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Good afternoon blog followers and welcome to the latest instalment of the intrepid adventures of Alex Ashworth as he continues to gain valuable experience in the field of gardening within the voluntary sector. Today marked a return to Preston Parks at Ashton Park after a two week break. I arrived at approximately 9.45am complete with full outdoor clothes in ( getting ready for the winter freeze), and, after I helped myself to a brew and made one for Senior Park Ranger, teacher, mentor and friend Steve Smith we were just about ready to get going for the morning's activities. For the first hour or so it involved giving the park a good clean up and, since Steve had already been round last Thursday and Sunday it wasn't as bad as previous weeks had been, in fact both of us could probably testify that we only used about 1 and a half bags throughout our walk round the park. Thankfully, this week it didn't rain only a slight drizzle so it did mean cleaning the park wasn't as gruelling . We began with the first port of call, giving the car park a little maintenance then I turned right towards the tennis courts and teen shelter and Steve turned left heading towards the doctors surgery then on to the path where he would meet me later. Sometimes it easy to loose each other and I did turn round several times to see if Steve was still in focus. I'd just about filled my first bag so I tied it and placed it next to a bin for the council to take away. It was at this point that Steve surfaced again and he instructed me where he'd like me to clean up next. It was after 11 am now and we were both getting parched so Steve agreed to call time and we went back to base for a brew. By 11.45am we went out towards the main road on the park and Steve had the major job of bringing in the old green flag from last year down the pole and attaching the new one. The Green Flag represents a clean, sustainable, eco-friendly park and is accessible to all if, they too keep it clean. Prior to Steve fixing the new one and hoisting it up the pole he took several pictures of me holding the flag with a somewhat cheesy expression. Thankfully, the lens didn't break so I must have been looking good. After the pictures were taken and the relief was over, Steve hoisted the flag up the pole and it looked cool as it floated in the wind. Which marks the end of another PP session for another couple of weeks. I'll be back with Steve on September 19th, until then, however, this is Alex Ashworth signing off for a rewarding and productive morning with Preston Parks at Ashton Park, Preston.

Hello people and welcome to the latest update into the voluntary world of Alex Ashworth in his quest for experience and progression. Today was Friday which meant two things. One, the start of a long bank holiday weekend in the hope that it doesn't rain and two a visit to Intact at Ingol where I have been attending gardening sessions with the encouragingly brilliant Barry Mann for the past five months or so. I started the session in fine form by putting all my gardening gear on and as I tied the last shoelace on my boot I looked up and Barry zoomed past me on my bike, it was like something out of an action film. Having already built a strong rapport over the past five months we knew exactly how to get the work done and in the most effective and diligent way. Before anything began I thanked Barry for writing an excellent reference for me which really emphasised how much he has appreciated me giving up my time to help run the gardens at INTACT. Barry instructed me into what needed doing this morning and by 9.20am the work was already quite underway. The first task involved uprooting the potatoes with the fork, picking them off the root, cleaning them slightly and leaving them in a warm spot to dry. Once that was accomplished a period of weeding that bed took place. By this stage fellow volunteer Chris appeared and he began the lengthy yet rewarding task of cleaning the potatoes with a bucket of water that I had uprooted earlier. At this point in the morning Barry and I were slightly parched so I was pleased when Barry asked if I'd like a brew. I didn't hesitate at all, in fact I was delighted to have a refreshing drink that came just at the right moment in between the next task which I was yet to carry out. Barry introduced me to the herb bed and his desire for the coriander's in the bed round the corner to relocated to the herb bed. He highlighted specific areas where he'd like them to be placed. Admittedly it was hard to keep them standing especially as the coriander's weren't that robust due to their faint stems. I completed the task with ease and persuasion. After they were all planted I gave them a little sprinkle of water to encourage their growth. By this stage in the game my brew was ready and I could drink it knowing the majority of the morning's work had been completed. Chris demonstrated his eagerness and determination to continue by working during the brew break and refusing to have a brew. This meant Barry and I could chill for a while knowing we were in capable hands with Chris manning the fort. After 11 am the morning's work was rapidly coming to an end. We put all the tools back in the tool shed and said our goodbyes' to fellow volunteer and great grafter Chris. End of part one for my time with INTACT was fast approaching. I knew that after today I wouldn't be working in the garden with Barry and Chris again but come October time I'll be re-instating my volunteer time with The Work Club. To help channel that future goal of getting back to work, Barry showed me how much business cards are due to my desire to have my own gardening business at some stage. As I was about to depart INTACT till the autumn, Barry kindly wanted to extend his help by asking me to send him an email based on the type of work I'd like to do and my contact details. He would then forward that on to social networking sites and any other advertising websites to get my name out there. He was being a realist and said it could take some time which is fine as I like to pace myself in all things I do. I thanked him for the past five months and he opened the hand of contact by saying he would still like to see me when I attend The Work Club in October. This is Alex Ashworth signing off for my final day volunteering for Barry Mann but it's not quite the end for my time with INTACT.

