Search Results

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.

Happy afternoon blog followers and allow me to reveal a brand new week as Alex Ashworth perseveres with his voluntary pursuits. Today was Monday which meant another trip to Preston Parks and with the capable, reassuring and encouraging hands of senior park ranger Mr. Steve Smith. On arrival he gave a small package of seeds for me to plant or to pass on to other voluntary groups I am associated with. There were four varieties in total :- pakchoi, lettuce, spring onions and cress. It was a nice little treat for a Monday morning and I intend to put them to good use. Once we'd dealt with the formalities ( how are you? how was your weekend?) We were off out doing what we do best on a humid if not a little chilly Monday morning. The weekly litter clearance and general inspection of the park. Early into our travels we met some familiar faces that we have become acquainted with since we've been doing this work together, a man and his dog who is really good fun and likes to have a chat with us, he's also genuinely appreciative of the work we do on the park and believes it wouldn't get clean if it wasn't for our diligent efforts. As Steve was dealing with several difficult phonecalls I made my way round the play area and did a good clean up round there only to be stopped in my tracks by Steve who alerted me to the fact that there was a much dire area of rubbish that needed our collaborative work to remove it. I ceased my current litter clearance and made my way towards Steve, we were both horrified by the state of what several individuals had created over a series of beers, a barbecue and other substances which is better not to mention. We both agreed that it was sad and pathetic that people are inclined to neglect their environment and be ignorant to ethical standards of cleanliness. We cleaned up the mess and Steve's decision to have a brew after was wise and I was in full agreement. We had a ten minute coffee break which took us to approximately 11.45am. The final morning's task was to remove some carpet tiles from outside the pavilion base and into the football pavilion. We took a wheelbarrow each and deposited our share of the carpet tiles into the football pavilion. At 12noon it was time to bid farewell once again. I took all my belongings and said to Steve I'll see you briefly on Wednesday as I'll be back in for Let's Grow Preston. This is Alex Ashworth signing off for another productive morning with Preston Parks and the kind wisdom of work colleague Steve Smith.

Good afternoon and welcome to a fresh new work into the busy life of Alex Ashworth and is voluntary commitments in and around the Lancashire district. Last Monday Steve Smith ( senior ranger at Preston Parks ) asked if I'd like to come in on Bank Holiday Monday, without any reluctance I immediately said an affirmative yes. So here I am writing about this mornings activities on Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May 2016. I arrived at the Pavilion base at approximately 9.45am. As I made my way up the path towards the base, Steve asked if I could hear the kettle. This was a clear indication that a brew was on it's way. I reached the base and waited a couple of minutes before I gladly received a warm cup of coffee and by the looks of how the weather was outside I needed it as fuel before the hour of litter clearance was upon us. Litter picker at the ready? Check. Bin bags in order ( two in total)? Check. Fully clothed with waterproof resistant gear on? Check. Then we're both ready to tackle the onslaught of torrential rain, wind, the occasional dog walkers and the resilient joggers. Let's do it. We got back more drenched than when we started but the good news is that the park is clean for another week and above anything that is vital for the Park to run efficiently and in clean working order. After a quarter of an hour having a rest and brew we continued with part two of our morning activity. Last week, if you remember I helped Steve do a series of weeding to the right of the park, this week we concluded that area of weeding into two wheelbarrows. We then did some wildflower sowing in the community fruit garden with seeds from the "Grow Wild" charity from Kew Gardens. The seeds contained ;- common knapweed, cornflower, corn chamomile, corn cockle, corn marigold, corn poppy, hedge bedstraw, meadow buttercup, oxeye daisy, red campion, ribwort plantain, viper's bugloss and yarrow. Steve did a demonstration as to how to plant them. Simply open the seal of the package, place into your hand and scatter them across the fruity garden. I got the first part right but I forgot to place it in my hand and instead scattered it from the package. After a reminder from Steve I corrected my mistake and did it as demonstrated. The seeds were obtained by the ranger on behalf of the Friends of Ashton Park. We'd just about finished and the weather was brightening up. The final task was to take out the weeds we'd collected into the barrows and deposit them into the skip. Steve took care of his barrow and I followed suit with mine. Time was fast approaching 12noon and we had to say our goodbye's for another session. I'll be back at Ashton Park on Wednesday for Let's Grow Preston but for now we bid each other farewell and reconvene mid week. This is Alex Ashworth signing off for another productive morning with Preston Parks and senior ranger Steve Smith, a work colleague whose kind encouragement is exemplary.

