Please help injured swan

To anyone who is going to be in Ellesmere and around the mere in the next few days, please keep an eye out for a swan tangled up in fishing line. On Sat 23rd a lady spotted a swan that was all hooked up and had line around its neck - she reported this to the visitor centre and to the RSPCA - but neither of us has been able to find the poor thing. If you spot it please call the RSPCA immediately with the details and let me know also. If it is close to the bank I may be able to catch it..otherwise a boat will be needed.
If we hurry, we may be able to save this swan.
merecat47@gmail.com

Shropshire Triathlon



Nice




Heading out of Transition

 It's been a busy day today! dashing around Cremorne Gardens this morning, helping with the set up for the Shropshire Triathlon. Then watching the start at 11:00 a.m.. There must have been 500 - 600 people thrashing their way around the 1500 metre course in the mere..quite a sight.

Leaders rounding first Marker


Watching the "transition" stage is exciting..so much time can be lost just by not being efficient in changing out of wet suits or not getting feet into cycling shoes in one swift movement.


First group preparing to start

 These guys 'n gals are very hardy sorts! Some extremely fit people were stretching or warming up in the gardens and along the prom. They have to be tough to even complete the course..let alone set a fast time.
This is an amazing event..lots of competitors and spectators..if you could find a parking space in Ellesmere today, you were lucky!

Ellesmere College Students

 Some people are quick to judge teenagers harshly and to also make comments about private school pupils. To those people, i say...think again.

I just wanted to say what a great example is set by the students from Ellesmere College, who regularly turn out to help look after the grounds of the park.
Today was wet and miserable, yet the group worked  hard, getting wet, muddy and scratched..smiling all the time.

I just wanted to say "Thank you" to you all..you are a credit to the college.

Thousand Orchid Meadow



Orchids in Castlefields wildflower meadow



Native British Wild Orchid

Today was a beautiful day for a wander in an English wildflower meadow. There are very few of these left in the country but we are so fortunate in Ellesmere...there is one on our doorstep and it is available for anyone to walk through.
Have a look at the slope leading to the top of Castlefields and you will see that it has a  "wash" of lilac colouring above the green. Take a gentle stroll up the path and you will see that this is caused by thousands of wild orchids that are in full bloom at the moment.
The most beautiful sight I have seen in a long time.
Hurry and catch it for yourself before the flowers fade.

Herb Garden Flourishes

Head Chef Picking Herbs

The Boathouse restaurant prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients as much as possible and you can't get fresher or closer than this!
Earlier this year, a small garden area outside the kitchen window was planted with herbs for use in the daily menu. I am delighted to tell you that the herbs are growing well and each morning, Kate Taylor (head chef and manageress) can be seen picking herbs for that day.
Some herbs, including the flat parsley have been "trimmed" a little more than anticipated recently as  goslings have heads small enough to fit through the fence and have been supplementing their diet! Hopefully, they will soon grow too big.
Next time you are passing, stop and see how many you can identify (keep an eye out for goslings with their heads stuck in a fence)

And Stretch!



G O M hard at work

 At 72 years young and with his new bionic hip in place, my lovely volunteer, known to some as "grumpy old man", shows how fit he is.
We were preparing Cremorne gardens for the Shropshire Triathlon, which is happening this Sunday. evertything is in place, the athletes are ready..all we now need is your company..do come along

Unusual Pet

Tame Polecat

I often see people walking dogs of various shapes and sizes through the park...but today I just had to stop and get my camera out.
Coming towards me was a gentleman holding a long lead attached to a  very small harness,which contained a polecat! He visits Ellesmere often and brings his unusual pet along to walk by the mere, something it was obviously enjoying.
Whilst polecats are not rare on the Welsh borders, I have only ever seen one other (and that was dead on the roadside).
There's never a dull day at The Mere!