Welcome to Episode 10 of PRoWlers’ Progress
Well hello one and all! It’s been a long and wet winter, but as the snowdrops and daffodils peek out from the (now drying) mud to herald the coming of spring, I thought it was time to catch up with Ricky and Jonny.
Some of you may know that both of our PRoWlers have alter egos that keep them busy when they aren’t out patrolling the mean paths of the parish, but they do try to allocate at least a day a week to their prowling endeavours.
Wednesday 12th February – Pesky, time consuming but essential office work
The most pressing activity at this time of year is not enjoying the winter/spring sunshine, but completing the annual returns to Devon County Council. Like most bureaucracies, DCC do like a form (or three or four), but these forms did motivate our PRoWlers to scratch their heads and pick up their pens.
Ricky and Jonny looked at what was required to complete the forms which was mostly…
- For each of our footpaths and bridleways, consider if they “pass muster” so to speak.
- Rate each as a Pass or a Fail.
- For every Fail, identify the reason (or reasons) for the failure and categorise it using a list of pre-defined DCC codes.
- Come up with a list of remedial works (big and small) that are necessary or desirable to both fix the failures and improve any other issues.
- Sort any required remedial works into Major or Minor works.
- Document the costs associated with performing the above.
- Commit these findings to the correct forms and send them off to DCC.
- Finally, tell DCC all about the expenditure and completed projects in the previous year to date – a sort of “balance carried forward” activity.
Easy!
In essence, we are talking about writing “structured” begging letters, so getting it right was a priority. DCC run a granting system for P3 parishes and will fund works out of a central government allocated budget. But the deadline looms.
With papers, pens and pencils, spreadsheets, lists of codes and laptops spread over Jonny’s kitchen table, they looked at each other and sighed. “I’m an artist.” said Ricky. “I want a cup of tea.” countered Jonny.
Now Jonny recognised that Ricky’s comment really meant… “Jonny, dear Jonny. I really don’t enjoy spreadsheets and numbers and filling in forms and would really like for you to drive that aspect of the process – with me advising and guiding you and giving you encouragement. I mean, I *can* do it… if you *really* want me to but maybe, this time, you do it… and I’ll do it next year. Oh! And I’ve left my reading glasses at home.”
Ricky recognised that Jonny’s comment really meant… “I’ll put the kettle on!”
Jonny put the kettle on.
Some hours later, the forms and spreadsheets were completed and despatched to DCC via the magnificent service offered by the Royal Mail internet and email. Let’s wait and see what comes back. One can only hope.
Wednesday 5th March – A sunny Survey
Both of our PRoWlers were aware that they spent a large chunk of their time last year towards the north end of the parish on and around Beacon Hill. Whilst there is still more work to do there (including a major gate repair), they wanted to do a bit more at the local (to them) end of the patch.
Jonny said, “The sun is shining, let’s leave the PRoWler Mobile here and do some more number marker surveys.” Ricky thought this a fine idea, so armed with nothing more than their smart phones (and old skool pencil and paper) they set off.
Really, this simply means walking the path and making notes about where and how many new numbering signs need to be made and if any way marker signs need adding or replacing. Of course, they also need to make note of any other issues they spot.
They walked the length of FP41 (our longest path at 1.8km), FP60 (one of our shortest at 320m) and FP56 (780m) making notes and taking photos as they went. Eventually they found their way back to Jonny’s for (guess what?) a cup of tea and a biscuit.
Next Wednesday 12th March, Jonny is “otherwise engaged”, so Ricky plans to spend the day in the workshop making number markers. Keep an eye out for the shiny metal number signs when you are out and about.
More about Footpath 56
Footpath 56 runs from Goldsmiths Lane (junction with Knights Lane) in a north-easterly direction, across South Common, passes Heather Bell and Flashmans then continues straight and pops out on South Common Lane near the A358.
The Goldsmiths Lane end and the bit up to Bridleway 58 is a real mud-and water-fest. So much so that Ricky and Jonny issued a PRoWler Alert earlier in the year. Needless to say, this was noted on the submissions for DCC.
The final leg of this footpath is oft overlooked, and many would take the private access track that turns sharply left (due north – see image below) just past Flashmans and also pops out on South Common Lane. But please note that this is a private track and is not a Right of Way so Ricky and Jonny would encourage you to stick to the footpath – it really is quite a pleasant stroll.
It’s a Messy Business – Again… Still… When will it end?
Something less pleasant. There are only a small number of things that get right under Ricky and Jonny’s skin, and high on that short list is doggie doos. How can it be right to allow your (obviously BIG dog) to use our footpaths and bridleways as their bathroom? With the lambing season ramping up and with cows carrying their calves, it’s extra important to pick-up the doo-doos. It can (and does) lead to serious consequences when farm stock (and PRoWlers) come into contact with it.
Oh! And it’s against the law. Pick it up!
A source of Confusion
Language is a funny old thing and writing it down can lead to confusion. So, earlier, when Jonny refers to the PRoWler Mobile, he is referring to Ricky’s little truck that is pressed into PRoWler service once a week and NOT referring a mobile phone.
I guess it’s all about pronunc-euncy-ation – PRoWler Mobeeeeel (truck) vs. PRoWler Mobile (phone).
Glad we cleared that up. On that note, here’s a funny that includes the phone little truck…
So until we meet again, hopefully with some good funding news…
Enjoy your walking, follow the Countryside Code – and Shut that Gate!
STOP PRESS!
Here’s a lovely way to finish off this episode… Ricky and Jonny both received anonymous gifts through their respective letter boxes last night, with a little hand written note. What a lovely surprise (so thoughtful and apt). So thank you very much… whoever you are.
PS. Jonny thinks it was a pixie what done it 😉
Byeee!