Good afternoon fellow blog followers and welcome to an exciting update into the voluntary escapades young Alex Ashworth is dedicating to, in and throughout the district of Preston, Lancashire. Today was Monday which meant two things :- the start of the new working week and another visit to Ashton Park where Preston Parks is based. I arrived at Ashton Park HQ at roughly 9.45am. As I was driving into the car park I noticed Senior Park Ranger Steve Smith already undergoing a period of litter picking prior to our usual start. Once I got all my appropriate gear on ( waterproofs, boots, waterproof jacket and gloves) I soon got into a brief instruction from Steve to go to the base and collect the litter picker and three bags to join him on our weekly clearance of the park. Bear in mind at this point in the days proceedings the rain was coming down quite heavy, yet, this did not prevent our determination to get the park clean and at a good level for people to enjoy walking in and bring their dogs or children. Fortunately on our jaunt round the park we met some friendly faces. Two men who regularly walk dogs in the park for extra income noticed our high level of diligence and stopped briefly for a chat. This helped keep up the momentum and pace despite being totally drowned from head to foot. I'd probably reached half way when I suddenly realised I'd ran out of bin bags. Thankfully Steve had some extra bags spare so I concluded the mornings litter pick with the bag Steve gave me. By the time we'd got back to the base, we'd down at least two hours non stop and how much we were looking forward to sit down and enjoy a nice cup of coffee. I made a brew for Steve and I had two chocolate biscuits, what was that diet I was on? oh yeah, seafood. With the weather being so bad there was little activity we could do after our brew break so Steve let me know that I could go once I'd finished my brew. I'll be back with Steve in a couple of weeks, taking us up to 5th September 2016. For now then this is Alex Ashworth signing off for productive if, a little wet, morning with Steve at Ashton Park. heavy, yet

Good day to you all and welcome to the latest update reporting the various volunteering pursuits young Alex Ashworth is committing to in and around the district of Preston. On Monday 8th August I volunteered my time with Preston Parks at Ashton Park. I've been coming here since November last year and in that time I have learnt some valuable skills and information regarding various plants. Monday however, focused on planting some oak trees around Ashton Park area. I met Senior Park Ranger Steve Smith at 10am and we got into a relaxed conversation whilst drinking our brew before we endured the mornings work. At 10.20am we left the Pavilion HQ and made our way to Steve's van. In addition to planting oak trees we also took the time to sow some grass seeds on areas around the park that were dry and lacked grass. I learnt how to use a rake properly at this stage with Steve's expert help. We then began planting a variety of oak trees. The first one was Steve's daughter's. We did the work collaboratively. Steve would create the outline border with the trench spade then I would dig the hole then carefully placing the oak tree in the designated spot. We filled the hole with soil unearthed from our digging. A particular highlight of our mornings work happened when Steve spotted a tiny oak tree. Without missing an opportunity he dug round it then I scooped it up with the spade. He kindly asked if I'd like to take it home, I said yes. Steve christened it after himself, adding a touch a comical brilliance to the day. We continued planting the oak trees and covering areas of destitute grassy areas with grass seeds to make the park more welcoming both for dog walkers, young children, teens and adults. The mornings proceedings concluded at 12.10pm. Steve had a series of other jobs to do and it was getting towards lunchtime so my stomach was calling me. It was another peaceful and enjoyable morning with Steve. I'll be back there in a couple of weeks. For now though, this is Alex Ashworth signing off for time well spent with Steve Smith at Ashton Park.

