Welcome to the very first yearly roundup. This is where we will take a look back over the year and summarise how it went.

​

Well, what can we say, 2020 has certainly been difficult to say the least. The year began as a promising one, commencing with litter picking, leaflet distributing and cutting back the willow trees across the stream. We did this for most of January - March (before the first lockdown), then of course, COVID struck the world and we went into lockdown. This meant termintating all meetings and volunteer sessions, including the cancellation of this years' Bat Walk, Easter Event and Summer Event.

 

We said farewell to two of our original volunteers, Nigel and Peter, of whom the door is left open. We also collectively decided that volunteer sessions would be changed from Thursdays, to Saturdays. Our final volunteer session before going on hiatus was late March.

​

Through the months of March - June, we began Zoom video chats each week, to fill the void of no volunteering and it has now become a perminant and vital fixture of our team. To continue to build confidences and to remain in contact each week. These also included a couple of rare one off team meetings for the creation of the websites and photography.

​

Straight after the meetings, this website and Instagram were created and our Twitter was reactivated. We had the chance through this difficult time to promote the group even though, unfortunately, we were unable to continue with the sessions at this time. A massive thank you to our volunteer Alex, for setting these up for us.

​

Our wonderful team leader, Dee, began the brilliant, 'Sewing Dee'. This was set up at the beginning of the lockdown because of COVID. Dee created face masks, wash bags and many other items for volunteers and NHS and care workers in Hampshire. This and our group was promoted on Flash Radio by Dee. The volunteers even got a cheeky little mention. ;)

​

Summer had arrived and the dreaded Hymalyan Balsam began to grow across the stream and we were anxious that we weren't able to remove any of it. Thankfully, we had the green light to resume all volunteer sessions, of course by working by the new rules. Staying at two meters and we had bags that included things such as plasters, masks, hand santisiers etc.

​

Our volunteer sessions resumed on the 11th July and thank goodness, we managed to remove 99% of the Himalyan Balsam, from all across the stream over 3 sessions. Following this, we did further litter picks from across and in the stream, cutting back of reeds, trimming back the willow dome and cutting back brambles.

​

With the addition of the new websites, we had the chance to take much higher quality photographs and a lot more of them. Thanks to our volunteer Jay lending us his camera and a massive thank you to Alex for taking the photographs.

​

In early October we won some very exciting rewards from Alan Mak and his 'Small Business and Community Awards'. Our FOTHS team, 'Best Community Group', and Dee, 'Best Community Contributor' AND 'Best Volunteer'. We also filmed a promotional video that is yet to be released for the group.

​

We also welcomed THREE, yes, you read correct, THREE brilliaint new volunteers this year. Kim (January), Grainne (August) and Donna (October).

​

Of course, the next COVID wave hit the country, so it was confirmed on the 29th October that all volunteer sessions were once again terminated. The 10th October would be the last time this year we were able to volunteer.

​

Overall, we have managed to achieve so many wonderful things this year, regardless of everything that is happening. We will be returning in 2021, working even harder to maintain the Hermitage Stream and surrounding areas.

 

We would like to give a huge thank you to the volunteers who have worked so hard this year and adapting to these changes. This wasn't easy to begin with, but each volunteer adjusted well.

​

From everyone at Friends of the Hermitage Stream, we wish you all a happy new year.