Hackfall Woods: 10-09-2019

On the day that parliament was prorogued for an unusually long period of time and Britain moved ever closer to a vertical drop-off that was the Brexit cliff face, the NCVs decided to venture into the magical world of Hackfall Woods to undertake a quest. In this 'Choose your own adventure' day there were a number of challenges from which to select. It just depended on how brave, fit or skilled in the dark arts you were as to which path you took.

The choices? Well...

• Deal with an eroding path edge - basic carpentry skills were needed for this, although dragon slaying experience could be useful if any happened along.
• Remove fallen trees – chainsaw training or disappearing spells preferred but the ability to use saws and loppers would be helpful.
• Start removing silt from the Alum Springs - not for the faint hearted. Stout wellies, strong shoulders and the ability to prevent sand being washed off the shovel were definitely required. Magic wands optional.
• Clear culverts - Expelliarmus incantantion (removing an object spell) useful, otherwise the knowledge of the inner workings of a pick axe and spade  would be handy.

So - which of the tasks did the game players opt for? How did they get on in their own, personal adventures? The photos tell the tales.....

This blocked culvert lay in wait to catch out 
an unsuspecting NCV.

But luckily Anita was on the lookout and sorted it out with a waggle of her wand.

A group of adventurers entered Alum Spring with some trepidation. 

They were right in being cautious. Whole shovelfuls of silt simply 
disappeared into thin air as they were lifted out of the water.
It was akin to one of the labours of Hercules - impossible!

 Once the task was 'completed' the questors decided to have a trug race.

 They then set off in search of other debris 

blocking the stream's progress....

...often having to make perilous crossings.

At one point an emergency supply of magic wands was transported across the trug race course and rushed to the upper reaches of the wood.

They ended up at Mowbray Castle, where the

eroding path needed attention.

 Work was soon under way, removing old steps...

 ...and inserting new edging boards.

A LOT of magic was needed here, with many NCVs battling 
against the slippy, inclined surface.....

...and a LOT of effort.
(If the video doesn't work then click HERE)

But with one mighty bound the job was done.

Some NCVs tried to use mud to conceal themselves from 
the dragons that were roaming the woods.

But they need not have worried - the dragons did not seem to want to attack.

This fallen tree was a real challenge. Ken and Angela did their best 
with a pair of loppers but it  proved too much. 
A disappearing spell was definitely called for. 

There were extra rations provided by both Audrey and Anita.
Anita's plum flapjack was particularly tasty and can be conjured up from THIS SPELL
(NB apparently additional oats need to be added to the mix and a larger tin is required
for complete success.)

 Once the adventures were over the NCVs re-grouped 
and made their way up to the car park.

There they dutifully washed their boots and tools to ensure none of 
Hackfall's enchantment was taken away.

Back at the barn two other NCVs were weaving a bit of magic of their own. They were sharpening tools and carrying out a number of maintenance jobs on the barn itself. An excellent list of tasks was achieved.

 The Grim Reaper made an appearance at one point, 
waiting on the side lines for a freshly sharpened scythe.

Jan was happy with his scythe peening quest, 

pity he had to miss out on the plum flapjack!