Good afternoon and welcome to the last blog of this week documenting the voluntary roles young Alex Ashworth is participating in. This morning was the fortnight schedule I have for the Bees, Butterflies and Bikes group as part of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. I arrived at the meeting point (outside The Anderton Arms pub in Fulwood) at approximately 9.50am. Time soon marched on to 10.am and Chris hadn't arrived so I was getting worried as to whether Chris had text me to let me know it wasn't on and I hadn't received his text. Anyway that was no longer a concern as Chris appeared about 10.05am. After a brief apology as to being a little late I was soon introduced to a new volunteer. She was very friendly and good fun, we soon got chatting as we began working later on. Chris made us aware there was only one seat available in his car as the back was crammed full of trees and plants. This meant I would follow him to the allocated site to do the required work. Our first port of call was at a Guild Wheel site in which we planted Great Burnet and Hedge Woundwort. It was here where myself and the new volunteer had a really good chat whilst carrying out the work. We planted these plants by finding a desirable area, removed some of the grass and used a trowel to scoop out the soil, once done the plant was ready to be sealed in. This took us till 11.15am by which time Chris let us know we were moving to a different site to plant some Meadow Cranesbill and Meadowsweet. So it was back to our sturdy vehicles, Chris to his van and I went to my faithful Toyota Yaris and off we went, up the beaten track, well it was only round the corner but still, it was a dusty road leading to the main road. For the next twenty minutes we planted the Meadow Cranesbill and Meadowsweet as onlookers were going by, including the interested public, dog walkers and cyclists. The sun was beating down on our diligent work and we were all really benefitting from being outside and especially working outdoors making our contribution to a more sustainable and eco-friendly environment and one in which everybody can enjoy too. The final task took us till the finishing time of 12noon. It involved scrambling down a hill and delicately picking out the Himalayan Balsam which at this stage was only about the size of your little finger but it's effective to root them out now before they become to tall to manage and cut back. It was really enjoyable and it increased our perceptiveness so that we could pick out the Balsam individually then remove them from the hillside. We did a small portion of planting some more meadowsweet before we rapped up for another session. On our way back to the van I asked Chris to text me the names of todays plants. He's a busy man so he wrote them down for me as to prevent his forgetfulness. I also asked him if he could write me a reference for next time as evidence of my time with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. He said that would be fine but to remind him via text a couple of days prior to the next session. I'll be back with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust on Wednesday 11th May. This marks the last blog of this week but if your enjoying them look out for the first of a brand new week next Monday. Until then, this is Alex Ashworth signing off for another positive and enjoyable time working with Chris for Bees, Butterflies and Bikes group.

Good afternoon and welcome another day in Alex's voluntary week. This morning was INTACT day. As you've probably read in previous blogs I volunteer my time fortnightly for INTACT and having been doing so for the past month or so. I arrived right on 9.30am and dressed ready for action to tackle the morning's gardening duties. I signed in at reception and asked if Barry had arrived ( Barry is my tutor and helper at INTACT). Barry was running a little behind so I made my way to the café and waited for Barry whilst enjoying the cafe's top quality coffee. Soon Barry arrived and after I finished my brew I made my way to the back of the INTACT centre where the gardens are, for Barry asked if I could move two pots with tulips in from the front of the centre to the back towards the fence. Following on from two weeks ago, when I planted the radishes and the previous time before that when I planted the onions, Barry showed me their progression and I was quite impressed as to how far they had come on in such a short time. The first task to do was to plant ten sunflower seeds into ten small pots with a small portion of soil in. This involved putting the correct amount of soil in the pot then creating a little insertion into which the seed would lay, then seal it with your hand. This went according to plan until I lost one seed in the wind so ten became nine but Barry reassured me and said it was fine. The next gardening duty to do involved having ten large pots with soil from the beds plus fresh soil mixed in from the bag. Into the ten large pots were French beans three in each then a gentle tap once planted to complete it. I found this both therapeutic and very relaxing. It also taught me how French beans can grow in quite close proximity without being affected. Barry had to go out for a while so he left me to it and everything was fine. Barry returned ten minutes later and asked how I was getting on and nearly completed all ten. Barry asked if I could fill the seed tray with soil, this took place after the brew break. Five minutes later I did a little watering on the French beans and the sunflower seeds I planted earlier. I complete Barry's request before the break and filled up a seed tray with soil then dusted it off with sieve to finish. Our morning was nearly complete but there was one major task that needed to be finalised. If you recall last time I was at INTACT thieves had broken in to the gardens and sabotaged areas such as the greenhouse and the tap. Two weeks later it appears they may have been here again as footprints were found on some of the soil and the gate was left open. The gate being left open got Barry in to thinking it needed more security. With a little help from his assistant ( who could that be?) we set about screwing and placing in some nails and a lock below the handle of the gate. Barry's DIY came to good use and we got the job done successfully. It was approaching 11.30am so my time this morning with INTACT was complete. Barry and I made arrangements regarding the next time I come in which would be May 10th and he assured me that he would let me know if, for any reason he couldn't make it next time then he would make necessary plans for jobs for me to do in the garden. We said our goodbyes and agreed to meet in a fortnight, unless anything drastic changes. It was an excellent morning's work and it beneficial learning from someone who really his way round the garden. This is Alex Ashworth signing off for my time today at INTACT.

