Just in case there were any NCVs who may have been thinking of opting out of this week's task (yet another one involving the planting of trees - the 9th of such events since January 1st, as welll as a forecast for rain), Liz realised that she would need to tempt them out with some 'carrots', apart from any promise of coffee-time goodies. She had overheard mutterings that there was only so many days they could stand digging holes in stony ground, no matter how good the quality of the mid-morning cake offerings. So - Liz devised a cunning plan to encourage them to turn out to The Old Stables in Risplith, where a field was awaiting a new hedge and plantation.
She employed the services of a well known social media influencer (none other than Angelina Twinkle - I know. Fancy her of all people agreeing to the challenge!!) to come along and shower the gang with numerous gifts that she has access to as part of her online advertising role, whilst filming herself influencing them all to enjoy digging holes and inserting 430 more trees.
Would Liz's plan work? Past experience of an effort to bolster the NCVs' moral when hedge planting didn't turn out quite as expected (see blog entry from Dec 12th 2024). So would this turn out the same way?Would the NCvs be tempted out by the chance to meet such a celebrity? Would Angelina's 'carrots' keep them on site for more than half an hour? Let's see shall we?
Well - as the NCVs gathered it was clear that at least some had been drawn in by the promise of exciting gifts. Likewise the horses that lived at the Stables, who heard there were carrots on offer, came to investigate.
"Who can insert the bamboo canes?" squealed Angelina, all kitted out in her off the shoulder leisure wear and sparkly sandals. Paul stepped up to the plate.
"And what about these tree posts - Tom - can you show me how to hammer these monsters in?"
"Fantastic - and such a clever spacing tool Paul!!! What wonderful lump hammering Tom! A bottle of Channel No. 6.5 for each of you. Don't use it all at once!" Angelina giggled.
Paul looked disappointed and said to no one in particular - "I won't be using it at all...."
"Me neither" said Tom. I would have preferred a bottle of Welly Oil to keep my new wellies supple."
Angelina pouted into her video camera and trilled, " Now - apparently we need a willing vol to lay out the spirals. Who's up to the job? Ah - Dawn- you look like just the person."
"Well done - here's a fab, fab, fab set of Teezy Weezy's hair extensions as a reward!"
Dawn took one look at them and put them in the rubbish bag as soon as Ang. turned her back.
"I spy with my little eye a vol who knows which tree is which. Anita - Can you lay these saplings out ready?" AT gushed.
"Now that is what I call a well accomplished tree allocation exercise. You are all so good at this. Have a gorgeous little leather Brunetti Puchinello clutch bag (other kinds are available)"
Anita complained that the bag was so small she wouldn't even be able to fit in her packed lunch.
"Friedy - I wonder if you can show my viewers what you do with these spirals? Are they to make the trees grow all curly wurly?"
Ms Twinkle's shrill voice was starting to grate and everyone tried to avoid catching her eye in case they ended up with something completely useless to take home. Too late for Julia, who was slow to turn away as she shouted "*You look just the person to show everyone how to dig a hole and plant a tree."
"That's it. Exquisite spade action. Have this superb pair of Timmy Choux silver, open toed sandals - perfect for your next volunteering day."
Julia looked at AT with a raised eyebrow which clearly showed she he was not impressed and went to join the others for coffee.
The NCVs were glad to get a bit of peace as Liz took Angelina to one side and politely thanked her for her efforts but thought that she need not stay any longer. The carrots she had brought were just not appropriate for NCvs. Everyone covered their ears as the influencer squeaked in indignation and high tailed it back to her car.
Anita soothed the NCVs' feelings with some tasty flapjack which they willingly accepted before just getting on with the job. (Thanks Anita.) Liz didn't even need to wield a stick. To be rid of the appalling Angelina was carrot enough to encourage the NCVs on.
Once the plantation team had finished they moved on to help with the hedge.
By lunchtime the hedge was completed - with no need for a single additional carrot.
It was time for a swing...
...and a bit of biosecurity before lunch.
Seeing it was not only the last tree planting day of the season - as well as being Dave's birthday - Julia rewarded everyone with a choice of two different, mouthwatering cakes.
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