We have a fence!

On the 29th of January, in a quagmire of gooey mud, a fence of 190m was built along the side of the orchard. Only the cost of materials was covered by a grant, therefore Andrew Tumilty made an exceedingly kind offer to help, travelling from Merseyside at 4.30a.m. with our son, Tommy, and our daughter, Meg. He also brought some equipment to make the job a bit easier.
The big strainers went in first. Andrew’s Mechanical post hole borer proved a great labour saving device (I think Tom is going to ask for one for his birthday!).

It’s easier with two! Digging the hole for the uprights (Tommy is supervising)

It's Andrew's turn to watch! "Nod your head when it's straight Tommy... and I'll hit it"
Breakfast fuel stop; tea and bacon sandwiches created by Meg!

Now all Tom needs to do is staple the netting in place and then we’ll be ready to plant the hedge which is to run alongside. Unfortunately, the digger still hasn’t been able to start work on the parking area; it has been stuck up to its engine in a Belford boggy hole for the past week and is rather poorly! Hopefully the Lloyds tractor man will administer first aid and we’ll have it on site next week.

Andrew worked tremendously hard, assisted by Tommy and, on occasion, Meg. We are exceedingly grateful for all their efforts. Labouring in heavy mud and bitter cold, the three went on long after they should have stopped in an attempt to get the fence up before they left. Thank you for all your help Andrew, Meg and Tommy!