If we have to pull
balsam there is surely no better place than Gate Bridge Watermill on a
beautiful sunny day. The watermill was tricky to find but is one of those
corners of Yorkshire that we only discover through volunteering.
Nine volunteers and
Paul set out to attack the first location, a strip of land between a lovely
stream and the mill race. There was no shortage of the wretched weed but it did
give in gracefully and very soon large piles of the monster started to appear.
The scene of the volunteers stooped in line was reminiscent of a paddy field. Not to be missed next
week, Joanne has requested a flotation device in order to get that elusive
balsam on the river bank that we couldn’t reach from land. Don’t forget your
cameras.
Joanne leads the way and demonstrates the balsam
pulling technique to the uninitiated.
Meanwhile everyone else just ignores her and gets started.
The mill is owned by Bronwyn and John Brindley who very kindly offered us morning coffee and afternoon tea in their house, not what we are used to! Not only coffee and tea but a huge assortment of cakes freshly baked.
How civilised for a Tuesday coffee break.
Tea in china cups. On proper chairs. On a carpet.
A beautiful picnic lunch by the mill race in the sun and loads of birthday cake provided by Tony made this a memorable day and set a difficult standard for any future pulling requests.
Lunch time for the lads. Cool dude Terry shuns the
normal peaked cap in favour of his shades.
Finally John offered us a tour of the mill which was fascinating, a rare piece of Yorkshire heritage but in need of some TLC.
Views of the mill.......
Inside......
...... and outside.
It was a good day and I think we are almost looking forward to returning for more pulling there next week!
Terry
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