Be part of the solution, not the pollution

Lake Meadows is a beauty spot in our town, or so it should be.  But, despite the social distancing regulations in force for the Covid-19 Pandemic, Lake Meadows has seen an influx of visitors, and many have left rubbish souvenirs of their visits.

Nick’s Initiative

Past District Governor and Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower Member Nick Sillitoe was appalled by posts on the Billericay Discussion page showing the disgraceful amount of rubbish being left behind at the Park.  He decided he wanted to do something about it, and organised a task force of “litter pickers” from the Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower, and invited members of our Rotary Club of Billericay and the new Rotary Club of Billericay Town, to join him for action on June 1.

Peter Greene and Mike Sinclair joined Nick and about a dozen members of the other clubs, to do just that.

10.00 am start and there was Nick handing out (social distancing rules were all followed) rubbish sacks, bag holders and “litter pickers” to all the volunteers - all loaned by the Town Council.  Then with instructions to each pair of members - “go there”, “do that area”, “no, go over there” we were all off picking. 

It’s a dirty job but somebody has to do it

Not a totally salubrious pastime, but a necessary one, as we filled the sacks with bottles, gas canisters and misc. detritus.  Many dog walkers and joggers passed us by, all keeping at least two metres away, thankfully.  Many words of encouragement.  Simply “Thank you” said many.  “That’s such a necessary thing to do” said others.  And, of course, several “what an appalling mess to leave behind”.

An hour and a half later and Nick called a halt - with over a dozen sacks full of rubbish.

Our club contributed three sacks from our efforts, so we left with a great sense of satisfaction of a job well done, and enjoyment of the camaraderie of our Rotary Clubs working together.