Unveiling Paula's Bench

It's been a long job, but today we finally managed to unveil the bench dedicated to Paula. Amazingly, we had good weather, which was a brilliant bit of luck as the Groundwork Greater Nottingham staff also came out in force to provide a work-team morning for us. We've had a number of groups unable to come because of poor weather, so this 22 strong group made a huge difference in a short time, and our regular volunteers were delighted to have the help.

Matt weeds the path

Paul and Claire get on top of the weeds around the fire pi

We had jobs for all tastes, so a group weeded the area around the fire pit and mulched it with gravel, another group weeded the high beds, whilst others hoed the pumpkin bed, or de-weeded the path between the fruit cage and the polytunnel. Some intrepid folk braved the fruit cage to remove all the unwanted vegetation, and a last group helped to plant up the area where the bench was to go, following Helen's planting plan for the site.

Rudy and Geoff take the weeds off the path cracks

Tackling the fruit cage

Meanwhile, the volunteers helped keep things moving, showing folk how to do the work, identifying weeds and providing refreshments, including popcorn, freshly-made on the rocket stove. 

Adele uses a hoe for the first time!

Weeding the pumpkin patch

The place is a hive of activity

Steven tackle the high beds

The end result is better than we ever hoped. The bench looks amazing in it's new home, and is really comfortable and inviting to sit on (thanks to Mark Manders, who built and carved it for us). The planting around it looks beautiful. Tracey added a mosaic sculpture she had made to the mix, and there will be mosaic in the paving, so there will be colour all year.

Inaugurating the bench.  Jo Bradley says a few words

Mikayla, Paula's daughter, inaugurated the bench for us, and was delighted. She intends to come back often, and to bring her son to see what we've done to honour his Granny.

Mikayla tries the bench for the first time

The team!

Thank you to everyone who helped. You've helped us create a special place in memory of a very special person.

Some of the Windmill volunteers who made it all possible
(thanks also to Rosy, Chris, Jade, Matt, Merion and the
Framework guys.