Blog Editor: many apologies for the late posting of this article – we’ll get back on schedule very shortly!

Colin Gray writes:

Here are some photos from the Environment Day on Friday 18 June when 12 Environment Agency (EA) volunteers (and later 13) turned out to do some stream bank repairs and install a set of dog steps along the Gelvert Stream.

All were very proud of what they had achieved in one full days work.  Mutual thanks were exchanged from the EA team for the chance to work at Fleet Pond, in the open air and with a project which showed a good end result and from FPS for the hard work dedicated to Fleet Pond by the EA team with a very good result.

I’m not quite sure what’s going on here!

Please also see a previous post connected to the EA day here.

Nick cycles into Chestnut Grove today

Nick Keeley writes:

After excellent hospitality from my sister, Helen, and her husband, Paul, today I set off from Reading in fine weather helped by Paul, who cycled with me through the centre of Reading to get me to the cycle path going south.

From then on it was quite an easy ride of 25 miles, making the total journey 487 miles.

I arrived home just before one o’clock to be greeted by Margaret and some wellwishers from FPS.

In general the journey to Liverpool was easier as I benefited from good weather and did not face too many head winds.

Coming back was harder, especially on Wednesday, when head winds, driving rain and nasty Shropshire hills left me feeling a bit washed out. Far too many hills cluttered up the countryside. Someone should have tidied them away and moved them up north, where such hills belong.

I would like to thank everyone who has sponsored me and those who have sent me messages of support either by text or through Facebook. This support has been very helpful, especially after a hard day.

If you haven’t yet sponsored me, it’s not too late! www.charitygiving.co.uk/nickkeeley

or send a cheque to Colin Gray, 14 Kenilworth Road, Fleet, GU51 3DA, payable to Fleet Pond Society.

Nick in Burford on Friday 16th July 2010

 Nick Keeley writes:

Friday, and 46 miles from Burford to Reading, making a total to date of 462 miles.

After a lovely stay at the Wyck House Hotel, Margaret took me back to Burford so that I could resume the ride.

After a bit of a climb out of Burford, the countryside for the first half of the ride was quite gentle, although the blustery winds were not.

The highest point of the ride was near Harwell and after that I followed the main roads all the way to Reading. The views were quite spectacular although the intermittent hills were not welcome.

I arrived at my sister’s at about 4 pm with only 22 miles left to go tomorrow.

The purple line shows the huge distance Nick has travelled since the start of his journey. The red line is today’s miles, and the green is the home straight! To help Nick reach his target of £2000 (he is very nearly there) please donate online at:

http://www.charitygiving.co.uk/nickkeeley 

or by sending a cheque to Colin Gray, 14 Kenilworth Road, Fleet, GU51 3DA, payable to Fleet Pond Society. Your cheque will not be cashed until after the ride has been completed.

Nick Keeley writes:

Sharyn requires proof of no cheating, so today’s photo is of me & bike in Burford this afternoon. Photo to come from same place on Friday!

Evesham to Burford 28 miles – started with steepest and highest hill of the trip. Rain and very blustery winds, but not as hard as yesterday, as not always head-on.

After climb, took the main road, where trees protected me from strong side winds. Long descent to Stow-on-the-Wold. Very wet, so pushed on up long hill past Wick Hill Hotel where Margaret and I will be staying tonight, then 9 miles to Burford.

After nice pub lunch and a look around Burford Market, Margaret took me and bike to Wick Hill Hotel, Stow. She will drop me in Burford tomorrow, so no cheating!

To sponsor Nick, click on the link below:

http://www.charitygiving.co.uk/nickkeeley

Michelle Salter writes:

As promised in our earlier post, here is the video of wildlife presenter and Fleet Pond Society Patron, Chris Packham, exploring the history of the pond and describing why a major restoration programme has now become necessary. 

Chris Packham on Fleet Pond’s Clearwater Campaign

Chris takes a look at Fleet Pond and explains why the Fleet Pond Society has launched the Clearwater Campaign to raise funds and awareness of the serious issues that put the future of the pond in jeopardy.

To make a donation to the Clearwater Campaign, please click on the link below, and sponsor Nick on his fund-raising journey:

http://www.charitygiving.co.uk/nickkeeley

Further details on the making of the video can be found here.