What a brilliant weekend for Beach Buddies! Two major events, over 100 volunteers in total and just under 100 bags of rubbish plus large amounts of metal, lobster pots, fishing gear and even a gigantic metal container with rubbish dating more than 13 years old!
On Saturday, October 18th, Blythe Financial sponsored a memorable session in windy, but still pleasant, conditions at the Point of Ayre, with 58 volunteers, 18 of them being new, collecting 64 bags of rubbish, plus another 27 items such as lobster pots and fencing.
Then on Sunday, October 19th, Beach Buddies joined forces with Zero Waste Mann and Braddan Commissioners at Port Soderick as part of the "No Waste in Braddan" campaign.
We had 43 volunteers, nine new, and collected 31 bags of rubbish, plus lots of metal and debris and another eight items such as plastic oil drums.
The focus of attention, however, was a gigantic metal container found alongside the former amusement arcade, which had accumulated mountains of rubbish over many years. Near the bottom, we found one tin can dating back to 2001 and the volunteers who tackled this deserve a medal for sifting through the mucky mess that had been gathering and decomposing for donkeys' years.
Many thanks to Muriel Garland and Zero Waste Mann who are sponsors of one of our "Beach Buddies Big Beach Bins" which is now sitting in a prominent position at the seaside end of the car park.
These bins work a treat everywhere they have been placed, with members of the public taking a bag from the dispenser and "making a difference" by collecting a few items of rubbish from the beach whilst walking or out with their dogs.
Thanks, too, to John Quaye for bringing his quad bike which was invaluable in shifting the heavy bags collected at the amusement arcade and also to members of Braddan Commissioners who joined in the occasion, including chairman Andrew Jessopp who was joined by Phil Corlett from Isle of Man Friends of the Earth in tackling the giant metal container and its mucky contents!
Another great event, very well attended and very productive. Time for a glass of vino and a sit down! Phew!
Thanks to everyone. This is what it's all about - the community working together to show they care about our beautiful Island and wildlife.
Next weekend we will be going south to Castletown on Sunday. However, following a number of requests, we are planning to have some Saturday sessions too in the near future, as lots of people can't make Sundays.
As always, watch this space!
Photo - Muriel Garland with Beach Buddies volunteers and the new ZWM sponsored bin, now in position at Port Soderick.
