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Mudlarks Seek level Playing Field |
| There was an unexpected
boost to the working party's numbers when the latest ground improvements
were undertaken at the weekend. News that we were laying a pipe underground
may have been misinterpreted as Mr Harris is in fine health even if his
unexpected appearance at the nets did not back this up. Here was the plan. Tons and tons of topsoil were to be delivered and spread to try and make the outfield level and allow those fielding towards the car park a view of the game without jumping six feet in the air. At the same time a drainage channel would be dug to lay a pipe to prevent certain parts of the ground becoming waterlogged. After three quarters of an hour shifting topsoil with wheelbarrows, the digger arrived to move the remaining soil in no time, making us wonder whether our efforts had been well directed. The driver of the lorry called it a day after 4 trips and 80 tons of topsoil deposited.  The weather had
certainly contrived to demonstrate the need for drainage as the working
party found themselves ankle deep in mud. Harry Potter had taken an
optimistic view by wearing flimsy white trainers but got stuck in all the
same. However the equipment hired to dig the channel was not up to the job
(it might have been easier if instructions had been supplied). There was no
plan B. Brownie suggested digging the channel manually which seemed like a
sensible suggestion from someone due to depart within the hour. Brownie
started with gusto but retired with trench foot to go and watch The Hammers.
He was replace by Andy 'The Mole' Cook whose skills were honed by many a
Christmas watching The Great Escape. Smudger also departed saying he was
used to being substituted at half time.After laying about 25 metres of pipe, the gravel ran out. To have stopped would have made the day meaningless and so Trevor Daws departed in his van to fetch enough bags of gravel to fill The Grand Canyon (at least it felt like that as each bag was carried from the van to the pipeline). Bill Gibbon fell victim to a Chris Cook splash and retired briefly to tea making duties. Ali Horne made a guest appearance determined to spend as much time in the middle as possible. The Chair was notable by his absence having taken the opportunity of make his solitary visit to West Ham on the day of the work. One hopes that his recent behaviour had improved sufficiently to allow him to stay on for Bobby Zamora's consolation goal. Eventually 100 metres of pipe were laid with sterling efforts from captain fierce and even 'Blakey' Simmons forsaking his clipboard for the shovel. Pride of place must go to Alex Cason and particularly Paul Simmons who worked as hard as any of the senior members. With more work planned in the weeks up to the start of the season, we hope to see some new faces ready to roll up their sleeves to get the ground ready. |