FABULOUS FUNGHI COMPETITION

 There were so many funghi in the park and gardens this year! The variety was amazing -  I  had a great time crawling around in autumn leaves to take these photos - and there are still many others to see. - so take a walk around The Mere Park & bring your camera.

I'll buy a coffee & cake at The Boathouse for the first person to correctly name all 4 shown here.

HEREFORDS IN CHARGE

Hereford cattle on Castlefields

It's that time of year again - the time when Castlefields car park is closed off and the grassland given over to a herd of cattle.
The grassland  is looked after with a view to preserving and encouraging wild flowers and plants that belong in the local area. (See my June blog Thousand Orchid Meadow). http://merejournal.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/thousand-orchid-meadow.html

In order to achieve this, no chemical spraying is allowed. Instead, the grassland is managed by this small herd of pedigree Hereford cattle.
This group are friendly and follow me if I am collecting litter, as the bin bag is similar to the bag held by the farmer when he arrives with a treat of cattle cake!
During the next month or so, if you are walking over any part of Castlefields, possibly following the new extension to the Shropshire way, please keep your dog on a lead  - and watch where you are putting your feet!

C.R.Y sponsored row

St Mary's taken from just off Moscow Island

Today was a beautiful day - especially for a row around the mere!
 C.R.Y ( Cardiak Risk in the Young) held a sponsored row and coffee morning earlier today, held in memory of local lad Matt Dewhirst.
It was heartening to see so many people turn up to row or just watch from the decking at The Boathouse, whilst eating delicious ( I had 2slices)  home made carrot cake.


my assistant rower  concentrating on the stroke

Of course, yours truly had to join in (grateful thanks to all those who sponsored me). I chose one of the  more sedate, old fashioned rowing boats rather than the speedier canoes and took the chance to take a few snaps. At the end the first leg I was hailed by the safety boat and a ship to  ship transfer of crew was made. I gained a beautiful assisitant who had never rowed before. Chloe gamely set about learning whilst I gave unhelpful comments!

Safety Boat crew giving encouragement