Animals and Athletics

'THERE WILL BE ANIMALS!!' James Wright, Waterloo Nature Farm

That was the promise that had 11 of us speeding the (almost) 5k to Waterloo City Farm like a bunch of scarlet-clad ninjas (ninjas with respect for the Green Cross Code, obvs). Far from being, as some feared, a coded message that the task involved clearing a pest infestation, this enticing promise was fulfilled! We were greeted by the very grateful Sally with an array of 'move that there' style tasks including shifting piles of wood chip, clearing an area destined to be gardened by school kids, hefting compost bags and planters and general clearing of the impressive farm area in preparation for its grand opening this weekend. The farm will serve as a regular 'top-up' for former attendees of the Jamie's Farm initiative and in general do amazing things for kids that need it. Oh, animals, you say? A whole litter of piglets (yup, it's called a litter, I googled it) hitting some surprising decibel levels; a sheep with young lamb just hanging out, looking cute; and some chickens, doing whatever it is chickens do of a Tuesday evening. Although secured in pens (for their protection, I imagine, not ours) we all cooed at them like toddlers for a bit, then cracked on with the clear up before another speedy (almost) 5k home.

“A barrow of Laughs” Loughborough Junction

The rest of headed the one mile run to Loughborough Junction here we met Marion and Walter from Loughborough farm.

Our task was to move a load of soil from one area, about 50 metres to another. Simple right? Oh no no no… Firstly, due to a locked gate we had to take the soil vial a detoured route around the houses (literally). We were also given a wonderful array of broken wheelbarrows, Imagine the most dysfunctional shopping trolley in Sainos…. Yep, that bad.

It actually made if fun and some wheelbarrow races began. I openly mocked Matt for being shit with his time of over one minute, but I was soon eating my words when I had a go. I don’t think I have worked that hard in any race EVER and I still only managed one minute and 10 seconds. Honestly, if I’d tried any harder I’d have wet myself. I’m still feeling a bit tired now.
Everyone worked liked soldiers last night, Judy in particular, and hats off to Jackie and Sarah who even had energy to skip the whole way back to Papas.

Then everyone went to the pub. I went home and ate cake.

Another great night all. See you next week.