 we adjourned
for a well-earned cup of tea/coffee and some scrumptious banana cake prepared
by the lovely Eleanor of Edinburgh Student Housing Cooperative. All in all, a
successful day caring for our local patch, and rewarding for all involved.
Yusef Samari
