Ramblings of a Wet Car Park Attendant
Monks Wood has added a new dimension to my orienteering. Having spent the previous weekend filling in potholes and spreading stone in the worst of the ruts at Broadstone Warren, I thought the parking at Greentrees Farm for Monks would be straightforward.
Earlier in the week my 4x4 crossed the field with ease and the farmer was soon going to move the sheep.
On Friday I went up to construct the stile, it started to rain and the sheep were still in the field! I found the farmer still creating his fence in the adjoining field. He had spent some days in hospital earlier in the week and was now marching round his fields with a heavily bandaged leg. A lesser man would have every reason to cancel the event. Thank you Philip. I spent the rest of the afternoon moving fencing and tying it securely - apparently those 200 docile sheep, when on the move, have a lot of momentum. Round up began as night fell with the farmer on his runabout with headlights on and the farmer’s wife and me holding fencing to help guide the sheep towards the exit. Fortunately we looked threatening enough not to be trampled in the stampede and the sheep flowed into the next field just in time as darkness fell.
A quick visit to Paddochurst Esate Office to remind them that they had forgotten to change the lock on the gate and we were ready for Saturday.
On arriving we made a mistake. The intention had been to be on the high ground but the wind was ferocious and we needed to give the tent some protection. Its position behind the hedge was fine but we should have kept the cars on higher ground. As the rain continued car movement got more and more difficult. Michael pulled 7 cars out with his 4x4 and numerous cars needed a push. The rest of the morning was spent working on route choice across the less slippery and rutted ground - the highlight of which was me falling flat on my face in the puddle by the entrance.
A challenging day and it was heartening to see and hear so many Southdowners rising to and enjoying the occasion - or perhaps it was the punch and mince pies.
Les Hooper
Posted by Bridget Hooper on 17th Dec 08
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It was a brilliant event despite the weather - and many thanks to the knight in shining range rover who got us all out again!
Posted by Karen Ashworth on 27th Dec 08 at 02:53 PM
Many thanks to Michael ? who towed me out of the mud - I was very grateful!
Posted by Piers Pollard on 30th Dec 08 at 01:06 PM
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