Good afternoon blog followers and welcome to the weekly visit into the voluntary pursuits young Alex Ashworth is committing to in and around the city of Preston. Today was Wednesday which meant another visit to Ashton Park where the Let's Grow Preston team were getting prepared for the final session of the horticultural class. The session has been going on for some time now between the hours of 12noon - 3pm every Wednesday afternoon. The group is being taught the basics such as how to plant plants, how to prevent weeds and how to grow your own vegetables. As volunteers started to emerge after 12.15pm we began with the planting. This included Echinacea purpurea ( wild berry) which is an erect perennial producing tall rose purple flowers with orange - brown cone shaped centres. We also planted another Echinacea purpurea this time however it was white flowers and yellow cone shaped centres. Finally, the Leucanthemum or Laspider, this is a compact, mat-forming perennial producing a very large, double pure - white daisy like flower. It is ideal for borders and patio containers. Whilst this was being carried out a number of other volunteers began weeding a series of beds in the community garden. Bill ( the tutor ) and another fellow volunteer observed how on the right hand side of the beds there appeared to be two plants sprouting purple flowers in an area that mostly included yellows and whites. They agreed it was slightly odd and would have been preferable if they had been planted on the left hand side. The next task included removing the grass from the potato bed. I did this solely then I was fortunate to have at least two other volunteers and Bill contributing to dispose of the grass. It was here where a conversation about music and favourite artists occurred. It was interesting learning about other peoples musical interest and how they differ from one another. At this point in the afternoon it was time for a break, and, an opportunity to indulge a little in a fellow volunteers treats she had brought. When brew time was taking place lead of Let's Grow Preston Annie Wyn appeared complete with mower and strimmer. This became the background noise whilst we were slurping and scoffing. In part two of the session all of us got to work in taking out the potatoes from the potato bed which included forks and tubs for the spuds. I foolishly took the whole root out and placed it in the tub! I then realised the correct way of doing it was to remove the spuds then place them in the tub. We all got on great during this period and it was such great fun when we'd dug up quite large potatoes. Much to our delight we were allowed to take some of the spuds if we were that way inclined. For the half hour or so our sessions were crystallised when a photo of us all was taken. It captured the fun and enjoyment we've all experienced during the past few weeks. After that several of us explored the community fruit garden and picked some berries for a potential pie whilst others took some to try. The session wound up around 2.45pm as we'd just about exhausted all our physical and mental strength. Whether we see each other again depends on who signs up for the next course but it has been both educational and enjoyable in way that is truly unique to each volunteer. This is Alex Ashworth signing off for yet another rewarding afternoon with Let's Grow Preston.

