By Paul Macdonald
Heytesbury resident Rodney Mullins, 81 this year, has turned over the soil and planted cyclamens, pansies, and polyanthus on land where local villagers, walkers and cyclists can take a break on the public seats.
The octogenarian villager, who freely gives his time using his ‘green fingers’, provided Covid-19 lockdown colour and cheer to the corner of the busy junction just across the road from where he lives.
“I like to do voluntary work.” said Rodney. “I do gardening for neighbours. I do not charge anything for that and I cut the grass verges to keep things neat and tidy.
“I thought, when this all happened, I would give this part of the village a bit of extra cheer.”
Rodney is actually a qualified chef but while working for Flying Goose (now Lyons Seafoods) at their former headquarters at Barrow House, Bishopstrow, found himself in charge of the grounds that surround it. Tackling the large amount of bramble and bracken made the public seats more accessible and provided an area for the flower beds.
Rodney also got his green fingers in another way. He gave the village football club changing rooms a makeover using green paint covering its 42ft by 20ft ready for the new season.
“I had a lot of good comments and have just played my small role this year,” Rodney added.
At the latest meeting of the parish council, the work of pandemic volunteers was recognised.
“After sharing the parish council ‘Thank you to Volunteers’ press release, it became apparent to me following a comment from a local Heytesbury Hub reader that not all older residents are online,” said the administrator and local councillor Vanessa Sturmey.
“So those being thanked may not of been aware of the grateful recognition that they were receiving. We are very lucky that we have volunteers like Rodney who take pride in their village and give up their time freely, so I was happy to visit him and give him the news.”
Dozens of volunteers emerged from among the 700 residents when they could, during the early stages of strict lockdown, during which more green-fingered work included roses planted at the War Memorial, grass cutting, the sports pitches being maintained as well as the children’s play area keeping it ready for its re-opening.
The Red Lion public house responded to the pandemic becoming a greengrocery producing and providing fresh food. Shopping volunteers kept the food cupboards of those self-isolating stocked up and helped in many other ways.
“All these examples of voluntary work help to make the parish a nicer and more attractive place to live or demonstrate concern and awareness of the needs of others,” said parish council chairwoman Louise Morris.
“Grateful thanks are extended to all.”