Good afternoon and welcome to a brand new week into the voluntary roles Alex Ashworth is taking part in, in and around the North West of Lancashire. This morning I volunteered my time with Preston Parks at Ashton Park. It was a welcome return to the Monday routine as I hadn't seen and worked with Steve Smith ( senior park ranger ) for some time so it was refreshing to continue our work friendship. It was 9.45am and as I made my way up the path towards the pavilion base, Steve greeted me with open arms and encouraged me with the words, " come on Alex". It was good to be back. What shocked Steve the most before we began our litter duties was when I announced I was turning down the biscuits, due in part to a health issue which has prompted me to cut down on sugary things. He even invited me to have the alternative, a banana or a tangerine but I turned them down too because they upset my stomach. Once the dietary requirements were dealt with we made our way outside complete with litter picker, several bin bags and a litter carrier. We were more than ready to tackle the weekends onslaught of litter that scattered the park. We split up and did the work diligently although at times I thought I had lost Steve but we somehow found each other amidst the dog walkers and the weekly joggers in the park. It was coming to 11.25am and we'd nearly reached the end of our litter clearance. We were both in dire need of a brew despite the absence of chocolate biscuits although I think Steve ate my share in the end. " A great way to start your Monday morning, a nice, clean park". I couldn't agree with you more Steve as we had concluded part one of the morning session and were ready for brief break. After our coffee break we had ten minutes left in which to make a start taking some weeds out in an area to the right of the pavilion base. We had a wheelbarrow each and a fork to take out all the unnecessary weeds. By 12noon it was time to go. With the bank holiday Monday taking place next week we were initially going to give next week a break but Steve could sense my eagerness and my keen involvement to help out where I can so we have resolved to meet next week, Monday 2nd May at the same time 10am. It was great to be back working together again and benefit from the camaraderie that shapes our unique work friendship. This is Alex Ashworth signing off for another rewarding and enjoyable day volunteering for Preston Parks.

Good afternoon and welcome to the latest instalment of the voluntary roles Alex Ashworth is enjoying and benefiting from, in and around the North West of Lancashire. Last week I volunteered my time for a couple of hours for Let's Grow Preston. I arrived slightly earlier as planned at roughly 10.45am. I waited in my car till 11am for Paul Greenwood to open up the pavilion at Ashton Park. Buzzing and raring to go Paul gave me the rewarding task of mowing the grass. In the heat of the day I was sweltering especially as I had my thick jacket on and waterproofs. I was more dressed for winter than spring/early summer! Paul in-fact commented on my unusual choice of clothing, even as the sweat poured down my brow I was determined to finish my patch of grass to mow and felt more dressed as a gardener despite the absurdity of it. By 11.15am another volunteer appeared and she continued her work on the peace garden which is really taking shape now and an act of clearance is rapidly taking place of the old shrubs/ grass areas that need depositing in replace of some more newer, colourful and inspiring flowers and plants. At 11.45am I had concluded my stint of mowing and was in dire need of a coffee. Fortunately, Paul was more than ready to provide me with refreshments, the plus side being that I got to eat at least three chocolate biscuits. Part two of the morning session included tidying the areas around the left hand side of the raised beds with a spade. It was awkward for the mower to reach these parts so Paul suggested at the beginning of the session that I use a spade once the mowing had finished and remove the long grass so it looked presentable. I joined a fellow volunteer for the duration of the morning which took us up to 12.45pm. I helped her unload some debris to the skip and generally cleaned up the peace garden area where she had been working. At the end of the session Paul suggested when I volunteer on a Wednesday to initiate the proceedings by mowing the grass then continue from there on in. I was thrilled by this prospect as it gives me the practical experience I need. Paul showed us both where the completed greenhouse is located and the potential for more things to be implemented as time goes on for volunteers and staff. It was an excellent mornings work and the bonus being the sun was constantly shining for us, if only I had left my jacket in my car! This is Alex Ashworth signing off for another productive and life enriching time volunteering for 'Let's Grow Preston'.