A good day one and all and welcome to the first of two blogs to be posted this week chronicling the busy life of Alex Ashworth as he continues in his quest for gardening experience. Today was Monday morning which meant the weekly visit to see Senior Park Ranger Steve Smith at The Ashton Park Pavilion base HQ. After an initial coffee kick start we were both more than ready to face the weekly onslaught of litter scattered across Ashton Park. Fortunately we had our litter pickers and at least three refuse bags to collect the debris all done in a cool, calm and diligent manner. The first port of call was to clean up the car park. Steve worked one side then I made my way to the teen shelter and tennis courts to see what the kind folk of Preston had left for us. As the morning progressed so did the events. I tidied an area where above me a tree branch could, at any minute have collapsed on top of me, as one dog walker observed. This came to Steve's attention later on and he tried to contact me via phone to help him remove it but my phone was off. Despite this Steve dealt with it and took it out of dangerous view. I'd got to a stage as I was litter picking and I had no idea where Steve was. I just kept walking and picking up the debris then, as I was near the swings and roundabouts there was Steve. Things got back on track then. I apologised for not answering my phone, we concluded our litter picking and made our way back to the Pavilion base HQ. It was here where a much needed brew and biscuit was the order of the day. We had quarter of an hour or so break during which time we had a look back at some of the photo's from The Armed Forces day at the weekend held in Preston's Harris Museum. Some of the pictures were quite comical and they captured the poignancy of what the day symbolized. After the brew break it was time for 20 minutes or so removing weeds from the community fruit garden. The plan was to utilize the bags from the litter work earlier to collect the weeds into. We both used forks to dig out the weeds and remove the excess soil then place them in the bin bags. By 12.10pm it was time to conclude the mornings proceedings. Will no doubt see Steve at some point on Wednesday during the Let's Grow Preston session. For now though, this is Alex Ashworth signing off for a peaceful, productive morning with Preston Parks and senior Park Ranger Steve Smith.

Good afternoon blog followers. Welcome to the final update this week documenting Alex Ashworth's voluntary roles throughout the Lancashire region. Today was the last Friday in the month which meant a visit to INTACT was in order. I arrived at The Intact Centre at approximately 9.15am and parked my eight year old Toyota Yaris neatly on the road. Signed in at reception and kindly asked a member of staff where Barry Mann was (tutor for my Intact sessions). They said he's not here yet so I made my way to the café and had a cheeky volunteer coffee. By 9.25am Barry entered the café as I was reaching the end of my brew and he said some of the things we'd be working on this month. He also let me know of another volunteer who would be helping us out. After a refreshing brew and a quick debriefing from Barry, I was more than ready to get on with the required work Barry had in store for me. The first task was to have a look at the latest developments in the garden with regards to what has grown and to what extent. I was quite amazed to see the growth of the onions I planted a couple of months ago. In addition the turnips were looking quite epic as well. It was great to see so much change and growth in the vegetables since I was last there and remarkably how much they'd grown in such a short time. Barry also showed me the herb area where herbs such as thyme and coriander had grown. Some had done better than others but overall it was a good established bed. He then introduced me to this morning's work. Basically it was an area at the back of the centre that had been overgrown with excessive weeds and grass. As Barry was highlighting this work the other volunteer appeared and, with a series of bags we all contributed to removing the weeds and grass from the border nearest to the fence. By 10.45am we'd just about conquered it. Whilst doing our work Barry identified a tub that had old weeds in, soil and rocks. We both shifted the tub towards the planting area and I ( with the help of a spade and trowel) bagged the soil into a bag, Barry then deposited the rocks around the compost bin. During this time the other volunteer was busy weeding a series of beds. Barry decided the bags with excess weeds and grass would sit comfortably in his car and he would remove them at his local refuse site. At 10.55am we'd concluded our mornings work and it was high time for a coffee and, because we'd all worked hard we all got a biscuit each. After 20 minutes or so drinking our brews, munching our biscuits and sharing our joys about what we love about gardening it was time for each of us to depart. The other volunteer was first to go, I followed suit and then Barry. I said my goodbyes to Barry and mentioned that I may see him at Let's Grow Preston in the coming weeks otherwise back here towards the end of July. This is Alex Ashworth signing off for a productive and therapeutic time at The Intact Centre.

