News 

We had a successful picking session on 7 January, in much nicer weather than expected, though there were still icy patches on some of the paths and car parks. Eighteen people helped, with at least four coming for the first time. About 25 bags of rubbish were collected – some brought back to John O’Conner’s depot by the Museum, and some left by the bins around the Park for collection later.

I’d arranged beforehand with St Albans Track for us to pick around the running track, so working round this area was a first for us.

I called in to the Roman Museum to tell them about our latest picking session. I’ll let all the regular Park users know about our future picks (Westminster Lodge, Abbey Theatre, Albany Nursery, Army, Air, Sea Cadets, etc) in case they would like to get involved.

Two areas need attention in the next couple of months:

• Along the edge of the Park by King Harry Lane, and in the layby just outside. There’s lots in the undergrowth that’s been there a long time so we’ll allocate four people to tackle this next time.

• Among the trees and bushes going across the Park from the Causeway towards the Hypocaust.

Monday or Wednesday? Wednesday is probably better to fit in with John O’Conner’s workload immediately after the weekend, so we’ll arrange the next few sessions on the first Wednesday of each month and review this again.

Inn on the Park again kindly provided tea and coffee for everyone in their side room from 11.30 onwards. It was very nice to all get together, compare notes and chat, not just all go off immediately after we’d finished.

Thanks to everyone who came this time. Feedback and suggestions on how we can improve the process are welcome, as are more Friends who would like to help. An email inviting you to sign up for each session will be sent round a week or so before.

 Nick Clarke