Yes
it happened, the 35 ton machine came in with his 20 ton dumper and cleared the
silt from our mill pond. Considering the size of the machines (we had to take
gateposts out to let them in and then only just!!) and the black slurry that they
were handling, we escaped with little mess or damage to our site, a credit to
the drivers from Hall Construction Services.
Now
we have a pond about four feet deep and a set of three islands to the West, This
gives a much larger area for water control and a sanctuary for wildlife and flowers.
During
the operation our resident moor-hens hatched four little fluffy black balls, the
second set this year, and these seem undeterred by the goings on and have established
themselves in their new surroundings.
Unfortunately
during this period both our ducks brought ducklings to the pond, as soon as they
came onto dry land they were attacked and lost to crows and magpies.
We
are making a pictorial profile to show our general layout and to be able to highlight
various special attractions with details in picture form, this is being supported
by Gateshead City Early Learning Centre with Dryden Professional Development Centre.
One
of our Trustees is taking a group to developThe Island Bridges and they hope to
progress during this Summer to make the link between our three islands and allow
people to walk "in the pond" surrounded by water.
Another
of our volunteers has suggested that he could help some of the others by doing
a few hours of " Looking at Forms " and trying to help them with benefits,
travelling costs and time sheets. This would be a well motivated effort from within
and has been greeted by all with enthusiasm!!.
Back
to developments, our planning approval to take over a further two derelict allotments
and change them into ponds is approved by Gateshead Council and this leads to
our planning application to erect a Wind Pump and further Alternative Energy Programmes
to develop the site.
Events
still to come this year
August
16th &17th Craft Fair at the Mill Weavivg, beading, giass painting etc. etc
Admission
each day £1.00
September
13th & 14th Heritage Open Day, Tynedale Dyers Spinners and Weavers. We hope
for some music again from Ryton Comp
Free
this weekend !!!!!!!!!!!