Good afternoon avid readers of my blogs and welcome to yet another instalment into the on- going voluntary pursuits young Alex Ashworth is committing to. Today marked the final session with The Lancashire Wildlife group and lead Chris Taylor's 'Bees, Butterflies and Bikes'. As per usual I waited eagerly at the meeting point (outside The Anderton Arms pub in Fulwood) complete with my full gardening gear on (waterproof jacket and pants, boots and gloves). It was getting around 9.50am then all of a sudden a white van came speeding round the corner. It couldn't have been the postman because it was the wrong colour and it was also the wrong time for him to do his daily postings. As I came towards the van I gave the driver a big wave, it was of course Chris Taylor. As I got in Chris' van it soon came to my attention that it was just the two of us today. Despite the lack of numbers we went to the Guild Wheel Cycle path site and used a variety of tools. Secateurs were used to cut back the docs, spades and balsams clubs just in case we were to use them. The first task was to remove a large portion of the docs. We deposited them towards the hedge and continued with the next task. Chris noticed there was weeds covering some of the pear trees so we removed them. As we walked further on we basically had a good review of the work carried out since last November and fortunately most of it appeared positive. It was only when we went to the other cycle path when Chris noticed an area that had some excellent planting done but was only cut back with a mower. I felt sad for Chris, especially after all the hard work gone into planting around there. Resilient as ever though Chris found a more sustainable patch that looked more attractive and prosperous for the environment. He captured it on camera to document the work that had been done. We were going to examine some more of the work that took place since November 2015 but sadly the heavens opened and it was game over for now. Chris kindly took me back to my car and the initial meeting place at The Anderton Arms. He hoped to see me sometime in the future and made aware of some of the voluntary work to be scheduled several months down the line. I wished him all the best and it genuinely has been a real pleasure working for Chris every week and then every couple of weeks. I've learnt so much. It's been extremely valuable and I'll treasure this period of time in the months ahead. This is Alex Ashworth signing off for seven months with Chris Taylor's group, 'Bees, Butterflies and Bikes'. Thanks Chris.

Good afternoon blog followers and welcome to yet another insight into the voluntary pursuits young Alex Ashworth commits to throughout the Preston district. Today marked another session with the Bill's horticultural class which takes places every Wednesday between 12-3pm. I arrived at the pavilion base HQ bang on cue ( 12noon to be precise) and it was a nice welcome return to see Paul Greenwood back once again with the Let's Grow Preston team. I was also delighted to find out a new volunteer to Bill's class was a former volunteer of Chris Taylor's group of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust so it was really nice to see her after so long. The rest of team followed suit and Bill and I no doubt felt a little outnumbered at times as the crew included an all female cast ( a little like the new Ghostbusters reboot). Despite this we all diligently got on with this weeks task which, perhaps was arduous and, perhaps not we'd love to do but, it proved it was essential and the area that we worked on did look better three hours later. The work I am referring to is weeding. Myself and the new volunteer worked on the path at the community fruit garden whilst the remaining three (including Bill) worked on the fruit garden beds and careful not to uproot any bulbs and, if they did find any they put them to one side. Bill and I engineered a good depositing system which involved collecting the weeds into the wheelbarrow then off loading them, to begin with at the compost bins then Bill felt the skip was more appropriate so took the weeds there. By 1.30pm the sweat was pouring from all our brows, myself especially as per usual I was wearing my big waterproof coat. Bill called time for the end of part one so it was time for a much needed brew break followed by treats in the form of biscuits and pastries. During the break Bill outlined what the original plan was for the horticultural class which involved at some stage painting pots. He made us all aware that we are at least 6 weeks behind but he reassured us by saying it's long term project so there's plenty of time. It was here also where Paul Greenwood stipulated the history of Let's Grow Preston and how it was at one stage Preston Environmental Forum but the name wasn't infectious and how now we have the opportunity in developing Let's Grow Preston into a sustainable, educational and beneficial platform for people who want to progress into eventual paid employment. By 2pm the coffee had been drunk and the biscuits were getting dry. We had 60 minutes to conclude the area we were all individually weeding at. One particular volunteer had a great brainwave. She had some cardboard in her car and she thought it would be ideal to place them over areas where the weeding took place with a covering of soil to prevent further weeds from taking place. This was a great idea and we all took the initiative in making this happen. After that the last few barrows full of weeds were off loaded to the skip. Tools were then returned to the pavilion base HQ and a final goodbye was required before we all went our separate ways. I'll be back for Let's Grow Preston on 29th June but for now this is Alex Ashworth signing off for another fun and productive afternoon with Bill and friends.

