A shout-out on social media prompted a “minor miracle” at St Andrew’s, Kildwick when helpers appeared from nowhere to help clear up its car park and pathways.
“I had expected a rather miserable time with a couple of us old codgers, pitifully shifting a few leaves. Instead, a team of ten took the job apart!” said work gang organiser Chris Wright.
“Connections and conversation happened and somebody described it as a minor miracle.”
The church car park provides an important resource in a village of narrow, twisting roads. Some neighbours are welcomed to use it regularly. Others use it as a base for walking or canal expeditions, while all space is required for the school run each day, explained Chris.
“The trouble is the trees. Beautiful in the summer, they shed their leaves which turn into a glutinous mush under the tyres.
“After a short plea on Facebook, we arrived to find that half of the job had been finished already by friendly neighbours.
“More arrived and what had been billed as a superficial first sweep turned into a comprehensive clearance, not only of the carpark but also all the paths around the church and War Memorial – and some serious digging out of the accumulated soil at the bottom end of the car park.
“A thousand thanks to all ten volunteers,” Chris said.
“It all goes to show the power of social media when it is combined with a bunch of good-hearted neighbours who are prepared to give so generously of their time and effort.”