Good morning and welcome to yet another insight into the volunteer work Alex Ashworth is contributing to in his local community of Preston. The other day I volunteered my time with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust with the group 'Bees, Butterflies and Bikes'. Lead of the group Chris Taylor provides excellent teaching and practical help in the realm of gardening so you know your in safe hands when Chris directs the volunteers into action. This time with the group things were a little different. Chris explained that some members of The Guild Users Group would be joining us in planting several trees (Oak Trees and Birch Trees) around the Guild Wheel Cycle Path. He revealed that this has greater significance as the man who contributed a lot to The Guild Wheel and a pioneer in the world of conservation sadly passed away recently so the planting of trees would be in memory and lasting legacy of the blueprint he made when he was alive. Before the members of The Guild Users Group arrived Chris drove to a previous place of work at the orchard where a series of apple and plum trees were taking shape. Chris made the point of how amazing the site would look in a couple of years time. We then went to the Guild Wheel Cycle Path and as we were still waiting we worked together pulling up some old doc weeds. After quarter of an hour the area looked more improved and we were both quite chuffed with our work. At this point just after 10.30am the Guild User Group members arrived. Even greater significance came when the members revealed they were the wife and daughter of the late conservationist mentioned earlier. We all went to the designated site and Chris reviewed some previous work done earlier in the year, the planting of a series of holly trees. A practical demonstration of how to plant the batch of todays trees was then considered and a brief delegation of who should work with who. After much discussion and debate we endeavoured to get the work done. It was pleasant working with 'mum' as she explained her taste in music. In-fact a classical concert was her next port of call once she had concluded her time this morning with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. A couple of hours soon went by and we all felt closer to nature having planted a series of trees, having breathed in the fresh countryside air and having heard and seen a vast array of birds that observed our morning's work. The Guild Users Group departed and Chris and I were just about to finish when I saw a member of another volunteer job I participate in. He was cycling through the cycle path and clocked it was me. We know each other from the Green Gym conservation group I go to every Thursday morning. He explained he's retiring in a month or so , so Chris captured a perfect opportunity to let him know about volunteer roles within the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. He seemed quite keen. Nice work Chris. Having driven me back to the place of meeting, Chris and I said our goodbyes and wished each other well. It won't be long before that becomes permanent fixture too as this group is rapping up at the end of June 2016. It's been an excellent time working for Chris and I'll always value his encouragement and support. For now though, I'll be back in two weeks, taking us up to April 27th. This is Alex Ashworth signing off for another trailblazing session in my volunteer pursuits.

Good afternoon and welcome to the latest experiences within the voluntary sector for young Alex Ashworth. Today was INTACT day. I attend fortnight gardening sessions at INTACT, which is based at Ingol near Preston. If you remember my last post regarding INTACT I got soaked to the bone with rain and planted a series of white onions. This time the weather was on our side but there was, however, another setback we were yet to encounter. I arrived at INTACT this morning at 9.30am and as I was about to put my gardening suit of armor on I noticed Barry ( my trainer ) caught me and informed me they have had a break in. I put the remainder of my gardening gear on, signed in at reception and made my way to the gardening area at the back of the building. Barry highlighted how much damage the vandals had caused by showing me the greenhouse and the tap area of which was badly vandalised. This meant that we didn't proceed to gardening related duties till about 10.30am. The greenhouse re-enforcement which was made of bamboo reeds and disused pop bottles was broken apart so I helped Barry to restore the damage made. This took us roughly an hour or so, during which a former volunteer appeared and, like us, was disappointed in the work of the vandals. He cheered Barry up though by giving him a journal in which he could record his recent or past gardening activities. By 10.30am we'd concluded the greenhouse repair work and we were much in need of a brew. We had a brief coffee break and then Barry had a go at getting the tap back in shape. Barry was concerned at this juncture as we'd done minimal if any gardening work. That was, however about to change. In the greenhouse were a series of planting trays. Following the guidelines from kitchen staff, Barry had a list of vegetables of which we could plant. There were five trays in total, four of which I would work on and Barry did the fifth. In carrying out this task each tray needed at least five rows to be made, then an insertion of 8-10 seeds. The rows would then be closed up, secured tightly by hand and labelled with the name, date and year. The teaching session was excellent, practical and easily understood. Barry did the carrots then I worked on leeks, beetroot and spring onion. Barry concentrated on the radishes. A final sealing was complete which meant a sprinkle of water. I was taught that they sprout quickly but their growth takes much longer. Time nearly had the better of us. We just had one small task to complete, a portion of weeding. I helped Barry take the trays to his car and the bamboo reeds. It was slightly awkward fitting them in his boot but with some minor adjustments we did it. Another successful morning volunteering at INTACT. I'll be back there in a couple of weeks which will take us up to April 26th. This is Alex Ashworth signing off for the latest update in my volunteering pursuits.