A good day to you all and welcome to the regular update of Alex Ashworth's voluntary pursuits he's endeavouring to do throughout the community of Preston. Today marked the penultimate time I would be volunteering with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust and lead Chris Taylor's group 'Bees, Butterflies and Bikes'. The reason for it's closure is due to funding and June 22nd will be my last time with the group but it's been an excellent seven months and I've learnt so much since back in November at the end of last year ( 2015) It was just Chris and I today but, like always we played a diligent role at the Guild Wheel Cycle Path. As Himalyan Balsam keeps reoccurring every year it was vital today that we got a considerable amount of it taken out. It's a deadly weed and it doesn't do anything good for the environment. Chris and I were armed though with a mighty scythe like tool that enabled getting rid of the balsam in a blitz like fashion. We both agreed how satisfying the noise is when you stand on them and how great it feels to eliminate them from view. For CV purposes I wanted a photograph of Chris and I on site. Fortunately a walker was passing though and I asked Chris if we could ask her to take a photo of us. We both looked great after it was taken, one for the album indeed. After a period of time in one section balsam bashing Chris thought it would be good to have a brief walk to inspect some of the work we had done over the past few months then conclude with a final section of balsam busting. Once that was completed we had a good review of all the work we done since the winter. It was brilliant to see the progress of the plants we had planted , for some reason however we could not find a single flag iris. Despite our pursuit of the missing flag iris Chris noticed how well the holly trees had come on and also the campanion. The two hours was nearly complete it just needed Chris to drop me off back at my car and a penultimate goodbye on what has been a truly fantastic and educational experience. Thanks Chris. See you on June 22nd for the last session. This is Alex Ashworth signing off for yet another productive and life enriching time with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

Good afternoon and welcome to the one and only blog covering the voluntary pursuits Alex Ashworth is committed to here in the Lancashire district of Preston. It was Wednesday so that meant two things. One, it was time for another session with the Let's Grow Preston team. And two, it was also time for a another learning experience with the horticultural crew made up of five volunteers including myself. I arrived at the Pavilion base HQ at 11.45am and fashionably interrupted a meeting that was taking place. Once I'd braved through that minor ordeal I happily helped myself to a nice hot cup of coffee from the kitchen whilst waiting for the remaining four other volunteers to appear. Annie Wyn was in charge today so once everybody had arrived we got on to business. For the first 15 minutes or so ( taking us up 12.15pm) myself and quite a gregarious character planted a series of golden plum tomatoes in a raised bed in the community garden. She made the hole with the trowel and I carefully and delicately placed the golden plum tomato in the prepared hole. It was then tightly sealed with our hands to firm it in the soil. A gentle showering of water was then added for the growing to take place. By 12.15pm the three amigos turned up and it was time to complete task number two. Task number two required removing the hay from one of th e raised beds to allow the soil to breathe and the roots to develop. We all mucked in and I had the role of temporary farmer because I had a fork and a nifty wheelbarrow to dispose of the hay into the compost area. We'd diligently completed this task with much grace and skill. Some volunteers took the initiative and saw an opportunity to remove some of the grass around a series of the raised beds borders. Annie ( who is the lead of Let's Grow Preston) alerted us to the fact that she had to get going so she made us aware of the other tasks to complete by 3pm ( the end of our three hour session). The strawberries needed taking out of the community fruit garden, a portion of seeds needed sowing and an area at the community fruit garden needed some much needed TLC ( a mass of weeds needed taking out) In true delegation style two volunteers were working on the fruit garden and two volunteers were sowing the seeds whilst the final volunteer was continuing to take out excess grassy areas around the raised beds. The seeds that were sown were :- Rudbeckia or Golden Compass, Russian Tarragon and Parsley which are both herbs and Anemone which is an excellent cut flower. The parsley is also an excellent flavour and is nutritious. The Rudbeckia likes to be placed in a good, moist seed compost and to be placed in a cold frame or cool greenhouse. At this point in the afternoon it was heading towards 2.15pm and some volunteers were placing the strawberries in the greenhouse area whilst others were sowing the seeds mentioned in the previous paragraph. We also were given the chance to have our own strawberry plant to take home. Some took this chance, others declined. We'd worked for a good two hours so it was high time for that much needed coffee/tea break. We took quarter of an hour out of the three hour schedule and chatted and chilled whilst drinking our brew. The final half hour or so involved uprooting the weeds from the community fruit garden and taking out some of the rhubarb for us to enjoy at our own leisure. It was rigorous work getting the weeds out especially as there were so many nettles but we got there in the end. We also used a disused corner of the fruit garden to dispose of the weeds. As we were taking items back to the HQ base we'd remembered we needed to all sign out. Thankfully one kind volunteer had signed out for all of us. Bill the tutor of the horticultural class is back next week but for now it's been a fun and enjoyable three hours with a strong team of volunteers who were prepared to do anything and to reap the rewards as well. This is Alex Ashworth signing off for a rewarding and productive session with Let's Grow Preston.

Good afternoon avid readers of my daily blogs. This marks the last blog of this week covering my voluntary pursuits throughout Preston. At lunchtime today a new course started at Let's Grow Preston. It was a horticultural course that was valuable training for new and existing gardeners. I arrived at the Pavilion HQ at 11.45am complete with high visibility jacket, waterproof pants and gloves. Within seconds I was introduced to Bill who was the teacher from Lancashire College that was going to facilitate the training today. I signed in and was ready for action. Not long after 12noon volunteer number two arrived. She was nice and friendly and I soon discovered when I was working with her how much fun she was and how easy to talk to and also encouraging and kind. The tour de force was complete. Myself, volunteer number two, Bill and Paul all set for a three hour session that would teach us a new and interesting skill. Paul Greenwood provided leaflets for us both and then a relaxed tour of the new greenhouse and additional compost, storage and tap areas was kindly brought to our attention. Tutor Bill then began teaching us the work we would be doing today. The first step was to weed a specific bed. Once that was done we had to tear off strips of black bags and firmly fix them into the bed. This did mean at times the whole strip wasn't wide enough for the whole bed so an additional strip was implemented to cover the remaining space. After the first one was done with Bill's help, myself and volunteer number two diligently did a series of beds applying the same practical technique that Bill showed us. We kept going with this pattern of work till 1.30pm by which time it was brew break till 2pm. Volunteer number two was very specific with her tea, If I recall I think she requested one sugar in hers. I asked Paul for coffee with milk in no sugar as I'm on a diet. Paul, however tried to tempt me in the brew break with the chocolate digestives but I had to be strong. Also during brew break Bill noted down our personal details to enrol us on the course. He revealed that it is an eight week course and we claim a certificate at the end of it. We also chatted in great length about when we were young and where we grew up. After 30 minutes chilling out and reminiscing on our idyllic childhood the fab four were back to work and continued from 2pm till 3pm. It was nice working with volunteer number two as we became more familiar with each other as time went on and as we got used to the work we created our own formula for getting the beds protected from winds. As Paul called time at 3pm it was just enough time for a group photo, during which I said to Paul " have you got my best side Paul? " Paul replied "all of you is the best side Alex ". There we were the intrepid trio bar Paul of course because he was cameraman. It was good to learn a new skill and find out about a new and developing way to prevent weeds from overshadowing raised beds. I really enjoyed myself and I look forward to attending again in a couple of weeks. This is Alex Ashworth signing off for week one of the horticultural course at Let's Grow Preston.